When air conditioners come to mind most people think of clumsy window units. Others might be reminded of the type that stick out of the house from a hole-in-the-wall, and are permanent fixtures. Yet, there is another choice, the mobile air conditioner. No installation is needed; simply plug it in to any electrical outlet.

Most portable air conditioners are a bit more expensive than window units, but their prices have steadily declined over the past few years. Still, going portable may be just what you need. You can cool down a bedroom, office, or any other space your heart desires. The only piece of equipment you need to run it is a power outlet.

There is a small amount of maintenance associated with the upkeep of a mobile air conditioner. For example, air conditioners remove moisture from the air. This means the water hold tank must occasionally be emptied. However, there are more expensive models that come equipped with a drainage hose. Simply run the hose to a drain in your home and you don’t have to worry about emptying it.

Some larger portable air conditioners, usually over 12,000 BTU come with an intake hose to draw more air into the unit. A second hose is then used to vent out the hot air. This allows you to maintain stable air pressure in the room. Portables are ideal for those who do not wish to have unsightly air conditioners protruding from their homes, or have the expense associated with central air. In addition portables can be used in several rooms, provided they have similar dimensions.

When shopping for a mobile air conditioner it is important to measure the rooms where you intend to use it. This is because you must select the proper BTU rated air conditioner for the size room you wish to cool. If the portable is rated to low for the space that needs cooling, the results you experience will not be satisfactory. Furthermore, the energy efficiency rating is an important determining factor in buying the right portable, the higher the rating the more energy efficient the unit is.

Buying a mobile air conditioner is an investment and should only be purchased from reputable firms. Ensuring that you choose the right company to buy your mobile air conditioner from is as important as the unit you choose.