Single hose v. dual hose PACs - Which is right for me?
A portable room air conditioner is a great solution for anyone who can benefit from effective, affordable cooling. Not only are portable ACs less expensive to install and maintain than whole-house air conditioning, but they consume less energy and have the added benefit of being able to move from room to room so you’re not wasting money cooling rooms you aren’t using. When considering which portable air conditioner best suits your needs, one thing you should establish is whether you should get a single- or dual-hose unit. Once you know the pros and cons of each kind of portable room AC, you can figure out which one is right for you.
Single-hose portable AC units
In a single-hose AC portable unit, the AC pulls warm air out of the room, runs it over refrigerated coils, and expels warm air and moisture through an exhaust hose to the outside. Expelling this air creates something called negative air pressure, and the air that is removed from the room is replaced by warm air that seeps in through any cracks or openings around windows and doors. Consequently, the unit has to work harder to keep the room cool. Even though they have lower efficiency due to combating negative air pressure, if you’re looking to cool a smaller space, single-hose portable air conditioners could be the right choice for you. One great single-hose portable AC to consider is the Honeywell MO08CESWK6, which provides spot cooling for spaces up to 350 square feet. Units like the Honeywell MO08CESWK6 are typically less expensive, have a quieter operation, and are more easily portable than dual-hose units. For many people looking to cool down their homes, a single-hose portable air conditioner is an effective solution.
Single-hose portable air conditioner benefits
- Great for small spaces like bedrooms, home offices, or play areas
- Less expensive
- More easily portable
- Quieter operation
Instead of taking in air from the room, a dual-hose portable air conditioner uses one hose to draw in air from the outside. It then undertakes a similar cooling process to a single-hose unit, after which it removes heated air and moisture through the other exhaust hose. This intake method cools the unit’s compressor and motor down, allowing the air conditioner to work longer and harder. Additionally, by using one hose to pull in cool air from the outside while the other expels air out of the room, dual-hose units prevent the creation of negative air pressure encountered by single-hose units. This means double-hose units can work faster and more efficiently, making them a great option for cooling larger areas. While dual-hose portable ACs are extremely effective, they are not without their drawbacks. They are typically more expensive than single-hose models, and because they operate with two internal fans, they tend to make more noise. Because of their design, they can also be more cumbersome to move from room to room. However, for many people, these issues are offset by the powerful cooling the dual-hose units provide.
Dual-hose portable air conditioner benefits
- Great for larger spaces like living rooms, dens, and kitchens
- More efficient
- Cool faster
When shopping for a portable air conditioner, it’s important to consider the benefits of both single- and dual-hose portable ACs before making a decision. By examining the pros and cons of each type of unit, you can determine which kind is right for you and be one step closer to enjoying a cool breeze in your home.
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