​Portable Air Conditioners & Energy Efficiency

The Department of Energy is making big changes. One of those changes has to do with portable air conditioners. Consider a recent article for NRDC titled “Portable Air Conditioners on Course for Their First Efficiency Standards.”

Lauren Urbanek of NRDC writes, “Though it may be hard to believe given that parts of the Northeast had snow showers in recent weeks and Denver is digging out from a major snowstorm, summer is right around the corner. It won’t be long before we’re looking for ways to beat the heat, whether it’s going for a dip in a neighborhood pool, sitting under a shady tree, or (my favorite) hitting up the local ice cream stand. For those of us in the energy efficiency world, summer is also synonymous with air conditioning and higher electricity use. The US Department of Energy (DOE) took the first step today to making portable air conditioners more efficient, by releasing a determination that this equipment qualifies as a covered product under the Energy Policy and Conservation Act (EPCA). This means that, for the first time ever, DOE starts the process of setting standards for portable air conditioners, so that customers who use this product to cool their homes can rest assured that they’re not wasting energy while staying comfortable. DOE already sets energy efficiency standards for central air conditioners and room air conditioners, both of which are due for an update in 2017. But until now, portable air conditioners—the standalone, moveable units that are not permanently installed in walls and windows—have not had to meet any efficiency standards. Nearly a million portable air conditioners were purchased in 2012, and that number is expected to increase by almost 80% by 2018. This means that the large (and growing) number of Americans who use portable air conditioners to keep cool are likely doing so at a higher-than-necessary cost. DOE’s announcement marked the very first step in establishing an energy efficiency standard for portable air conditioners. Read on to demystify the standards-setting process! I’ll be back next week with tips to save energy on your cooling bill this summer.”

When it comes to portable air conditioners, we’ve got you covered at AC World. Our ductless mini split air conditioner is a cost effective alternative to central air conditioning. Yes, it is slightly more than the typically wall or window air conditioner, but the minor additional cost is easily and quickly recouped in energy savings and home security. For example, since the compressor sits on the outside, the ductless mini split air conditioner is very quiet and efficient. Furthermore, they avoid the energy losses associated with the ductwork of central forced air systems.

Whatever portable air conditioner needs you might have, look no further than our team at AC World!