Portable Air Conditioners - Why you shouldn't like them

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Oh no. It’s a new version of a well-established product that trades efficiency for convenience. But this time, it’s more than just being cool. It’s about cooling.

Seriously, either we need to get more awareness of how dumb single-hose portable A/C units are, or we need to just use window units whenever possible. While I know that there are times a portable unit is the only option (remember, I’m in that boat), it seems that only very high capacity, premium machines have the facility to use two hoses. Which is frankly stupid but then again that’s what I’m trying to tell you now.

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The TC Subreddit

Technology Connections 2 (the channel where I sometimes talk about stuff and generally don’t prepare for anything):

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[wyvern]

I worked at an auto shop, the boss lady loved an office as cold as her heart, so she used a portable unit pointed right at her, where did the heat pump out? That's right! right into the shop, right in front of the work computers!
What a wonderful woman.

[bakkermaarten]

Every person renting a home instead of owning one, knows that portable airconditioners are a blessing.

[guilhermepachecomercado]

Anyone who can talk about over 15 minutes about conditioning without being boring ... deserves respect.

Congratulations

[EricLS]

I am traveling back from the future to report that I am finally seeing dual hose models at my local Costco

[mrmeatman]

Thermometers are just speedometers for molecules.

[sempeh]

This clears up a lot of gripes I've had with my portable. Sadly because of regulations in my building I was forced to buy one of them. You're dead right when you say this should be the last resort.

[MrRaymage]

I'm a 20 plus year HVAC tech, and you my friend, did an incredible job explaining the way air conditioners work. Doing so in layman's terms so people not in the know can understand it is really great. I agree with the premise of the video 100%. 👍👍

[tomeg]

As 16 year veteran of the HVAC field I must say that was the best breakdown of the refrigeration cycle I have ever heard.

[seamasrigh]

As an old HVAC guy, you made this totally understandable for the consumer. I deal with trying to explain the operation all the time. Thanks for a fresh perspective.

[Richie_Godsil]

Me: It's 3 in the morning, I need to get to sleep

Also me: Ah, yes... Tell me about these inefficient air conditioners!

[scottleepeters]

I'm an HVAC tech and I really appreciate how simple you make a complex process. Great video! I'm going to share this with my customers!

[ZannerBatman]

As an American living in England, I can tell you that I own 2 of those portable a/c units, and thank God for them. Here in the UK we don't have traditional windows that could accommodate a window unit. Our summers are getting much hotter and so the upright portable a/c unit works perfectly for me, and they are not expensive to run either. I love my portables!

[truthseeker]

I have been in the AC business for 40 years and this is a great video for the homeowner to explain how air conditioning works! Great job!

[chasleem]

I am a HVAC technician. I love your explanation of this. I always have a hard time explain to people how it works without getting too technical. You sir are awesome! 👍🏻

[wrentubes]

7:22 "You can't just expel air from a room without it being replaced somehow,
otherwise you are in a vacuum chamber and I advise you leave as soon as possible" I thought this was kinda funny

[quackkbt]

ive never seen anyone hate on loud ac noises, they are truly one of my favorite noises and can make sleeping alot easier xP

[LT_Commander_Data]

16 years in HVAC. You did a wonderful job on this video. ! Well done!

[terrifictomm]

Who the hell has such a pitiful and miserable life that they DISLIKE a video giving them nothing but clear and reliable information about something you have to be interested in to watch it in the first place?

A great video with a clear, concise, and most important of all, informative delivery.

[kgtnp]

As an HVAC person this is a very good explanation of how AC units work.
Very nice video.

[glorygloryholeallelujah]

These are actually an extremely important emergency item for certain areas (especially rurally).
It often gets over 120 F. in the summer where I live and the nearest store is more than a 2 1/2 hour drive away (“next door” neighbors are almost as far away).
Every farm here has at least one of these.
Because in the event of an emergency in the summertime, they are a literal lifesaver for the children/adults/pets/etc. that might be stuck at home awaiting a repairman, parent to get home, or someone returning from town with the necessary parts to fix the main unit.

Children/seniors/disabled people/etc. can’t be trying to lift and setup a window unit in an emergency—but the majority of them can definitely shove a hose into a window slat.