Portable Air Conditioners Archives

December 7, 2017 by Matt Hanson

Portable Temporary Mobile Cooling Units

Most of the time HVAC units installations occur in a particular location where they live out their usefulness. However, there are other times when commercial heating, cooling, and dehumidification can be the right solution. Situations sometimes arise where the requirement of HVAC units is short term. This is where a portable/temporary/mobile cooling or heating unit can be the perfect solution.

Sometimes mobile temporary HVAC units replace a permanent unit when shutting them down for a period of time. Other times it might be a special event such as a large tent gathering. This sometimes encompasses natural disasters or even healthcare facilities. The instances where portable commercial cooling can be used are infinite. Manufacturing spot cooling, plant shutdowns, emergencies, and telecommunication rooms to name a few.

United CoolAir Mobile Units

Portable units are usually, but not necessarily on wheels and placed in any commercial building or space and even outdoors and powered by a generator. United CoolAir produces units that range from 3–30 tons. Larger units are sometimes trailer mounted to provide quicker transportation to a particular job site. This makes them a valuable resource when there is a call for these types of situations.

While most portable HVAC units are air-cooled, water or chilled water are occasionally used. Although cooling and heating units involve a huge market share, they also use dehumidification. In this case, dedicated heating units look very similar to their counterparts. Rugged United CoolAir units are so due to their metal construction. Furthermore, rental companies stock up on these exceptional units as part of their fleet. However, if renting a unit for more than a few times, anybody can purchase these portable units factory direct. This can lead to enhanced cost savings.

Advancements are ongoing in the portable A/C industry such as United CoolAir’s mobile units that provide UV-C light to disinfect airborne pathogens. In order to meet today’s portable HVAC needs, new products will continually arise on the market.

November 8, 2017 by Matt Hanson

A Flexible Alternative for Portable Environmental Control

The remediation industry has long relied on traditional equipment like mechanical dehumidification and desiccant systems. This is for the removal of excess moisture from flooded and fire-damaged buildings and environmental control. In many cases, these are the better choice for drying out the high moisture situations in preparation for later renovations. Still, a controversy persists whether or not air conditioning can is useful as effectively as a dehumidifier.

The answer is most definitely yes, but it depends on the unit type and application of environmental control. However, moisture removal is only one of the reasons why portable air conditioning should be a serious contender for remediation projects. Just as important as moisture removal is space conditioning during the renovation phase of the project.

How Mechanical Dehumidification Works

Portable air conditioning is not just for cooling outside tents and temporary facilities. When using the right type of portable air conditioner, it will not only dehumidify the facility but should also condition the space for the repair phase of the project.

In simple terms, dehumidification is the removal of water vapor from the air. This occurs by lowering the air temperature to its dew point, where it condenses for easy removal. Efficient dehumidification relies on two basic concepts. First, the air must be chilled as low as possible in order to effectively remove the moisture that is in the air.

This happens through the refrigeration cycle of both dehumidifiers and air conditioners. Air cooling happens as it passes over a cooling coil and a drain pan captures the moisture from the air as it condenses on the coil. Second, the ambient room or space temperature should as high as practical so that it can absorb the maximum amount of moisture from the space. This occurs by reheating the air as it returns to the room, and is done differently by air conditioners and dehumidifiers. This cycle continues until spaces have reached the desired temperature and humidity levels.

Dehumidification Versus Air Conditioning Systems

A key difference between dehumidifiers and air conditioners is how the heat from the refrigeration cycle is processed. Dehumidifiers use the heat generated by the refrigeration cycle to immediately heat the air re-entering the space. This results in dry, warm air leaving the unit.

Air conditioners, on the other hand, reject the waste heat away from the space, usually to an external air-or water-cooled condenser. The conditioned air returns to the space dry but cooler. Since maintaining a warmer ambient is important for dehumidification, good quality portable air conditioners are available with supplemental electric heating coils. This is also true in heat pump models to reheat the cooler, dry air.

The temperature is controllable with accurately for efficient dehumidification, and the availability of heating and/or cooling is useful during the reconstruction or renovation phase. Another key difference between dehumidification units and air conditioners is the way they control sensible and latent heat. Sensible heat is essentially the air temperature within the space and latent heat is the additional heat in the form of moisture in the air, the relative humidity (RH).

An air conditioner measures and controls temperature, cooling the space until the thermostat reaches its set point. A dehumidifier removes moisture until the humidistat reaches the desired RH level.
The sensible-to-latent heat removal ratio for a dehumidifier is 50-50 while an air conditioner is closer to 70-30. In other words, dehumidifiers ring out more moisture, but they generally have poor to no control of space temperature. Air conditioners have great control of space temperature but remove moisture at a lesser rate.

Which System Is Better?

If your only interest is maximum moisture removal in the shortest time, straight dehumidification is probably the better choice. But when moisture removal is lower and spaces will require renovation or some type of post-construction, a portable air conditioner should be your number one selection.

Portable commercial air conditioners can easily reach 2,000 CFM for a five-ton unit when in the cooling stage. However, to improve the moisture removal characteristics, lowering the fan speed by up to 50% improves its dehumidification performance. By slowing the warm, moist room air traveling over the cold evaporator coil, additional moisture can be removed.

Portable air conditioners are available in a variety of configurations and sizes as high as 30 tons for even the largest of buildings. Smaller units can have wheeled bases making them easy to transport and position. Additionally, their narrow cabinet design will pass through a standard 3/0 door opening without modification.

The Additional Benefits Of Portable Air Conditioning

The key to any job site is to maintain Indoor Environmental Quality (IEQ) during reconstruction and renovation. Portable air-conditioning systems offer the restoration and remediation industry an excellent tool to assist in the safe and efficient completion of restoration projects.

It’s commonplace during renovations to seal the affected area by turning off the air conditioning and isolating the airflow from the rest of the building. The goal is to maintain a negative pressure in the workspace (or positively pressurize other areas). This is to prevent the migration of air contaminants from work areas to occupied areas.

Portable air conditioning units will retain a controlled environment by maintaining specific relative humidity and temperature conditions, and they can also effectively filter the circulated air. That means the same unit that removed the initial moisture also provides an ideal workspace environment. Worker productivity maximization and space conditions improve through dust control.

The Importance of Conditioned Spaces

Conditioned space is critical for building materials and finishes applications. The installation of hardwood floors and wood paneling requires the normalization of materials at the right temperature and humidity to prevent warping or later expansion/contraction.
Controlled humidity will protect metal surfaces from oxidizing and help wall coatings dry faster and more completely. Renting a single unit for moisture removal and space conditioning is generally less expensive and requires less set up time.

Equally important is the prevention of mold and fungus. Molds like Aspergillums can grow on modern building materials such as gypsum board and ceiling tile if allowed to remain wet for more than 72 hours. Spores become airborne during repair and/or disturbance of the building and have low settling velocities, remaining in the air for long periods of time. A portable air conditioner continues to dehumidify the space and filter the return air as long as space conditioning occurs.

Selecting the Portable Air Conditioner That’s Right for Your Application

Portable air conditioning units are available in a variety of sizes and configurations. The purpose-built dehumidifier units are available through rental distributors are generally small in capacity. As an example, quality manufacturers like United CoolAir Corporation offer one of the largest selections of portable systems. These units have multiple capacities capable of conditioning even the largest of commercial spaces.

Portable horizontal air conditioning systems are the most popular and have the widest range of sizes and arrangements. These smaller horizontal units provide needed flexibility and are useful for indoor or outdoor installations. Typical cooling capacities can reach as high as 15 tons and include the option for electric heating.

Narrow Design Aides in Mobility

Since mobility is paramount for these units, they are narrow in design to navigate doorways and entrances. This includes integral unit-mounted forklift pods or casters for easy mobility. For the really large projects or where it makes sense to replace multiple smaller systems with a single unit, consider a larger, high capacity system. With sizes ranging up to 30 tons of cooling, these units include up to 80 kW of electric heating.

Narrow in design, they are easily positioned using the built-in lifting pods are stacking is possible if necessary. Trailer-mounted units are also an option for outside installation. Also available are vertical portable air conditioning and heating units. While not as popular as horizontal models, they offer both bi-directional free blow and ducted operation. Most find this a great application in large open spaces.

Typical sizes can range from three to 30 tons with up to 60 kW of heating. These narrow footprint units are easy to transport and move into position using the forklift pod. Installation can be inside or out as conditions allow.
With the right manufacturer, you can select from standalone in-line blowers and heaters. These units work in conjunction with larger tonnage portable air conditioners for more reheat capability and longer flexible duct runs.

The Future of Environmental Control

Today’s portable air conditioners are easy to install with features like Camlock power connections, duct collars, built-in circuit breakers, and more. Many include multiple ducting options with high static pressure for long duct runs. Quality units are also equipped with an internal thermostat and offer an option for remote control if required.

Always choose a reputable portable air conditioning brand with a proven track record of performance. They are your number one source for getting a unit that best fits your application. However, not all portable air conditioning units construct to the same standards. It is not uncommon to find traditional building air conditioners, or even rooftop designs, modified for portable use.

Summary

These units exist for stationary installation and cannot withstand the continuous movement and transportation requirements necessary for portable equipment. When used in portable applications, they are prone to refrigerant leaks, component failures, and reduced life expectancy.

Finally, it’s also important to evaluate the suppliers of portable air conditioning rental equipment available in your area. While most will be helpful in getting you started, choose one that will help you select the right size, type of equipment, and accessories for your application. Technical support exists in the event of a malfunction, and if they carry an inventory of equipment should it be needed quickly.

October 5, 2017 by United CoolAir

Why Use a Commercial Portable Air Conditioner For Special Events

A commercial portable air conditioner is relatively compact. It’s also easy to transport and the installation takes only a few minutes, even if you’ve never done it before. This makes a commercial portable air conditioner the perfect solution to short term cooling needs. Also, it is an absolutely perfect solution for special events held in outdoor venues. In fact, this amazing technology can save the day in these cases!

How Is a Commercial Portable Air Conditioner Used?

You will often see commercial portable air conditioners set up at outdoor events where air-conditioned tents are set up. These include special events like festivals; trade shows; traveling shows; large family reunions; outdoor weddings; wedding receptions; private parties; music concerts; religious events; corporate celebrations; and even conferences. A commercial portable air conditioner can also come in handy when cooling is absolutely essential for a special event. For example, they often use these for special events involving nursing home residents or other events. This is due to elderly people being more prone to heat-related illnesses. A tent cooled by a commercial portable air conditioner can also serve as a good space for a blood drive. It can serve as a temporary place at the fairgrounds to do routine medical checkups on seniors.

Everyone Will Be Happier If You Cool Down and Dehumidify Your Space

If you are an event planner or just putting together a one-time event, the environment guests are exposed to plays a huge role in event success. For example, you can have the most beautiful bride wearing the most beautiful gown; the best band; the most spectacular flowers; and a well-planned lovely ceremony; but it will be ruined if everyone is hot and or sticky from the humidity. This is why air conditioning is so crucial at any special event. Luckily, this is something you can control with a portable unit without breaking the bank. Even if your outdoor special event is going to take place in an area that only gets into the 70 to 80-degree range; you may be surprised at how miserable people can be if the humidity is also high.

Should You Rent or Buy a Commercial Portable Air Conditioner?

While a commercial portable air conditioner is rentable, if you plan to use a commercial portable air conditioner more than a couple of times a year, it will likely be more economical for you to actually buy one. Since they are relatively compact, they don’t take much space to store. A small storage room or even a closet will suffice. Furthermore, they are not that expensive compared to a traditional HVAC system where the ducting is very expensive to install. Buying your own unit also prevents you from having to track one down every time you need it for an event.

How Many BTUs Do You Need?

As a general rule of thumb, you should plan to use about 12,000 BTU per 250 square feet of space. However, this may vary depending on the height of the space you need to cool. The ambient temperature and humidity can also play a role in the power you need. It is always best to describe the area you plan to cool to the dealer you buy or rent from. Furthermore, ask for his or her advice on what size and power commercial portable air conditioner you need to get.

A Commercial Portable Air Conditioner Can Give a Much Needed “Cool Zone”

When it comes to outdoor special events, every year people die or suffer significant illness from heatstroke and other heat-related illnesses. The United States Centers For Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has reported that 7,233 heat-related deaths occurred in America during a ten year period from 1999 – 2009. If you are planning an outdoor event in an area with high temperatures and humidity, it is imperative you provide “cool zones”. This is where people can cool off and get their core body temperature down to prevent heatstroke. The symptoms of heatstroke include nausea, mental confusion, fever, confusion, and loss of consciousness. It is best to include at least one portable “indoor space” that is air-conditioned. In this way, people can escape the heat if they begin to feel these telltale symptoms coming on.

July 28, 2017 by United CoolAir

Advantages of Portable Commercial Air Conditioners

Therm~Air portable unit produced by United CoolAir — Portable Commercial Air Conditioner

There are many advantages to a commercial portable air conditioner. We discuss some of the most important advantages below, some of which you may not have thought of before.

How Does a Commercial Portable Air Conditioner Work?

Before we get into the advantages of these systems, let’s examine the basics of how these units work. Air from the room draws in and is first passed through a filter to prevent dust from entering the unit. This helps reduce the maintenance needed for a commercial portable air conditioner and extends its overall life as well. The air then passes through an air conditioning coil to cool the air to the appropriate temperature. Next, the internal blower shoots the cool air through supply air tubes back out into the room.

The temperature of cooled air that comes out is usually about twenty degrees cooler than the air that went in. As the temperature of the air in the room lowers, it can go through another twenty-degree drop. Thus, a room temperature beginning at 100° starts lowering to an ambient temperature of about eighty degrees cooler. Then, eighty-degree air converts into sixty-degree air. This assumes that you have bought a powerful enough unit for the room size you are cooling.

A Commercial Portable Air Conditioner Provides Convenience and Flexibility

There’s nothing more convenient than rolling in your commercial portable air conditioner to the exact location you want it. All that remains is plugging the cord into a nearby electrical outlet, and turning on your unit. There is no limitation in location by where the windows are like you are with window air conditioners, nor can window units suffice in many spaces. Moreover, you don’t have to go to the expense of cutting a hole in the wall and there are no worries about having to install ducts anywhere. Plus, you can very easily switch locations of your unit when you want to without any hassle at all. You can even take your commercial portable air conditioner to a different location as needed.

These Portable Commercial Units Offer Huge Economical Savings To Industrial Businesses

Sometimes central air conditioning isn’t economical or even possible. The cost to install an HVAC system that would actually work in a large industrial space might be astronomical. This is often true for industrial places like large warehouses, big server rooms, or giant factory floors. However, these spaces still contain products and or workers that need to be kept cool. In fact, if spaces aren’t cooled enough the products may affect productivity in a negative way. These are the types of situations where a commercial portable air conditioner can be the perfect solution.

It is also worth mentioning that a multi-functional commercial portable air conditioner can not only cool in the summer but can also heat in the winter. Some multi-functional commercial portable air conditioners, in fact, even come with the ability to act as dehumidifiers. This is especially useful for some products such as paper-based products or textiles and where both the summer and winter produce extreme temperatures.

Are There Any Other Advantages To a Portable Commercial Air Conditioner?

One advantage that not mentioned as much is the fact that the supply air tube(s) are usually adjustable. In fact, they’re as easily adjusted as adjusting the neck of a desk lamp or work lamp. This allows you to direct the cool air in exactly the direction you want it to flow. If you have a tall warehouse where heat rises, you may want to point these adjustable air supply tubes in an upwards direction to directly cool that rising warmer air. On the other hand, if you have hard-working men and women in the warehouse that really need to cool off fast, you can direct these adjustable air tubes directly at the workers, at least for a temporary time, to give them some much-needed relief. They’ll love you for it and be more productive.

Some people actually extend the supply air tubes by attaching a flex duct with a slightly larger diameter over the top of the air tubes. This allows you to direct the cool air to a precise location. For example, if you have commercial crops that are in danger of dying in an intense heatwave, you can use these extenders to cool the air right around these crops to create a “microhabitat” of cooler ambient air. The same could affect the highly sensitive technical equipment or laboratory samples during an extreme heatwave.

June 28, 2017 by United CoolAir

Why Use Commercial Temporary Air Conditioning

Commercial temporary air conditioning is essential to many businesses. Consider the following scenario. You’re building a new facility and you brought in a portable job site office trailer for your staff. Back in March, this worked out just fine. When it got stuffy inside the space, you and your staff just opened a door and let Nature cool things down. But now… it’s summer and there’s an oppressive heatwave with scorching temperatures and high humidity. Your employees can hardly breathe and production is slowing to a grinding halt as all they can think about is the utter misery. Your secretary is threatening to quit. You’re driving thirty miles at lunchtime just to take a shower. You need commercial temporary air conditioning to get your lucrative project back on track.

What Are Some Of the Other Uses For Commercial Grade Temporary Air Conditioning?

The most common use is when the central HVAC system at a business suddenly stops working and they can’t get it repaired quickly enough. In these cases, commercial temporary AC makes an excellent “plan B” to keep business moving along at a normal pace. In most of these cases, the cost of commercial temporary air conditioning is negligible compared to the profits lost. This happens when a central air HVAC system is down and neither clients nor employees can function in the space.

There are also many other uses for commercial temporary AC that you may not have ever thought about. For example, in a heatwave, they may be used in greenhouses to save vulnerable plants. They may even be used in the crop fields combined with tarps. Staging wedding receptions, seminars, trade shows, and other special events inside a large tent or other temporary structures is another common example. This situation is where there is a serious need for commercial temporary air conditioning.

Interpretive centers inside campgrounds or parks also sometimes use commercial temporary air conditioning when the weather gets really hot. It gives campers and other users of the parks an opportunity to get out of the blistering heat while still learning about nature. Large outdoor events, where the main center(s) of activity are outside, often set up “cooling zones” with commercial temporary air conditioning. In this way people can cool off and avoid heat stroke and other maladies associated with high temperatures. It’s also useful for first aid stations at such events.

Apartment Complexes and Housing For Seniors

Many parts of the country include apartment complexes and housing for seniors simply does not have AC of any kind. In some cases, the cost is prohibitive. In other cases, it is not sensible to go to the expense of installing a permanent cooling system due to the moderate climate. However, in both of these scenarios, there are temporary times when air conditioning becomes absolutely essential to prevent illness and loss of life. We’ve all heard the horrifying stories of seniors and others dying from heatstroke because a major heat occurred without conditioning in place. In these temporary conditions, extreme heat actually becomes dangerous to human life. In this case, property managers can turn to commercial temporary AC as a method to avoid catastrophe.

Likewise, community shelters, senior centers, and disaster relief centers are all structures that may not have permanent air conditioning. This may be due to funding issues or just the temporary nature of the structure. In any case, commercial temporary air conditioning can be an economical way of dealing with the summer season.

Is There Any Advantage To Using Commercial Temporary AC Long Term?

This may sound like a paradoxical question to some but it’s actually a very practical question for many businesses that are looking to save money. If you need to cool a structure for only one month out of the year every year, you can actually save a lot of money by using the commercial temporary AC unit. Instead of going to the much larger expense of installing a permanent HVAC system with central air conditioning. The same could be true if you only need it for two to three months out of the year. You’ll need to do some numbers crunching to determine which is most economical for your specific situation.

Conclusion

There are many reasons why commercial temporary AC can be necessary, and in some cases, an economical choice. All businesses should keep this option on the table when considering air conditioner temporary cooling.