Small Space Scribes on February 21, 2020 0 Comments It’s no secret that the demand for tiny homes is getting bigger and bigger as more and more people recognize the beauty and value in downsizing. For those who love to travel, mobile tiny homes, camper vans, and RVs offer the perfect balance of having a small footprint but also enjoying new and exciting locations. Of course, just because you opt to live small doesn’t mean you want to do away with all of the home comforts more associated with standard homes. Comforts like staying cool with an air conditioner. Whether you live somewhere that’s only warm a few months out of the year, or you’ll be traveling to a warmer climate in your RV, it’s nice to have the option to cool down when you need it. If you’re thinking about installing a portable air conditioner or window air conditioner in your small home or RV, then now is a great time to do so. The question is, which of these options is best for you? The following is a quick look at what each of these devices are, their pros and their cons so that you can choose the best unit for your living situation. The Small Window Air Conditioner Window air conditioners, as their name suggests, are those air conditioners that fit neatly into a window. These units are common, cost-effective solutions for people who live in apartments or older homes without central cooling. The pros of window air conditioners include: Space-saving. By being in the window with most of its bulk on the outside, the small window air conditioner is great for tiny spaces as it takes up just about no space at all. You won’t have to worry about tripping over it, your dog running into it, or your Roomba getting stuck underneath it! Efficient and affordable cooling. The window AC unit offers much of the same results as a central AC unit will, but without the costs of installing or maintaining ductwork. So long as you have a small home or mobile unit, the entire living space can be efficiently cooled within a short time span. The cons of window air conditioners include: Noise. Though newer window ACs have become significantly quieter, their motors still produce noise, and an ill-fitting unit can rattle against the window frame. Loss of a window. These are bulky devices that make it impossible to use a window normally. May be prohibited. Because they are loud and because most of the unit sticks out, some condos and homeowner’s associations consider window air conditioners unsightly. So, they often get listed as not allowed. If you live in a condo, HOA, apartment, or have a similar housing authority, make sure to ask before purchasing and installing a unit. Portable Air Conditioners Also aptly named, a small portable air conditioner is one that can be moved from room to room. These types of air conditioners are still relatively new, but they have a lot to offer RV and small home residents. The pros of the stand up air conditioner include: Easy to install and move. You don’t need to get a building permit or install any type of ductwork to operate this type of machine. Simply run a small 4″ diameter hose outside (such as out the bottom of a window) for venting hot air, plug the unit it, and you’re good to go! Very efficient and comfortable. These units are inexpensive to operate and can quickly cool down any given room they’re in. Plus, many of the more modern units are incredibly quiet. Most units can be operated with a remote from anywhere in the room. The cons of the portable stand up air conditioner include: Price Point. The price of a portable unit is often more expensive than a window unit. However, because these units aren’t going to be outside, exposed to the elements, they tend to have a longer lifespan to return that initial investment. Regular maintenance. A lot of these units also double as dehumidifiers to pull the excess moisture out of the air and that extra moisture has to be removed. Expect daily draining unless you opt for a unit equipped with an auto-evaporation system. At Compact Appliance, we specialize in the sale of appliances that make living in tiny homes, apartments, RVs, camper trailers, and similar spaces more comfortable and enjoyable. Check out our learning center to find out more about these two types of air conditioners and find the right one for your set-up.
