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Portable air conditioner
#8634319
07/04/22 07:11 PM
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Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 33,460
bigbob_ftw
OP
Big Sprocket Bob
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OP
Big Sprocket Bob
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 33,460 |
Anyone have one? Our unit struggles every summer. Old house with a small unit. School me.
Ultra MAGA '24.
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Re: Portable air conditioner
[Re: bigbob_ftw]
#8634321
07/04/22 07:14 PM
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Joined: Feb 2019
Posts: 1,450
Poppa
Pro Tracker
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Pro Tracker
Joined: Feb 2019
Posts: 1,450 |
i would use a window unit to supplement the house. ya gotta vent the condenser air in and out of the house on the portable and deal with the condensate.
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Re: Portable air conditioner
[Re: bigbob_ftw]
#8634323
07/04/22 07:17 PM
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Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 12,386
ntxtrapper
THF Celebrity
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THF Celebrity
Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 12,386 |
Window units are much better.
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Re: Portable air conditioner
[Re: bigbob_ftw]
#8634324
07/04/22 07:19 PM
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Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 21,373
Bullfrog
THF Celebrity
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THF Celebrity
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 21,373 |
These new portable ones will absolutely freeze a room out. Using one with a standard split system won’t accumulate condensation very fast so you can go a long time between having to dump it out, or just run the hose to a drain or outside.
Man if I knew what Oxner knows I could throw away what I know
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Re: Portable air conditioner
[Re: bigbob_ftw]
#8634342
07/04/22 07:43 PM
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Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 8,375
LoneStarSon
THF Trophy Hunter
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THF Trophy Hunter
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 8,375 |
My best friend got one made by Shinco (I think...looks like those) last year for his bedroom because his mom kept the house around 82 and it was hard for me to work on him without sweating to death. He was bedridden at the time and unable to come to my office...he got one, but it was LOUD. It did keep his bedroom cool, though.
I always had good luck with the window units when we had the lake house. The main house had central a/c, but the guest house and workshop had window units. The workshop actually had a through the wall a/c. Both would cool down the areas very quickly. Honestly, I'd probably go for one of those instead of the portable ones, if possible.
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Re: Portable air conditioner
[Re: ntxtrapper]
#8634377
07/04/22 08:44 PM
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Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 17,226
6InARowMakeItGo
THF Celebrity
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THF Celebrity
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 17,226 |
Window units are much better. This^^ those portable units suck almost as bad as Biden.
🍻
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Re: Portable air conditioner
[Re: bigbob_ftw]
#8634394
07/04/22 09:18 PM
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Joined: Jul 2015
Posts: 240
Remo
Woodsman
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Woodsman
Joined: Jul 2015
Posts: 240 |
I got a used Haier unit with the completely stupid but low-cost idea of cooling my attached 2 car garage (my diy insulated door is room temp inside while the sun makes it untouchable on the outside) enough to work in summer. Admittedly a big job for any a/c. They do look "cooler" than window units, but they aren't. It would probably work in the full insulation of a single room in a house though. It shoots some cool air, but from my reading portables can't be as efficient as a window unit and there is controversy over the numbers they post for BTUs vs window units. It didn't work out. Tried different configs for venting/intake to make positive pressure in the space, etc. Still didn't move the temps out of the 90s. Similar to this: https://www.sportsmansguide.com/pro...0-btu-portable-air-conditioner?a=1838486
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Re: Portable air conditioner
[Re: bigbob_ftw]
#8634396
07/04/22 09:20 PM
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Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 21,373
Bullfrog
THF Celebrity
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Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 21,373 |
I hate window units. Portables have wheels and these nowadays are quiet. If you got a noisy one, something ain’t right. In apartments, maintenance use them for residents overnight until they’re able to address the problem or the parts show up. My grandfather used a big heat pump unit in his wood shop that was framed up inside a metal building when it got hot or cold. He vented outside and it did the trick.
Man if I knew what Oxner knows I could throw away what I know
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Re: Portable air conditioner
[Re: bigbob_ftw]
#8634399
07/04/22 09:22 PM
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Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 21,373
Bullfrog
THF Celebrity
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Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 21,373 |
A 1 ton+ unit in an uninsulated space is going to struggle, sure!
Man if I knew what Oxner knows I could throw away what I know
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Re: Portable air conditioner
[Re: Bullfrog]
#8634403
07/04/22 09:30 PM
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Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 33,460
bigbob_ftw
OP
Big Sprocket Bob
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OP
Big Sprocket Bob
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 33,460 |
I hate window units. Portables have wheels and these nowadays are quiet. If you got a noisy one, something ain’t right. In apartments, maintenance use them for residents overnight until they’re able to address the problem or the parts show up. My grandfather used a big heat pump unit in his wood shop that was framed up inside a metal building when it got hot or cold. He vented outside and it did the trick.
We don't have a good spot for a window unit.
Ultra MAGA '24.
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Re: Portable air conditioner
[Re: bigbob_ftw]
#8634414
07/04/22 09:55 PM
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Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 8,375
LoneStarSon
THF Trophy Hunter
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Posts: 8,375 |
We had 2 LG units (one window, one through the wall) at one of our properties and they were great during the 4 months of the summer I spent remodeling it. It looks like LG makes a portable unit, so you may consider those. I had 4 Honeywell units (2 for window, 2 for through the wall) at the lake (2 when we bought it and 2 that I replaced the original 2 with over the 15 years we had the house). I also have a Honeywell air purifier for my office at work which is very quiet and very effective. They also make a portable a/c unit, so I would also consider those...
I would not consider the Shinco ones that my best friend had for his bedroom, again because the one he got was LOUD!
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Re: Portable air conditioner
[Re: LoneStarSon]
#8634420
07/04/22 10:22 PM
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Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 33,460
bigbob_ftw
OP
Big Sprocket Bob
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OP
Big Sprocket Bob
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 33,460 |
We had 2 LG units (one window, one through the wall) at one of our properties and they were great during the 4 months of the summer I spent remodeling it. It looks like LG makes a portable unit, so you may consider those. I had 4 Honeywell units (2 for window, 2 for through the wall) at the lake (2 when we bought it and 2 that I replaced the original 2 with over the 15 years we had the house). I also have a Honeywell air purifier for my office at work which is very quiet and very effective. They also make a portable a/c unit, so I would also consider those...
I would not consider the Shinco ones that my best friend had for his bedroom, again because the one he got was LOUD! The sound probability isn't an issue because by nighttime the main unit catches up. The heat of the day is the big issue.
Ultra MAGA '24.
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Re: Portable air conditioner
[Re: bigbob_ftw]
#8634422
07/04/22 10:26 PM
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Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 8,375
LoneStarSon
THF Trophy Hunter
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THF Trophy Hunter
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 8,375 |
We had 2 LG units (one window, one through the wall) at one of our properties and they were great during the 4 months of the summer I spent remodeling it. It looks like LG makes a portable unit, so you may consider those. I had 4 Honeywell units (2 for window, 2 for through the wall) at the lake (2 when we bought it and 2 that I replaced the original 2 with over the 15 years we had the house). I also have a Honeywell air purifier for my office at work which is very quiet and very effective. They also make a portable a/c unit, so I would also consider those...
I would not consider the Shinco ones that my best friend had for his bedroom, again because the one he got was LOUD! The sound probability isn't an issue because by nighttime the main unit catches up. The heat of the day is the big issue. My main concern with the noise was your son. I thought I remembered you mentioning before that noises could cause him to have some issues. If I was wrong, I do apologize.
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Re: Portable air conditioner
[Re: LoneStarSon]
#8634429
07/04/22 10:40 PM
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Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 33,460
bigbob_ftw
OP
Big Sprocket Bob
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OP
Big Sprocket Bob
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 33,460 |
We had 2 LG units (one window, one through the wall) at one of our properties and they were great during the 4 months of the summer I spent remodeling it. It looks like LG makes a portable unit, so you may consider those. I had 4 Honeywell units (2 for window, 2 for through the wall) at the lake (2 when we bought it and 2 that I replaced the original 2 with over the 15 years we had the house). I also have a Honeywell air purifier for my office at work which is very quiet and very effective. They also make a portable a/c unit, so I would also consider those...
I would not consider the Shinco ones that my best friend had for his bedroom, again because the one he got was LOUD! The sound probability isn't an issue because by nighttime the main unit catches up. The heat of the day is the big issue. My main concern with the noise was your son. I thought I remembered you mentioning before that noises could cause him to have some issues. If I was wrong, I do apologize. Some do, but strangely that type of noise doesn't. He doesn't like sudden noises.
Ultra MAGA '24.
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Re: Portable air conditioner
[Re: bigbob_ftw]
#8634438
07/04/22 10:57 PM
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Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 8,375
LoneStarSon
THF Trophy Hunter
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THF Trophy Hunter
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 8,375 |
That's great that it doesn't bother him. I have some autistic clients that I have to have the air conditioner to my office shut off because the noise bothers them to the point they can't relax. I have to tell maintenance the night before when to shut it off and turn it back on. I have the master key to our two buildings and a code that can get me into pretty much any other building/office on campus, but I am apparently not responsible enough to have my own thermostat....
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Re: Portable air conditioner
[Re: bigbob_ftw]
#8634505
07/05/22 12:50 AM
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Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 4,295
oldoak2000
Extreme Tracker
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Extreme Tracker
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 4,295 |
If you insist on getting a 'portable' unit, at least be sure to get one that has TWO window hoses; - otherwise, the ONE hose units draw on inside air, putting that much more load on your already struggling central unit.
The TWO hose units draw outside air in on one hose (to run over heated condenser coil), and vent the hot air (&condensate) out the other hose.
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Re: Portable air conditioner
[Re: bigbob_ftw]
#8634515
07/05/22 12:55 AM
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Joined: Jan 2012
Posts: 8,152
Homer Jay
THF Trophy Hunter
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THF Trophy Hunter
Joined: Jan 2012
Posts: 8,152 |
"Like a slice of fried gold!"
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Re: Portable air conditioner
[Re: bigbob_ftw]
#8634516
07/05/22 12:55 AM
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Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 4,295
oldoak2000
Extreme Tracker
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Extreme Tracker
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 4,295 |
The sound probability isn't an issue because by nighttime the main unit catches up. The heat of the day is the big issue. Are you 100% sure the outside coil is clean - as clean as it can get? What you describe above sounds like a 'loss of capacity' issue - with #1 cause being dirty coils (outside first, then inside too). More insulation and/or radiant barrier (+ proper attic venting / flowthru) are money-saving solutions if AC unit is operating at peak efficiency. Also higher-SEER units are better able to maintain capacity when temps get to extremes.
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Re: Portable air conditioner
[Re: bigbob_ftw]
#8634521
07/05/22 01:02 AM
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Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 4,295
oldoak2000
Extreme Tracker
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Extreme Tracker
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 4,295 |
Also, the decent portables are crazy expensive, for what your getting. Any possibility to add in a mini-split? they're getting very economical these days, and could even save you $$ year-round (heating/cooling) - https://www.ebay.com/itm/185433963300
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Re: Portable air conditioner
[Re: bigbob_ftw]
#8634557
07/05/22 02:12 AM
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Joined: Sep 2012
Posts: 16,061
Jimbo1
THF Celebrity
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THF Celebrity
Joined: Sep 2012
Posts: 16,061 |
Consumer Reports say the portables suck.
FJB - Lets Go Brandon BBB - Bring Back Better Awake - Not Woke!
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Re: Portable air conditioner
[Re: Jimbo1]
#8634560
07/05/22 02:18 AM
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Joined: Jan 2012
Posts: 8,152
Homer Jay
THF Trophy Hunter
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THF Trophy Hunter
Joined: Jan 2012
Posts: 8,152 |
Consumer Reports say the portables suck. Never met her.
"Like a slice of fried gold!"
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Re: Portable air conditioner
[Re: bigbob_ftw]
#8634565
07/05/22 02:27 AM
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Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 3,909
leswad
Extreme Tracker
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Extreme Tracker
Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 3,909 |
I have two for my insulated 30x30 barn. Knocks 20 degrees off outside temperature, but the condensation is kind of a pain to deal with emptying buckets.
FJB
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Re: Portable air conditioner
[Re: bigbob_ftw]
#8634576
07/05/22 02:59 AM
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Joined: Jul 2015
Posts: 23,196
Bee'z
The Beedazzler
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The Beedazzler
Joined: Jul 2015
Posts: 23,196 |
I got one from amazon that vents through the window. It is legit but I cannot get the model as that is the kids room and they are passed out. Think it was around $400 dollars or so. This is it's second year of service
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Re: Portable air conditioner
[Re: bigbob_ftw]
#8634798
07/05/22 04:17 PM
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Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 5,876
LarryCopper
THF Trophy Hunter
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THF Trophy Hunter
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 5,876 |
We had 2 LG units (one window, one through the wall) at one of our properties and they were great during the 4 months of the summer I spent remodeling it. It looks like LG makes a portable unit, so you may consider those. I had 4 Honeywell units (2 for window, 2 for through the wall) at the lake (2 when we bought it and 2 that I replaced the original 2 with over the 15 years we had the house). I also have a Honeywell air purifier for my office at work which is very quiet and very effective. They also make a portable a/c unit, so I would also consider those...
I would not consider the Shinco ones that my best friend had for his bedroom, again because the one he got was LOUD! The sound probability isn't an issue because by nighttime the main unit catches up. The heat of the day is the big issue. I have a couple portable LGs that I got from work. We used them to keep a server room cooled down and our new office doesn't need it. I use one in my camper when it's really hot outside. Sounds like what you're doing, the camper's unit can't put a dent in 100+ degree heat. I redneck engineered a baffle out of cardboard to route the exhaust out the ceiling vent. Held in the vent with bailing wire and duct tape, and it sits on a bucket to catch the condensation. It ain't pretty, but it'll keep the camper at 70 degrees with the main unit working with it when it's 100 outside. It isn't any louder than a small box fan and it beats sitting in the camper sweating my arse off.
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