These are made up of one unit only, fitted on wheels. They are immediately ready to use, and can be easily moved from one room to another, or even from the home in the city to the holiday house. They are fitted with an extendable hose that is used to discharge the hot air from the room; this can simply run through a window left ajar.
There are two types of appliance: air-air and water-air.
The difference lies in the way the condenser is cooled: by the surrounding air, or using the water contained in a tank.
Generally these are recommended for use in environments measuring up to 70 m³.
Some models can be used all year round, featuring specific dehumidification or heating functions.

What is a split portable?

These are made up of two units: one small unit similar to a briefcase (condenser) should be located outside on the balcony or the terrace, while the other (compressor + evaporator + fan), fitted on wheels, stays inside.
The two units are connected together by a flexible sheath that easily passes through a window left ajar.Like the packaged units, they can be transported and used in different rooms, and are even more convenient if the outdoor unit is also fitted with wheels.
They have higher capacities and can be used to air-condition environments measuring up to 160 m³.
Some models may be fitted with special straps or brackets used to install the outdoor unit permanently. In addition, if fitted with quick couplings, the two units can be separated, so as to pass the connection sheath through a grate or a small window, allowing maximum flexibility of installation.

What size unit do i need for my room?

"Rule of thumb" guide: 120 Watts/m2. If there is a large window facing the sun, add another 40%. If there are heat gains from electrical equipment, e.g. computers, photo-copier, etc, the electrical load must be added. This is only a guide.

What is the ideal temperature?

Whilst the "ideal" temperature is a very subjective thing, the following observations can give us a clue as to why we feel a temperature is comfortable, and yet another is comfortable in winter.
During the summer period, the comfort temperature ina household environment is around 27°C, with a relative humidity of 50% and with an air velocity of less than 0.2 m/s (similar to a slight breeze).
In this period, we dress more lightly, and these parameters allow a pleasant feeling of well-being, while at the same time limiting the difference between the inside and outside temperature. The body is protected against unbalances deriving from sudden and localised bodily reactions, caused by streams or cold air from staying in rooms that are too cold.
During the winter period, the comfort temperature, again in the household environment, is around 21°C, with a relative humidity of around 55%. WSe dress more heavily, and the temperature difference from the outside is much higher.
If the temperature inside the home is higher than 21°C with a relative humidity or 20-30%, there may be problems such as dry throat, and considerable discomfort is felt when going outside. A very high humidity, for example 80-90%, may cause mould to form on the walls and physical discomfort.

What are the running costs of a portable?

An air conditioner is normally selected to cope with the maximum cooling demand, for example:
An office with a maximum cooling load in the summer of 5KW would be fitted with an air conditioning system of 5KW. But it is possible the cooling load would vary between say 1 and 4KW. In which case the air conditioner's compressor would be cycling on and off as determined by the room thermostat (similar to the thermostat operation of a central heating system).
So if the air conditioning compressor was operating for 50% of the time this diversity would be the determining factor in calculating the running costs. In a room which has the sun as the main source of heat gain, the diversity could be 30%, but for an office with a constant heat gain from electrical equipment, the diversity could be 80%.
EXAMPLE
For a small air conditioning system of cooling capacity 3.6KW
Running cost = Max KW power consumption x diversity x tariff
= 1.12 KW x 50% x 4.8 pence/KW hour = 2.69 pence per hour

What are the health benefits of air conditioning?

With increasing insulation values incorporated into modern building techniques ventilation is cause for concern insulation prevents natural ventilation which in some cases causes buildings to circulate impure qualities. When natural ventilation is stopped it reduces the energy to heat and cool the building. Humidity levels are maintained within the building circulating the same pollutants day by day smoke, bacteria, mold, fungus, viruses. Dust comes from hair, clothes and shoes the fungus and molds enter buildings in a similar manner. Gases circulate throughout buildings from paints, varnish and materials which base the fabric of the building. Humidity of 50% reduces the rate of influenza virus.

An air conditioners lowers concentration of pollutants, ventilates, filters, and dehumidifies. All our air conditioning units have a filter the type of filter depends upon which type of air conditioning system. Buildings with internal ventilation require a less effective filter. Asthma and allergy suffers can also benefit from a more healthy environment. Air conditioners purify and reduce humidity increasing air quality in your environment. Increasing hot summer temperatures are cause for concern, the elderly are often worst affected in some cases this has led to loss of life.