Portable air conditioners have become increasingly popular in the UK over the past few years. Unlike traditional window or wall air conditioning units, portable air conditioners don't require permanent installation and can be easily moved from room to room. This flexibility makes them an attractive option for many homeowners and renters looking to cool specific spaces in their homes without having to commit to a built-in system.

If you're considering getting a portable air conditioner for your home in the UK, understanding the key benefits these units offer can help you decide if it's the right choice for your needs. Here are the top 5 benefits of using a portable air conditioner in the UK:

1. No Permanent Installation Required

One of the biggest advantages of portable air conditioners is that they don't require any permanent installation. Window or wall AC units need to be securely mounted into a window or wall opening, which often requires making modifications to your home. Portable ACs, on the other hand, can be easily rolled into any room and plugged into a standard electrical outlet.

The lack of permanent installation makes portable air conditioners extremely versatile. You can use them in bedrooms, living rooms, home offices, or just about any other room you want to cool. Many portable ACs come with casters that allow you to wheel them from place to place with minimal effort. This portability gives you cooling options that permanently installed units can't match.

2. Ideal for Cooling Specific Rooms

Do you have one or two rooms in your home that tend to overheat in the summer? A portable air conditioner provides an affordable way to gain precision cooling control over specific problem areas.

Unlike central air conditioning systems that cool your entire home, portable ACs allow you to direct cooling to the rooms you actually occupy and skip areas that don't need as much temperature regulation. This selectively applied cooling helps cut electricity costs since you're not trying to lower the temperature in multiple unused rooms.

Portable units are a smart choice if you want to cool a home office, bedroom, or nursery without spending money to air condition your entire house. Focusing the cooling effect also allows a portable AC to lower the temperature more efficiently in a small to medium-sized room.

3. Easy to Install in Rental Homes

Renting presents challenges when trying to cool your living space in the summer. Permanently installing window units requires approval from your landlord and may involve complex modifications. Ductless mini-split systems also involve major installation projects that most rental property owners won't approve of.

Portable air conditioners provide renters with an easy, landlord-friendly cooling option. Since you don't have to affix a portable AC unit permanently, most landlords have no issue with tenants using them. The units don't require any tools to install – wheel them into your room, extend the exhaust hose, and plug them in. This simplicity makes portable ACs a cooling solution renters can actually utilize.

4. Adds Supplemental Cooling Anywhere

Do you have a room where your central air conditioner fails to cool properly? Or may your window AC unit need help keeping pace with the heat in a problematic area? Portable air conditioners can supplement existing cooling systems and provide extra cooling power right where you need it.

Adding a portable unit to rooms that your primary AC can't adequately handle helps balance out hot and cold spots. The extra cooling can get those stubborn spaces closer to the comfort level you want. Portable ACs are also useful as backup units if your main AC system suddenly malfunctions on a hot day.

5. Cools and Dehumidifies

In addition to cooling, most portable air conditioners also dehumidify the air. Removing excess moisture helps create a more comfortable environment, especially in humid climates like the UK.

Portable ACs draw humid indoor air over cold evaporator coils, causing the moisture to condense and leaving drier air to circulate back into the room. Reduced humidity means you actually feel cooler at higher thermostat temperatures. This added dryness allows you to set your portable AC unit to a higher temperature and still feel perfectly comfortable.

Dehumidification also inhibits the growth of mold, mildew, and dust mites that thrive in humid conditions. By controlling moisture, portable air conditioners create a healthier indoor breathing environment.

Conclusion

Portable air conditioners provide an appealing cooling option for many homeowners and renters in the UK. Their simple plug-and-use functionality makes supplemental cooling accessible without extensive installation projects. Precision temperature control in specific rooms also helps keep energy costs in check.

With benefits like portability, dehumidification, and affordable operation, portable ACs are a versatile way to beat the heat. Considering your cooling needs and room sizes allows you to select the right model to stay comfortable during hot British summers. Just be sure to match the unit's BTU rating to the square footage it will be used for.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q.1: Are portable air conditioners noisy to operate?

A: Portable AC units require internal fans and compressors that produce some noise, but technology improvements have made them much quieter. Look for decibel ratings under 55dB for quieter models. Positioning them far from beds helps minimize disturbance.

Q.2: Do you need a window to vent a portable AC's exhaust?

A: Portable ACs must vent heat outdoors but don't strictly require a window. Many units come with wall or ceiling venting options. Just ensure the exhaust hose can reach a suitable outdoor venting location.

Q.3: Can I use a portable AC in a conservatory?

A: Yes, portable air conditioners work well in conservatories to offset heat gain from sunlight through glass walls and roofs. Position the unit in a shaded indoor corner and vent the exhaust safely outside.

Q.4: Are portable ACs energy efficient?

A: Newer portable AC models have efficiency ratings over 10 EER, making them relatively efficient. Their focused cooling also prevents energy waste from cooling unused areas a central AC would. Just match BTU capacity to room size.

Q.5: How often must I drain water from a portable AC?

A: Portable ACs remove humidity from the air, which drains into an internal bucket. Emptying the bucket about once per day is usually sufficient. Many units also have a continuous drain option.