Best portable AC unit for low/no condensate
- Thread starter Jsf721
- Start date
ambenz
Well-known member
Sunpentown, Edgestar, Avallon and Koldfront Portable AC units are equipped with an advanced condensation removal system: Self-Evaporating Technology. When running AC mode, this technology recycles the water condensation to cool off the cooling coils, then evaporates the water out with the exhaust air.
This results in increased energy efficiency, cooling performance and reduces the need to empty the water tank. Under extreme humid conditions, the water condensation may collect faster than the unit can recycle. Should the built-in water tank becomes full, the compressor will automatically shut-off and water full indicator will blink. At this time, water should be emptied, which is a simple process.
For units with Self-Evaporating Technology, it is always suggested to not use continuous drainage in cooling mode. Allowing the water to collect and recycle helps cool down the cooling coils, which in turn produce colder air output.
reference:
https://inspectapedia.com/aircond/Portable_Air_Conditioners.php
See: How is Condensate Disposed-of for Portable Room Air Conditioners
https://support.edgestar.com/hc/en-us/articles/200604299-]Do-I-need-to-drain-my-portable-air-conditioner-
See: Do I need to drain my portable air conditioner?
This results in increased energy efficiency, cooling performance and reduces the need to empty the water tank. Under extreme humid conditions, the water condensation may collect faster than the unit can recycle. Should the built-in water tank becomes full, the compressor will automatically shut-off and water full indicator will blink. At this time, water should be emptied, which is a simple process.
For units with Self-Evaporating Technology, it is always suggested to not use continuous drainage in cooling mode. Allowing the water to collect and recycle helps cool down the cooling coils, which in turn produce colder air output.
reference:
https://inspectapedia.com/aircond/Portable_Air_Conditioners.php
See: How is Condensate Disposed-of for Portable Room Air Conditioners
https://support.edgestar.com/hc/en-us/articles/200604299-]Do-I-need-to-drain-my-portable-air-conditioner-
See: Do I need to drain my portable air conditioner?
Last edited:
rtz
Well-known member
I've had this one for a few years now. I should have bought something like this 30 years ago.
https://www.homedepot.com/p/LG-Elec...n-and-LCD-Remote-in-Black-LP1417SHR/300422894
How well the unit works purely depends on just how hot or cold it is outside. If it's 100+ outside and attempting to cool down a 400sq/ft uninsulated garage; it struggles. But if it's blowing right on you; no problem. The heater; like with all heat pumps; works till it's 45 or less outside. Then it struggles to work.
So in the extremes when it's needed the most; something else would be more ideal. On of those large ceiling mount electric or natural gas heaters that Northern Tool sells or an actual window unit or one of those ductless AC units.
One thing to keep in mind with this portable units is the "exhaust vent". If on AC; you have to be able to pipe out the hot air it's producing. If heating; it's producing icey cold air.
On this particular unit; it does have an internal tank that can be drained; or a drain hose can be installed and it will pump out the tank automatically. It also claims to somehow "evaporate" the water automatically in some fashion. It works as long as it's not to the extreme of humid outside.
https://www.homedepot.com/p/LG-Elec...n-and-LCD-Remote-in-Black-LP1417SHR/300422894
How well the unit works purely depends on just how hot or cold it is outside. If it's 100+ outside and attempting to cool down a 400sq/ft uninsulated garage; it struggles. But if it's blowing right on you; no problem. The heater; like with all heat pumps; works till it's 45 or less outside. Then it struggles to work.
So in the extremes when it's needed the most; something else would be more ideal. On of those large ceiling mount electric or natural gas heaters that Northern Tool sells or an actual window unit or one of those ductless AC units.
One thing to keep in mind with this portable units is the "exhaust vent". If on AC; you have to be able to pipe out the hot air it's producing. If heating; it's producing icey cold air.
On this particular unit; it does have an internal tank that can be drained; or a drain hose can be installed and it will pump out the tank automatically. It also claims to somehow "evaporate" the water automatically in some fashion. It works as long as it's not to the extreme of humid outside.
Something I never contemplated. Most of these AC units do not recommend extending the vent hose. It says that it can overload the fan. Is there a unit that has a HD fan made for a longer run of exhaust hose. Most come with about a 48” hose that extends to 6 feet. I’m looking to run 15-20 feet ? Would increasing the diameter of the vent hose help the situation at all ? This is hot air and moisture being forced out.
Fixin'Stuff
Well-known member
Years ago I had a Panasonic window unit that used the condensate to provide extra cooling of the condenser. It was quite simple. The fan had a ring around the outside diameter that fit into a depression in the bottom of the unit. As condensate accumulated, the ring would pick it up and sling it into the air. Too bad they didn't use rust proof materials around it. The entire inside chassis rusted out in just a few years from being wet all the time. 
LS6 Tommy
Well-known member
Years ago I had a Panasonic window unit that used the condensate to provide extra cooling of the condenser. It was quite simple. The fan had a ring around the outside diameter that fit into a depression in the bottom of the unit. As condensate accumulated, the ring would pick it up and sling it into the air. Too bad they didn't use rust proof materials around it. The entire inside chassis rusted out in just a few years from being wet all the time.
That's not unique to your Panasonic. It's pretty much been the design of every decent window unit since the 50's.
Tommy
Global Air. This portable air conditioner unit uses an automatic evaporation system to recover condensate, which has a four-way wind direction, but it produces some noise. If you are sensitive to noise, it will not be suitable for you.