Electronic Portable Air Conditioner

Portable air conditioning units - any hints?

We had one in our office last summer, but it seemed to make almost no difference, the hot air just came back in through the window. Has anyone been able to make these things work? Need to know now, so we can start bugging the boss. Thanks for any suggestions. Sorry if it seems a dim question - the unit we had just has a flexible hose that sticks out of the window, so of course, you can't close the window!

Public Comments

1. Most of them simply cant handle the load that is needed. Sounds like you need to have curtains or at least some kind of tinted window film put on the ass to block the sun. Then you probably need some kind of air circulation shuch as a fan and if you buy a decent A/C unit (cost around $700) you might get some good cooling. Generally the best portables stand upright and require some kind of drain for condensation and an exhaust.
2. Close your windows! Is it an old unit? Check how its vents are set. Sometimes the older AC's need recharging; as well the number of BTU's may not be sufficient for your space. However they DO work very well most of the time in my experience.
3. Is that meant to be funny ? I'm not being rude, i just can't tell. aircon units do not work with the windows open. you have to leave the iwindows closed and let the aircon circulate the air and reduce the temp.
4. It seems so basic but I realize many people are still uninformed about air-conditioning. For it to work: 1. The a/c unit must be big enough in capacity to serve the space. Figure out one ton of refrigeration per 400 sq.ft. of residential space or 200 sq.ft. of office space. A ton of refrigeration is 12,000 Btu/hr. 2. The unit must be in good working condition. Example: It must be fully "charged" with the specified refrigerant. Low on refrigerant will render the unit ineffective. 3. All windows must be closed tightly and other openings to the outside the intended space completely sealed. Otherwise, the cool air will escape and the hot air infiltrated in.