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Chat Area => General Discussion Area => Topic started by: philsteward on 19 February 2013, 13:58:47

Title: Small Portable Air Conditioning Unit
Post by: philsteward on 19 February 2013, 13:58:47
Hi all,

Wondering if anyone had any knowledge of the above?

I am after something a bit more high tech than just a fan for my office.  It is really quite warm in here, with the usual fight over people failing to understand how thermostats on radiators (in fact in general) work, hence turning them UP to make the room warm up quicker  ???, then turning them down because for some reason the room gets too hot!! :-X Given the fact that it is 0C outside, yet I am boiling at my desk because the sun is out, I am guessing if the summer ever actually happens I will cook!  Old building, no ventilation etc.

I thinking about something that sits under my desk to keep me a bit cooler, hence some sort of air cooling device, any thoughts or am I just going to have to settle for a small fan?

Cheers in advance!
Title: Re: Small Portable Air Conditioning Unit
Post by: Selseybill on 19 February 2013, 14:07:39
Staples,B&Q and alike sell small aircon units but no sure about this time of year.
Title: Re: Small Portable Air Conditioning Unit
Post by: ozzycat on 19 February 2013, 14:36:53
argos do a reasonable one i cant remember the neme but my mother has used this one for 2 or 3 years to good efect  i cant remember anything lately must be my age :D :D :D :D :D
Title: Re: Small Portable Air Conditioning Unit
Post by: philsteward on 19 February 2013, 14:53:12
argos do a reasonable one i cant remember the neme but my mother has used this one for 2 or 3 years to good efect  i cant remember anything lately must be my age :D :D :D :D :D

Cheers guys, are these units like the one in the photo below?
(http://i1121.photobucket.com/albums/l510/Phil_Steward/PortableAirConditioner12000BTU308_zps823a651a.jpg)

Only issue with these unless I am mistaken is that they require an exhaust to go outside (an sometimes a drain), also they are a bit large.

I have seen some air coolers though, which appear to cool the air by adding water to it.  Not too sure how good this will be, any experience with them?  My thoughts are they will just make the room very humid!
Title: Re: Small Portable Air Conditioning Unit
Post by: Elite Pete on 19 February 2013, 15:07:52
Advertise for a YTS Punkawallah ::) ::)
Title: Re: Small Portable Air Conditioning Unit
Post by: Varche on 19 February 2013, 15:12:40
Back in the 90's I worked in an office in Leicester that was hell in sunny weather. Despite having blinds it was just like an inferno.

The boss bought us two mobile air con units. They were huge and had a part you hung out of the window. They worked but were so unwieldy that only strong blokes could lift them in and out. They altered the attendance patterns dramatically. People came in earlier and went earlier(to avoid the aggro with putting them away each night. They also leaked water everywhere (that didn't matter as the carpets were shot anyway).

You can get reflective plastic that is stuck on the glass outside.

Maybe that smaller unit would do the job if it is say a three or four person space. 
Title: Re: Small Portable Air Conditioning Unit
Post by: ozzycat on 19 February 2013, 15:20:17
no alot thinner with no exhaust
Title: Re: Small Portable Air Conditioning Unit
Post by: philsteward on 19 February 2013, 15:22:58
no alot thinner with no exhaust

More like the below then?
http://www.argos.co.uk/static/Product/partNumber/4250351.htm (http://www.argos.co.uk/static/Product/partNumber/4250351.htm)
Title: Re: Small Portable Air Conditioning Unit
Post by: the alarming man on 19 February 2013, 15:29:24
that is a an cooler not a conditioner :y
Title: Re: Small Portable Air Conditioning Unit
Post by: ozzycat on 19 February 2013, 15:32:54
yes like that it is a cooler not an airconditioner just spoke to mother about it she said its a cooler but it is very good sorry mate for giving you duff info :y :y
Title: Re: Small Portable Air Conditioning Unit
Post by: philsteward on 19 February 2013, 15:37:44
yes like that it is a cooler not an airconditioner just spoke to mother about it she said its a cooler but it is very good sorry mate for giving you duff info :y :y
Not duff info at all, I know it is an air cooler, it looks like a much more viable option, but need to know if it will actually work!!  Sounds from you that it does!
Title: Re: Small Portable Air Conditioning Unit
Post by: kev2b4 on 19 February 2013, 15:54:34
I've got one air con at home - bit inside size of small oven, hang microwave bit outside-- used it once too test- but is now sitting in garage- going cheep!
Title: Re: Small Portable Air Conditioning Unit
Post by: the alarming man on 19 February 2013, 15:57:03
the only problem with any cooler/conditioner is the amount of electric they use
Title: Re: Small Portable Air Conditioning Unit
Post by: philsteward on 19 February 2013, 16:02:01
I've got one air con at home - bit inside size of small oven, hang microwave bit outside-- used it once too test- but is now sitting in garage- going cheep!
Tempted, got any more info?
Title: Re: Small Portable Air Conditioning Unit
Post by: philsteward on 19 February 2013, 16:04:02
the only problem with any cooler/conditioner is the amount of electric they use
Don't let any of my green friends see this but not bothered as it is at work!  To be honest if they listened to me in the first place and turned the heating down there would not be an issue, so serves them right if you ask me.

I have only been here 2 months, and the 6 other people EACH have an electric heater under their desk to warm them during the winter, and I assume cool them in the summer!  Madness if you ask me, but... ::)
Title: Re: Small Portable Air Conditioning Unit
Post by: kev2b4 on 19 February 2013, 16:05:04
Can't remember make- kept meaning to get instn manual and egay it, but moved it from shed where it was in the way of my boats into garage-
it's large/heavyish- and now clutters garage up!-
Am down in sussex this week, but will have a look Fri/sat'y and let you know
Title: Re: Small Portable Air Conditioning Unit
Post by: kev2b4 on 19 February 2013, 16:07:57
Aircon in UK ? never gets over 40C here
Title: Re: Small Portable Air Conditioning Unit
Post by: philsteward on 19 February 2013, 16:10:31
Aircon in UK ? never gets over 40C here

Don't know if a temp of above 40C is required for air con, and don't know if it has ever even got to that temp in the UK!!

I don't like sitting in more than 25C when in the office all suited and booted, and it is the stagnant air which makes it 10 times worse!
Title: Re: Small Portable Air Conditioning Unit
Post by: kev2b4 on 19 February 2013, 16:13:38
Am currently in office approx 23 C , have got 3 t shirts, 1 jumper, jacket with 3 linings on-- however am not cold!
Heating is 1 oil filled radiator , and only 3 people.
Having said that I still prefer Mid east for the ambient temp (not the rest of it!)
Title: Re: Small Portable Air Conditioning Unit
Post by: philsteward on 19 February 2013, 16:49:09
Am currently in office approx 23 C , have got 3 t shirts, 1 jumper, jacket with 3 linings on-- however am not cold!
Heating is 1 oil filled radiator , and only 3 people.
Having said that I still prefer Mid east for the ambient temp (not the rest of it!)
Crickey!!  We should swap offices!!  Currently 21C in mine, I only have shirt and trousers on, had to loose the tie at 12pm as was just too hot (it was nearer 25C then though)
Title: Re: Small Portable Air Conditioning Unit
Post by: TheBoy on 19 February 2013, 17:28:11
I use one of those portable, floor standing units here on those hot days.  Be aware, most are intrusively noisy.
Title: Re: Small Portable Air Conditioning Unit
Post by: Sir Tigger KC on 19 February 2013, 17:57:39
I use one of those portable, floor standing units here on those hot days.  Be aware, most are intrusively noisy.

..... and will chew up electricity like there's no tomorrow!!  ::)
Title: Re: Small Portable Air Conditioning Unit
Post by: Lizzie_Zoom on 19 February 2013, 17:59:39
Aircon in UK ? never gets over 40C here

Don't know if a temp of above 40C is required for air con, and don't know if it has ever even got to that temp in the UK!!

I don't like sitting in more than 25C when in the office all suited and booted, and it is the stagnant air which makes it 10 times worse!

True. That is what aircon stops in commercial buildings with electronic hardware pumping out heat, or just poor building design. :y :y