When the weather is hot, finding a way to keep your team, your products and your equipment cool can be a real challenge. Portable air conditioning units are a great solution for cooling hot outdoor spaces and indoor environments. These efficient and easy-to-use air coolers can help keep your operations running smoothly in hot conditions.
But how do you find the right-sized unit to meet your needs, especially if you’re looking for an industrial AC unit? In this article, we’ll guide you through the factors to consider when selecting the ideal portable AC unit to help you create a cooler, safer work environment.
What is a Portable AC and Why Do You Need It?
A portable air conditioner is a self-contained, movable cooling system. These versatile units can be temporary, depending on your business needs, and can be moved to various locations at your project. Portable AC units are generally less expensive and easier to install than central air conditioning systems. These systems are ideal when you need to cool indoor spaces, such as a warehouse, or an outside area, like a construction site, for heat safety* reasons.
*Additional Workplace Heat Safety Resources:
- OSHA provides employer and worker resources for working in the heat at OSHA.gov/heat.
- Learn more about the signs and symptoms of heat-related illnesses, as well as tips for staying safe in extreme heat, at CDC.gov/extreme-heat.
How to Determine the Portable Air Conditioner Size You Need
Whether you’re cooling an enclosed warehouse or an outdoor workspace, you’ll want to consider several factors as you determine portable air conditioner sizing. From understanding the cooling capacity and unit power to thinking about where you’ll place the unit, the information below will help guide you through the critical elements that will help you select the AC unit size you need.
Cooling Capacity and Power
An AC unit’s cooling capacity is expressed by its BTU rating. The BTU (British Thermal Unit) rating indicates how much cooling power the air conditioner can produce per hour, which impacts how effectively the unit can cool your space.
You’ll first need to determine the square footage of the area you want to cool. This is done by multiplying the space’s length by its width. Once you have that number, you can select a unit with a BTU rating that ensures the workspace stays comfortable.
Ideally, you should have at least 20 BTUs for each square foot of space you want to cool. For smaller spaces, you might only need a few hundred BTUs. For large areas, like warehouses or event spaces, portable air conditioners work best when spot cooling a smaller area like a conference room, office or loading dock. If you’re trying to cool an entire commercial venue at once, we recommend a large air conditioner. For these types of units, you should aim for 12,000 BTU, or 1 ton, of cooling for every 250 square feet.
Dual-Hose vs. Single-Hose System
The hose system that your portable AC unit features will impact its overall efficiency. Single-hose systems draw in hot air from outside and cool it down using a condenser. A dual-hose system uses two separate hoses to bring in air and cool it through a condenser while simultaneously exhausting the hot air outside.
Dual-hose models are usually more expensive but work more efficiently, while single-hose models can be cheaper but use more energy to cool the same space.
Size and Dimensions
The portable air conditioner you choose will depend on the size and end use of the space you need to cool. Larger units will cool faster but may be louder and less energy efficient than smaller models. Make sure to measure the unit to ensure it fits in the space designated for it. Remember to account for the ventilation space the unit needs, which will be detailed in the unit’s operation manual.
When selecting the right equipment for your space, keep in mind that bigger isn’t always better. A portable air conditioner with larger than needed capacity won’t necessarily make your space feel more comfortable. An air conditioner that’s too big for the area will often perform less efficiently and less effectively than a smaller, properly sized unit. That’s because an oversized unit will cool the area to the thermostat setpoint before proper dehumidification begins. This can make the area feel clammy and uncomfortable. Rather than running a larger unit for a shorter time, consider using a smaller unit for an extended period. This will allow the portable unit to operate more efficiently while effectively dehumidifying.
Placement
The unit’s location could impact its efficiency. If you need to place the unit near the corner of a room or on the edge of a workspace, look for a model that can direct airflow in the desired direction. If you are placing the unit in a larger space, look for the fan controls “power thrust” or “super thrust.” These features allow the AC to send the cooled air farther into the room.
How to Know When to Use a Portable Air Conditioner?
Now that you have an idea of how to select a portable air conditioner, how do you know this option is right for you? Generally, a portable AC is less powerful than central air conditioning units, but they do have some benefits that other solutions don’t.
Central air conditioning is the most powerful option when it comes to cooling, but it’s also the most expensive system to buy, install and maintain. Central air systems aren’t portable, and they only work in an enclosed space, like an office building. If you need to cool a large open-air space, a portable AC unit or spot cooler is your best option. These units are easier to install than central units, and they can be moved and repositioned to provide immediate relief in trouble spots.
In some commercial environments, existing cooling systems may not sufficiently handle extreme heat. That’s where a portable AC unit can be used to supplement the main AC system by targeting areas that require additional cooling. This helps maintain a safe temperature without overloading the primary cooling system.
Keep Cool with Portable Air Conditioners From Herc Rentals
If you need a temporary fix to safeguard your employees, your products and your equipment, Herc Rentals can provide you with the portable air conditioner your jobsite requires. Our dedicated team of experts can help you find the AC units that meet your needs.
Explore Herc Rentals portable air conditioning and climate control solutions or give us a call at (888) 777-2700 to discuss options with an expert today.
