When you think of air conditioning, you probably picture a large central unit sending cool air through ducts and vents. Or you might think about window units, which are a great option for cooling a specific room located on an outside wall.
But what should you use if you’re trying to cool a project site? Several temporary air conditioning solutions are available for cooling both indoor and outdoor spaces, from portable AC units or electric spot coolers to larger air handlers or chillers. So how do you know which cooling solution is right for your project? In this post, we’re covering key criteria to help you choose the right temporary air conditioning solution to meet your needs.
Before we dive in, let’s first take a look at why jobsite air conditioning is important. We’ll also explore the benefits of renting temporary air conditioning equipment vs. buying.
The Importance of Jobsite Air Conditioning
Jobsite air conditioning is key to maintaining a safe and productive environment when working in the heat*. Higher temperatures can lead to heat-related illnesses like heat stroke and dehydration. Onsite cooling solutions, including portable AC units, can help mitigate these heat-related risks and improve air quality for indoor projects.
When air conditioning for construction and other projects is needed, portable AC units are an ideal solution. With a portable AC, you simply place it where it’s needed, and it begins cooling the area. Once that area is cool, you can easily relocate the unit to cool off a different section of the worksite.
*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.
Benefits of Renting vs. Buying Temporary Air Conditioning Solutions
Once you decide that a temporary air conditioning solution is needed at your jobsite, you’ll want an option that won’t break your company’s budget. Renting temporary AC equipment rather than purchasing units has many advantages, including:
Cost Savings
The upfront costs can be significant if you purchase adequate cooling equipment for your project. Renting allows you to get the cooling solutions you need for a substantially lower initial cost, freeing up money to invest in other parts of your business.
Flexibility
Your company’s cooling needs may vary widely, depending on the time of year, your business cycle, and any special or emergency events. Renting equipment gives you the option to pay for cooling solutions only when you need them, reducing unnecessary spending on equipment that may sit idle for long periods of time.
Access to the Newest Equipment
When you purchase equipment, business needs often dictate that you use the units as long as possible, even if the equipment is outdated. When you rent, you have access to the newest equipment and the latest, most energy-efficient, environmentally friendly cooling technology.
Maintenance and Repair Savings
It’s important to properly maintain cooling equipment. When you own the equipment, maintenance and repair costs can mount up, eating into your budget and draining resources from key areas of the business. When you rent equipment, the rental company takes care of routine maintenance and repairs, allowing your company’s finances to stay on-track.
Productivity
If you own your temporary AC unit and the equipment malfunctions, not only are you paying for repair costs, but you also could lose significant revenue if your project shuts down due to dangerous heat-related working conditions. If you’re renting equipment, the rental company troubleshoots the issue and replaces the equipment as quickly as possible, maintaining worksite productivity.
Rapid deployment
Sometimes, the need for temporary cooling arises quickly and you don’t have time to research, budget, purchase and install the equipment required. That’s when renting equipment is an excellent option. Experts from the rental company will quickly assess your temporary cooling needs and install the right solution.
By opting to rent rather than purchase temporary AC equipment, your business will save money and time, allowing your team to focus on the job at hand.
Air Conditioning Options
Now that we’ve covered the importance of jobsite air conditioning and the benefits of renting temporary AC equipment, let’s look at which types of portable air conditioning solutions are suitable for your project. Whether you need to air condition an indoor or outside worksite, several options, each with varying functionality and features, are available to choose from.
Single-Hose Systems
As their name suggests, single-hose systems use one hose. These types of portable AC units draw in stagnant air from within an area before cooling it with a compressor. Once the air is cooled, it’s recirculated throughout the space via a fan.
Single-hose units are a more affordable option for your jobsite AC rental and are more energy-efficient than dual-hose designs. But it’s important to remember that single-hose systems don’t draw in fresh air and typically aren’t as quick and efficient at cooling a space.
Dual-Hose Systems
A dual-hose system draws in fresh air through one hose before cooling it with a compressor. A second hose vents stale air and helps remove excess humidity from the area. Dual-hose units are usually quicker and more efficient construction AC solutions than single-hose models.
Self-Evaporating Systems
Another type of portable air conditioning unit is a self-evaporating system. A self-evaporating system can dissipate most, if not all, of the water that’s retained during the cooling process. These systems help limit the amount of water that drains into the water tank. As a result, your team saves time by needing to drain the tank less often–or not at all.
Choosing the Right Temporary Air Conditioning Solution for Your Project
What else should you know before choosing the right air conditioning for your jobsite? Below are key factors to consider when making a decision.
Cooling Power
One of the most important considerations when selecting a portable unit is its cooling ability. An AC unit’s cooling capacity is measured in BTUs (British Thermal Units). The BTU rating indicates how much cooling power the air conditioner can produce per hour, which impacts how effectively the unit can cool your space.
Generally, the higher the BTU rating, the larger the area that the air conditioner will be able to cool. When selecting a portable AC unit, pay attention to the square footage and ventilation requirements for the system, ensuring the unit is the right size for the space you’re trying to cool. Having a larger capacity portable air conditioner than the space requires won’t make your team feel more comfortable. 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.
Portability
How important is portability for your project? If you plan on keeping the unit in one location, portability may not be a major concern. But if you plan on moving the AC unit to different areas, you’ll want to make sure the unit isn’t too heavy or awkward to reposition. Consider the weight and dimensions of the unit before making your selection. Wheels on the unit make it easier to move it to different spaces.
Energy Efficiency
Energy efficiency determines how much power a portable AC will use. Most units simply plug into the wall to power them, and almost all of them indicate how much energy they use daily. With this information, you’ll be able to find one that uses the least amount of energy while still delivering the cool air you need. The selected fan speed can also impact overall energy use.
Noise
Even at a busy location, a loud AC unit is likely not ideal. Knowing this, many manufacturers put a lot of effort into making their AC units as quiet as possible, specifically for companies seeking to reduce noise-related distractions. Many options are advertised as quiet, so if you are unable to compare noise levels of possible AC units yourself, consult with an expert before making a decision.
Ensuring AC Unit Longevity
Once you choose the AC unit that is best for you, you’ll want to keep it running properly. Routine maintenance and care are essential for ensuring your AC rental runs smoothly, allowing your team to work comfortably without interruptions.
When it comes to a portable AC unit, maintenance and upkeep are easy. You can generally keep your AC humming by periodically removing dust from the fan and emptying water from the unit, as needed. And if you choose a construction AC rental from Herc Rentals, we can make that process even easier. With our comprehensive services and 24/7 support, we handle the maintenance, allowing your team to focus on their work.
Herc Rentals Temporary Air Conditioning Solutions
If it’s getting too hot on the job, Herc Rentals has all the gear you need to cool down your work area and keep your projects moving safely and productively. Our dedicated team of experts can help you find the temporary air conditioning solution that meets your needs.
Explore Herc Rentals temporary air conditioning solutions or give us a call at (888) 777-2700 to discuss options with an expert today.
