If you don’t have an air conditioning system integrated in your car, then you can consider purchasing a portable car air conditioner for use during unfavorable weather conditions. It works with evaporative technology, wherein water is used for cooling and humidifying the air inside the car. Read on to know more…
The most popularly installed air conditioner (AC) is the window type, which is applicable for cooling or heating temperature inside an enclosed structure. It is a fixed unit and is not meant for carrying from one area to another. Considering this drawback, portable air conditioners are configured so that they can be used for creating a suitable environment in temperature sensitive areas, especially during extreme climatic conditions.
Usage and Application
A portable air conditioner is basically designed for use in non-standard spaces, such as boats, warehouses, vehicles, and recreational camps. In other words, this appliance is a real buy for controlling temperature in small, closed or open areas, which are not suited for central air conditioning or fixation of regular window air conditioners. With a portable air conditioner, you can enjoy an outing to the fullest even in extreme weathers. It is also preferred for cars that have no air conditioning system. While choosing it, look for the model that controls temperature quickly at the expense of low energy.
Things You Should Know
Based on the machinery, there are two basic types of portable air conditioners, namely, evaporative technology and refrigerant technology. The evaporative portable air conditioner is preferable for use in cars, while the refrigerant type is mostly applied for operation on room floors. The evaporative configuration is more energy efficient in comparison to the refrigerant type. Refrigerant technology is more or less similar to window AC, regarding the size and coolant usage. The advantageous for each of these portable AC models depend on the requirements of the user.
Working
The configuration of a mobile car air conditioner consists of an insulating cover, internal heat exchanger, blower fan, inlet pipe, and outlet openings. As far as the working of portable air conditioner for cars is concerned, a water reservoir is used for relocation of heat, which then works by cooling and humidifying the air inside the car. This model is usually operated by using a 12 volt power converter. For maintenance of this small car AC, the water reservoir should be refilled whenever required. Venting is not necessary for operation of this portable air conditioner unit.
Features
If you are planning to purchase a portable air conditioner for your car, you can check for additional features, such as purification filter and dehumidifier. A purifying filter, as the name indicates, is installed for cleaning the air inside the car and generating healthy air for breathing. The dehumidifier removes excess moisture from inside the car. In case, you are residing in an extremely humid region, this dehumidification process helps in bringing the relative humidity level down to the normal level (40 – 50 percent).
Pricing
Another major aspect that you should consider while purchasing a car air conditioner is the cost price. The lowest price, portable AC for vehicles starts from USD 50. And depending upon the brand and added features, this spot cooling device may cost as high as USD 400 to USD 600 (or even more). To get a good product at an affordable price, always conduct a brief research about the various brands prior to buying this portable unit. Also, check the reliability, energy efficiency, compactness, installation, maintenance, and warranty of the AC before purchasing.
A portable car air conditioner is very convenient to use as it does not vibrate or generate any noise, which is not so in case of window models. One of the major advantages of this cooling appliance is that when you are not driving the vehicle, you can make use of it at home while watching TV or sleeping. Since it is lightweight, you can move it wherever cooling and/or freshening is needed. Hence, if you have a portable air conditioner, fixation of cooling systems in every room may not be required, thus saving the cost of buying and installing them.
