Considering a portable AC unit for the shop

[jay50]

Does anyone have any experiences/recommendations on portable AC units? I'm considering one for my 900sf shop. I currently have a small window unit in one side that just is not enough. Could also consider a larger window unit that will plug into 120v outlet at window.

What about those cheap portable units you see at Pepboys? Any good or just junk?

Looking for some cooling recommendations.

 

[jskco]

I do not sell them but I have purchased them and I have never been happy. They cool an area about 50% to 75% of what they claim and by much less then a typical unit.

Justin Krauss

 

[hamburglar]

I would just go for a bigger window unit. They're cheaper and work much better than the portable A/C units I've seen.

The portable air conditioners I've actually been around were practically useless. What you are doing is bringing the compressor and heat generated into the room with you...that electicity has got to go somewhere. On top of lack of net cooling, they generate a lot of condensed water.

I have seen pictures of split portable units, ie. where the unit is split in half (ala a car A/C) with pressured lines in between...you get to stick the hard working half outside. But it's not a common thing and probably expensive even if you ran into one.

 

[jay50]

OK, I'll plan to go with window unit. Can anyone recommend the best brand to get? Also, what is man btu using 120v on 20amp breaker?
thanks,

 

[wilbilt]

We have a portable A/C running in a server room (because the architect is an idiot) and it has done pretty well. It has been running 24/7 for the past two years.

It is a Soleus unit similar to this one:
http://www.soleusair.com/soleusair/ph1_12r_03.html

I chose it because the condensate water is blown out the exhaust hose along with the hot air. There is no pan to empty.

 

[Blue]

How old is the window unit you have?

A lot of the newer ones seem to work pretty well, and a lot more efficient.

 

[sneezer41]

The biggest problem with them is that they constantly **** unconditioned air into the room. Some newer ones have 2 hoses and don't do that

 

[ni[x]it]

I bought a portable A/C unit off Amazon for about $400 shipped.
It also is a dehumidifier and a heater. Several people swore by it.

It makes a nice column of cold air, with in 3 feet of it's outlet.
Other then that, it doesn't work for poo. The heater didn't even work well.
Infact, if it got below 55degrees F, it refused to work (on purpose).

Also, the portable A/C units still need a way to vent hot air out.
My hot air pipe ended up being a radiant heater for the garage.
I got the insulated vent pipe. It helped vent hot air, but the cold still wasnt cold.

From my previous expereince, I recommend a window unit if you have a window to spare.
I did not, hense, the need for portable A/C.

 

[ptacguy]

If you need a window unit or a portable A/C I recommend SunEcho. They are located in AZ but ship anywhere and I think they have discounts on shipping Carrier brands. Might want to give them a call 866-600-3300. They also have a pretty helpful website that would give you some ideas on different brands and prices. http://www.sunechocorp.com/
good luck!

 

[6768rogues]

Portables ****.