Save Money by Putting Your AC in the Right Spot

Did you know that heating and cooling can account for more than 50% of a household's heating bill?  And with scorching summer months right around the corner, you can bet this percentage is going to sky rocket!  You don't have to be a slave to your cooling bill - there is something you can do to take back control.

Most smart money-efficient consumers know that portable ACs are a money saving goldmine, offering instant spot-cooling and costing a fraction of traditional cooling systems.  Unlike traditional cooling systems such as central or window ACs, portable ACs are a fantastic investment since they offer the mobility that other cooling systems don't.  These increasingly in demand compact cooling units, most mobile room air conditioners now also come with caster wheels that makes it really easy to take a cooling unit from one room and  into another.  What a brilliant idea! Now we don't have to waste thousands of dollars on a central air conditioner that forces us to cool the entire house, or a room air conditioner that forces us to be stuck in just one room all summer long.

Mobile cooling devices a perfect solution to yesterday's cooling frustrations.  They don't require permanent installation that both central and window unit do.  The only thing you need is to make sure there is some ventilation for the mobile unit's exhaust - and this is easily done since each kit comes with a discreet window kit and since each room usually as a window or door to funnel out this exhaust. 

With their stylish design element, portable AC units fit nicely into any room's decor and provide convenience that's taken luxury to a whole new level.  And with their spot-cooling application, they're instant money savers.

What You Don't Know

While portable ACs are mega money savers, they cannot perform at their full capacity if consumers use units without knowing how portable ACs function.  While most portable air conditioning units are now very energy efficient, powerful, multi-functional and stylish, their owners still need to consider where they place them.  Once you have your portable AC, it's crucial to consider the best possible place for your unit to work most effectively.  After all, why invest in a money saving item if you're not going to use it in a way that saves you money?

Saving Money with your Portable AC

In addition to educating yourself on what a portable AC is and how it works, there are other little tricks you can use to save money and maximize cooling once you do get your mobile room air conditioner. 

Keep away from heat sources!  Once you have your mobile AC, make sure you keep it away from direct heat sources!

• Living Rooms: A common area that needs spot-cooling is the living or family room.  Because most of your family spends time in a communal area, it makes sense to keep this unit stationed there.  However, a common mistake most portable AC users make is keeping their cooling unit next to high-powered television and sound systems units or computers and hard drives.  Try and avoid this mistake by place your mobile AC a minimum of 10-15 feet away from these energy vacuums. 

• Kitchens: If using your portable AC in any type of kitchen setting, keep in mind that heat sources can be stoves, dishwashers, ovens.  If you can't get away from keeping your compact AC near kitchen heat sources, but still needing kitchen cooling, try favoring microwave use over oven or stove-top use.

• Industrial Setting: If you intend to cool an industrial setting, heat sources there are likely to be large generators or machinery.  In these areas, try and be weary of strong-high powered light bulbs, which are also a source of heat.  While a 100W light bulb is not a concern, a high wattage industrial lamp is.  However, several 100W light bulbs in one area are a concern. This rule also applied to your home or work environment, try replacing your bulbs with compact fluorescent bulbs.  Compact fluorescent bulbs use 75% less heat and can help maximize your portable air conditioner's overall cooling efficiency. 

• Direct sunlight: Sunlight can raise the temperature of a room by 10° F to 20° F - which is a lot! Direct sunlight can also hit your cooling unit through a window (even if it is shut) or through an open doorway.  This being the case, it's really important to keep your cooling unit out of the sun's reach.  If you can't help but place your portable AC near a window facing the sun, perhaps you can try and cover your windows with curtains or drapes.  Other options include choosing a window that has a tree or large bush in front of it, which works even better since exterior covers are more effective than interior covers. 

• Power Supply: Keep power considerations in mind when choosing a portable AC because insufficient power can cause a fuse to be broken. Pay attention to the plug type in your wall outlet and be aware that smaller portable ACs require 115-volt outlets but larger portable ACs may even require a 230/280-volt circuit.

The problem with keeping your cooling unit near heat sources is that your unit will then constantly be working; with its cycle continuously kicking in, the unit will inevitably be using more energy to keep your environment cool - and competing directly with your heat source.  In short, its counter productive to keep a cooling unit by a heated unit. 

Keep in mind that if you are using your cooling unit in a higher elevation (even if just the second story of a home or building), if you're using it in a kitchen, and if you expect frequent room traffic, you will need make sure you have a portable AC with the recommended BTUs for your cooling needs.

Portable ACs are a great money saver, but knowing how to effectively use your portable AC unit makes you a smart consumer!