Orcas

Has anyone tried a portable unit that vents by hose out the window? I'm reading they aren't as efficient as window units, but we'd have to replace our windows to fit in a window unit. I don't believe the dual split unit would work with the way our house is situated. What about noise? Efficiency?

We have a big bedroom and it gets very, very hot, so would need a powerful unit (I'm guessing 12,000 btus).

I've read of the Edgestar and a Boston Innovative unit. Any suggestions?

beanweb24

Hi Orcas -

I posted a note a while back about alternatives to a/c in my townhouse here in Seattle.

I decided to go with a portable a/c unit that vents out the window. I just plugged it in for the first time today actually.

My first impressions:
* Loud like a cheap motel window unit a/c
* ...but the noise doesn't bother me because my BR is no longer 87 degrees.

The brand I got is a Royal Sovereign and it's either 12k or 14k BTUs. It's ugly as sin...the ugliest part of it is the hose that vents out the window. The hose is kind of bulky so you have to sit the a/c unit out from the wall...and since my BR is tiny, that's a bit of an issue. Also, I have a tiny casement window. The window kit that came with the unit is cheap - and it leaves a gap that I've temporarily sealed with packing tape. (I am so high class.)

BUT...as ugly and noisy as it is, I have to admit it's working really really well, and I'm looking forward to sleeping through the night without my dog panting so hard that the bed rocks.

My unit was $400 from Costco....ordered it online and had it shipped.

happytrailstoyou

I researched this item a couple weeks ago and concluded that the best of the lot is the Sharp.

Bed, Bath, & Beyond has the 9,500 BTU unit in its stores and the price is great, especially if you have one of those 20% off any item cards.

bookhall

Quickest way to make comparisons is on Amazon. Search on portable air conditioners.

Orcas

Thanks for the info! beanweb, I hope you get a good nights sleep! We went to West Seattle tonight for dinner. Nice breeze and beautiful views.

Got home to 81 degrees on the main floor and our bedroom is upstairs, with high ceilings. We opened the house and turned all our fans on to bring in the air. It's cooling already, but it's a reminder of what lies ahead. Today wasn't even that hot!


Did you go the Fremont summer solstice bicycle parade, beanweb?

djkbooks

What kind of windows do you have?

We always thought we wouldn't be able to find window units for casement windows, but did find them at Sears.

We also considered all sorts of other options, but they were pricey for the results based on various reviews.

After a few years (they only cooled the rooms they were in well), we considered a wall unit, but did not want to cut a hole in our house, and there were no good places to do that anyway. And, it was getting near time to replace our furnace. Since we had all duct work already in place, we replaced the furnace and installed a/c at the same time. My husband tells me that the efficiency of the new furnace during the winter offsets the cost of the a/c and then some. And, we would have had to replace the furnace sometime soon anyway. Better to do that when it's not urgent and you can diligently shop installers and prices. Our new system also has a built in humidifier.

beanweb24

I totally sympathize...it was 85 on my kitchen level today and hotter upstairs.

Yes - went to the solstice parade. It was a long 8 minute walk from my house. I had a great time and it made me even happier that I live in Fremont! Did not see the entire parade (or the pageant at Gas works), but that leaves something for next year!

Now the big quest is what event to do on 4th of July. So far all of my "firsts" in Seattle have been great - am loving living here.

Orcas

I'll be broiling in Hotlanta on the 4th. I'm taking light clothes for the heat, cool clothes for the ac, my shades, hat, sunscreen, and insect repellant. Last time the mosquitos were so thick I thougth they were going to carry me away. Wish me luck!

We have a themostat at the top of our hot, hot driveway, and it registered 105 degrees today. Our driveway faces southwest and our bedroom is two floors above...It is now registering 70 degrees out after midnight. Yikes! Past my bedtime!