Mobile Air Conditioning Units
Mobile air conditioning units also known as portable air conditioning units should be chosen only if there is no other alternative. The decision to use these appliances is generally governed by a lack of available space and the low cost of installation. The mobile air conditioning unit is often regarded as a small air conditioner. However, the efficiency of these conditioners is well below the conventional air conditioning systems.
Mobile Air Conditioning Units Types
There are two types of portable air conditioning units:
- Mobile Air Conditioning Units with a Remote Condenser
- Mobile Air Conditioning Units with a Ducted Condenser
There are advantages and disadvantage in using any of the above types. However, the small air conditioner, which uses a remote condenser is far more efficient than the ducted option.
Mobile Air Conditioning Units with a Remote Condenser
Theoretically, this is the best of the two types of portable air conditioning units. This appliance has a remote condenser which can be hung out of the window.
Unfortunately, this is not always possible in practice. There is also a more expensive labour cost for places where this aircon is not suitable.
It is simpler to move condenser exhaust through the roof than to attach the pipes to windows.
However, windows always offer better heat exchange mechanism to expel heat outside.
How much? For a good quality portable split system unit you can expect to pay +/-$800.
Mistral MPAC140 has a good reputation as a mobile air conditioning unit with a remote condenser. It is relatively simple to install unit (requires 15 amps).
When you install these types of portable air conditioners you should always keep them close to the window. The reason for this is that the exhaust hose gets hot very quickly and re-radiates heat back to your room.
Also, for non-split systems, the portable air conditioner will itself generate heat (much the same as a fridge). Thus, placing these units close to the window helps to get that unwanted energy out of the room.
The good brands in this category are: Mistral and Delonghi.
Mobile Air Conditioning Units with a Ducted Condenser
These portable air conditioning units blow conditioned air out of the duct. Since the condenser is situated in the duct the heat is often re-radiated back into the room.
Therefore, this type of a mobile air conditioning unit not only looses conditioned air but also radiates some of the heat back.
Certainly, this is not an ideal climate control.
Although these are not cheap units and they do cool the place well, the efficiency is very low. The mobile air conditioning units with ducted condenser are generally the most expensive to run.
Some decent brands include: Hotpoint, Dimplex, Delonghi, Convair and Fairland.
Should I Buy Mobile Air Conditioning Units?
The answer is "no" unless there is no alternative. These units are suitable for industrial application and offices where energy is cheap. However, for domestic applications portable air conditioners are inappropriate. Yes, they will cool the place but the price tag of electricity will be very high.