Does anyone have experience with portable a/c?
- Thread starter Dadoftheturkeykids
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50ShadesOfDirt
Solar Enthusiast
- Joined
- Jan 8, 2021
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- 494
These are "portable" units, so that is their primary mission ... my almost 10-year old unit did do the job, in some scenarios where I needed portable cooling, and I could hook up the exhaust pipe to the outside easily.
Newer-technology wise, I'd find a mini-split to invest in ... if any of those are portable, or could be made to be so (some kind of thru-wall opening, no plumbing of the coolant pipes, etc.), even better! Only thing holding me up is the plumbing & charging the lines stuff.
In my location, A/C isn't critical, so portable or quick setup is a nice-to-have feature I periodically research ...
Newer-technology wise, I'd find a mini-split to invest in ... if any of those are portable, or could be made to be so (some kind of thru-wall opening, no plumbing of the coolant pipes, etc.), even better! Only thing holding me up is the plumbing & charging the lines stuff.
In my location, A/C isn't critical, so portable or quick setup is a nice-to-have feature I periodically research ...
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You have to see this .
The unit warm side have to blow out of the systeem
So you always have some heat from the machine in house
A split unit the heat systeem out side of the building
Airco soort voor- en nadelen op een rij: Mobiele, monoblock en split
Ontdek voordelen en nadelen mobiele airco's, split airco's en monoblock airco's. Kies de juiste optie voor jouw woning bij Klimaatwinkel.nl.
www.klimaatwinkel.nl
Its in Dutch ( the Netherlands) so use translation function by Google Chrome.
Than you can see all type of unit and how it works .
Its really nice explain how and what
Mini Splits are extremely efficient at cooling, especially when compared to a Portable system. But the do have a higher cost and more labor intensive to install. If your mind is set on a portable, here is one with inverter tech (Midea DUO 10,000 BTU SACC Smart Inverter) also check LG, they have a few if I remember correctly.
GaRay
New Member
I recommend a mini split from Mr. Cool that is diy because it’s pre-charged. It’s an inverter compressor motor for soft starts and reduces the energy used as the space nears the set point. Also heats and is very quiet!
Q-Dog
¯\_(ツ)_/¯
I had one. It was LOUD. The single hose units suck because they exhaust hot air out, BUT, that air needs to be replaced, so you suck hot air back into the house through any gap or crack to make up for the air going out. In my case, hot air was getting pulled in through the cooktop exhaust vent and the dryer vent, and the bathroom vents because none of those really seal up very tight. I modified mine with a second hose and that helped a lot. But it was still LOUD.
And it stopped cooling after 2 or 3 seasons. I don't exactly remember because I was kinda glad it failed. Compressor still ran but it didn't make cold air. Also, it was LOUD. And you still need to put it next to a window.
The Midea U window A/C is so much better.
And it stopped cooling after 2 or 3 seasons. I don't exactly remember because I was kinda glad it failed. Compressor still ran but it didn't make cold air. Also, it was LOUD. And you still need to put it next to a window.
The Midea U window A/C is so much better.
Unfortunately, his budget is too low for a Mr. Cool or comparable EG4 system. Amazon sells Senville's which are a lower cost, but still twice the cost of his stated budget. My Senville, (4th year using it) runs all day on Solar peaking at about 900W on hot days.
DIY? That involves getting a flange tool, AC gauges and a vacuum pump which is fine if you know someone or will be fitting these things regularly but not so great if you don't.
Oh and every new mini-split is pre-charged if someone is selling them as special DIY kits they need some bad reviews to tell customers it's total BS
Dadoftheturkeykids
Arc Angel
Thank you for the wealth of info everybody!
I do see how split-type is way better of an investment now, I'm just not ready to drop a ton of money on a unit, then again into install.
If there was a cheap option to get one that I could install myself. id jump on it
I do see how split-type is way better of an investment now, I'm just not ready to drop a ton of money on a unit, then again into install.
If there was a cheap option to get one that I could install myself. id jump on it
That was a great read. Thanks, I'm curious now about the monobloc a/c. Looks efficient and easy to install
As many times you mentioned it was LOUD, I can deduct that it was quite a nuisance. And didn't last very long, thanks for the insight.
Compressor pre-charge vs Line Set pre-charge, there is a difference when it comes to the need for vacuming.
Sorry no idea I'm only a diy'er but I tend to do a far better job than the local professionals here. I only know in the last 8 I've fitted for myself and family members the main external unit comes pressurised with a full systems worth of gas/oil so you take the insulated lines flange them fit them to the interior and exterior units vacuum the lines test to see if it holds for a hour or so then open the taps on the external unit and it all fills. That's what we've had here in Thailand for at least the last 6 years since I fitted my first.
Either way, you're going to pay for it. DIY systems are more expensive but easier to install, while the others which are less expensive, need tools (extra cost) and some knowledge to install. Personally, I like having the tools for future projects, it all pretty much balances out in the end.
Dadoftheturkeykids
Arc Angel
I am pretty handy-capable and able to study up on YouTube, but I don't have the tools needed. Probably cost just as much to have installer take care of it
Bluedog225
Texas
- Joined
- Nov 18, 2019
- Messages
- 3,353
In my opinion, a single hose portable is not worth having. Only get a dual hose. Or a mini split.
This has been working well for me. With some reservations, I’d recommend it.
diysolarforum.com
This has been working well for me. With some reservations, I’d recommend it.
Midea Duo review
As per the title, I got this air conditioner to keep my batteries and inverter cool. My system is set up in an insulated conex box. The positive. -The unit seems to cool well. I’ve only tried it in the mid 80s so far. I did run it in my house for a year to see if it was a dud. It did fine...
diysolarforum.com
grebaba
New Member
I ordered a Costway 12,000 btu mini split from Walmart a couple of months ago for $357.00.
I have a vacuum pump and gauges so no additional expense.
Installed it in a few hour's.
Works great so far and will freeze you out.
Heat is 1200 watts, cool is 1100 watts or vise versa.
If it works for a few years I will be happy.
Greg
I have a vacuum pump and gauges so no additional expense.
Installed it in a few hour's.
Works great so far and will freeze you out.
Heat is 1200 watts, cool is 1100 watts or vise versa.
If it works for a few years I will be happy.
Greg
Spanners and stuff I'm sure you have, a core drill to punch a hole through the wall but it's not necessary, then a vacuum pump, flange tool and a set of gauges, I guess you could buy cheap ones if your only doing it once and make sure you use nylog on the joints as the cheap flange tools tend to butcher the pipes other than that YouTube is a wealth of free knowledge. Just had a look on Amazon, vacuum pump and gauges for $150, flaring tool $60.
I agree with posts talking about higher efficiency of mini splits vs potable. Minisplits are so much quieter too.
While many of the diy units come precharged many also insist you vacuum the down first to get the warranty , so, look at the fine print.
While many of the diy units come precharged many also insist you vacuum the down first to get the warranty , so, look at the fine print.
So no expensive tools necessary unless you want a warranty? So saving $60 on a flare tool in the end.
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