With more people working from home, there has been a demand for more convenient home comfort systems. Homeowners want a solution that can enhance the interior and boost their productivity. A stand-alone AC unit is the answer to hassle-free conditioning of interior temperatures. This article will outline how a stand-alone unit works and the benefits of using such a system.
1. Stand-Alone Units Are Easy to Move
One of the top benefits of stand-alone air conditioners is that they are portable. Compared to a conventional window air conditioner, they are much easier to move. You can carry the unit to your home office during the day, then move it to the bedroom at night. Some models have casters for better handling or a base to wheel it to another room.
Additionally, they do not come with many restrictions like a window air conditioner. Most apartment buildings and Homeowners Associations ban using a window unit. But the stand-alone system does not protrude from outside the window and often has an uncomplicated installation process. Some stand-alone units are often battery-powered, making them much easier to move to another room.
Stand-alone systems can be an ideal alternative for freelancers who are constantly changing their location. You can carry it with you in your car or on RVs, which often have unreliable AC units. A portable AC can be the solution when you need a cooling system while traveling.
2. Hassle-Free and Affordable Installation Process
The ease of installation is one of the most significant benefits of a stand-alone AC unit. While they work on the same principle as a conventional cooling system, they do not require an outdoor condenser. You only need to connect a hose with a bracket for venting the air to the exterior of the house.
You can install a stand-alone system in any room, such as a small office. If you have a central air conditioner, the portable unit can supplement cooling in the interior. You can save energy, especially if you only need to cool one or two rooms in your home.
The type of unit you choose to install depends on your energy needs. Having Energy Star-certified equipment is necessary if managing power consumption is your top priority. While setting up your equipment is simple, it is advisable to get help from an experienced professional. You can consult the team at Holbrook Heating & Air Conditioning in Jamesville for dependable AC installation solutions.
3. They Are Compact AC Units Suitable for Small Spaces
Stand-alone cooling systems are sleek, compact, and ideal for modern spaces. Unlike a conventional air conditioner, you can find a portable unit in a wide range of sizes and capacities. Typically, a stand-alone system will be between 5,500 and 40,000 BTUs.
A BTU (British Thermal Unit) is the measure that determines the cooling demands of the room. The rule of thumb is to have 20 BTUs cooling capacity for every square foot of heating space. So a 400-square foot living room will require an AC that can produce 8000 BTUs per hour.
However, smaller spaces such as your home office do not need an oversized AC. If the capacity of your equipment exceeds the needs of the room, it will not properly dehumidify the space. Additionally, your AC will keep switching on and off, which could impact its performance in the long term.
Therefore, stand-alone AC systems are the best choice for small rooms between 100 to 300 square feet. You can use a portable unit for spot-cooling instead of going for a whole-house system, which can waste energy.
4. Attractive Aesthetics to Complement Small Spaces
Another advantage of a stand-alone system is its aesthetic form. Most units come in a wide variety of styles. While the concern for most homeowners is the functionality of the equipment, a stand-alone system can achieve both.
You may want to choose a style that complements the modern interior of your home. Aesthetics are essential for areas where you will be hosting guests. Such spaces may include the living room or your home office.
A portable unit is often compact enough to be put away when you no longer need air conditioning. If you feel that the system can impact the aesthetics of your home office, you can move it to a less conspicuous location. In short, you can optimize the use of a small space with a stand-alone system.
5. Manage Your Home’s Cooling Expenses
Portable cooling systems are more affordable than central air conditioning systems. First, the unit has a smaller capacity and is less expensive to acquire. They are also easier to set up, which cuts down the installation costs. You can also move the equipment from room to room in your house where you need it at any given time.
Additionally, running a stand-alone system can be cheaper in the long term due to its smaller capacity. Through spot-cooling, you can manage your high utility bills. You can save considerable amounts of money without compromising your home comfort.
6. The Unit Can Cool and Dehumidify Simultaneously
In late summer in New York, humidity levels can rise over the 70% mark. At such levels, the moisture in your home can damage property. Humidity can cause the wood on your furnishings or walls to rot. Microbial growth can spread throughout the building at an alarming rate.
While an AC can remove some humidity from the interior, it doesn’t have the efficiency of a dehumidifier. Your AC can drain excess vapor through the condensate drain. But increasing the fan rate will not eliminate humidity in a conventional system. A lower speed is more effective for reducing moisture in the room.
A stand-alone AC, however, often comes with a built-in dehumidification system. If there is more moisture than heat, some models can switch to a dehumidification-only mode. You can move everything together with the equipment to any room where humidity is high.
7. Additional Features for Convenience
Many stand-alone AC units have additional features to boost efficiency and enhance your comfort. Some cooling systems do not require an electrical outlet, but they can be battery-powered. They are ideal for people working in the field or for camping.
You can save even more energy with a programmable thermostat. The device signals the system to start cooling when interior temperatures get to a given point. The advantage of programmable thermostats is that they are accurate and often yield considerable energy savings.
Auto drain systems turn the condensation into exhaust that the equipment can expel to the outdoors. Another convenient feature is a remote control, which allows you to turn on the system from a remote location. The programmable thermostat can allow you to change settings while you are away for work or a holiday from an app on your phone or tablet.
Depending on the stand-alone model you pick for your home, the unit may have a heating mode. When winter temperatures dip to 20 degrees Fahrenheit, you can conveniently use your portable system for spot-heating.
If you need emergency AC assistance in Jamesville, you can trust the team from Holbrook Heating & Air Conditioning for prompt services. We are a Lennox Premier Dealer, but we can install and troubleshoot virtually all heating and cooling equipment models. We offer indoor air quality assessments and trusted solutions, HVAC preventive maintenance, and commercial installations, among other services. We would be glad to assist you with any AC installation challenges. Contact our team in Jamesville today for warm and dependable services.
