Portable air conditioners. As a symbol of civilization, air conditioning appliances are topped only by the toilet. Lifesavers both literally and figuratively, there are areas in our country that remain forever uninhabitable if we don’t make the atmosphere breathable. That said, let’s take a look at the good, the bad and the ugly side of these modern conveniences..

GOOD - They roll from room to room! Most are also dehumidifiers, and many can also be used as space heaters when the need arises. Relatively small, most have an 18” to 30” footprint, and they come with a nice range of btu’s sufficient to work in small, medium and large areas.
BAD - Consumer ratings I’ve reviewed state that though the units will cool a room enough to make the area bearable, they do not give that icy chill a lot prefer. They will take the heat out sufficiently for you to sleep somewhat comfortably, but that is about it.
UGLY - They’re “fussy”. Water needs to be drained from the unit regularly, usually a pan or bucket will have to be removed and dumped periodically. Like daily. Hot air needs to be vented outside, which means out a window using the provided hose and foam or plastic inserts included with it. (inserts go around the hose at the window to create a seal.)

•  8,000 BTU 150 square feet
• 10,000 BTU 250 square feet
• 12,000 BTU 350 square feet
• 14,000 BTU 450 square feet

Air conditioner sizes are expressed in a certain number of BTU’s (British Temperature Unit). A BTU is the amount of energy required to cool or heat one pound of water, one degree. You just need to know how big your room in, in square feet. So measure length and multiply it by width, then divide the result the result is your rooms size. If your room is L shaped, break the areas into blocks, calculate the square footage of each, and add them together.
Before you begin your shopping, remember that air conditioners are power hungry, and if not designed with a keen eye on conservation, you can easily triple your consumption. Most models I’ve listed here have been rated by Energy Star, and are a good choice for energy savings.

Okay, let’s start with the Portable Air Conditioner that received the overall BEST reviewsfrom consumers on consumersearch.com:

MobilComfort KY-80 8,000 BTU Portable Evaporative AC and Dehumidifier

http://www.amazon.com/MobilComfort-KY-80-Portable-Evaporative-Dehumidifier/dp/B003E8GG3U

It is reported to be decently quiet, (noise can be a consideration with these items) has directional louvers that move, effective, and comes with a remote. You can purchase it through Amazon.com!
Sears has a very nice selection of Portable Air Conditioners, after I narrowed the search results by “Energy Star” to save you some time, I found 3 sizes available, enough BTU variation for most homes. Check out their offerings here:

This is the Soleus Air 8,000 BTU
Evaporative Air model, 4 ½ stars , available at Sears
http://www.sears.com/shc/s/search_10153_12605?keyword=energy+star+air+conditioner&vName=Appliances

Another of my favorite retailers, Home Depot, DID NOT have any units  that carried the Energy Star Rating, HOWEVER, each of the top three most popular models had manufacturers warranties of a year from date of purchase. This is far better than the average 90 day warranty that is common, and will give you the opportunity to be sure the product functions as well in year 2, as it did when you first bought it. HD also offers extended warranties through their own special services department, for a price. Check them out at
http://www.homedepot.com/h_d1/N-5yc1v/R-202562961/h_d2/ProductDisplay?langId=-1&storeId=10051&catalogId=10053:

Lg Appliance Portable A/C with dehumidifier and remote control 3 ½ stars

Finally, Best Buy, another appliance superstar carried only one Energy Star model, however It is a perfect mid capacity unit, can also function as a space heater, and is made by Frigidaire, which is a good omen if I’ve ever seen one! See it here:

http://www.bestbuy.com/site/Frigidaire+-+9%2C000+BTU+Portable+Air+Conditioner+and+4%2C100+BTU+Heater+-+White/3083719.p?id=1218377120911&skuId=3083719

     I am forced to put this unit in last place because they have NO CONSUMER REVIEWS available as yet.  Only time will tell its ability, but Fridgidaire has been an industry leader for many years, and I have a good feeling about this relatively low priced model.

So, armed with information to help you speak the language, the best advice I can give in addition is to do your comparison shopping AT HOME, narrow the field of selection,
Then hit the stores to find the absolute best deal! Be well, enjoy life!

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