Anyone got one of those portable aircon units?

[centurian]

The problem with the portable single-units is that not only do you have a window open - the fact that you are blowing air out of the room, means you create a pressure difference, so air just rushes in to compensate.

They overcome this with a meaty (i.e. loud) compressor, such that the cooling effect is greater than the effect of warm aim coming back in.

I believe (standard armchair-knowledge disclaimers apply) that split units are better because they can avoid this problem - so on paper they appear less powerful, but are much more effective.

[Money Money Money]

Or you can just bosh a 4" hole through the wall?

OR Like the one I picked up today that has a small condenser on the outside, you only need a 1.5" hole for the pipe or hang it out the window and have the window open a jar.

MMM

[oversteer]

The portable ones can really struggle especially if your room is large and gets the sun during the day, or isn't well insulated

Best trick is to use heavy curtains to block out the sun during the day, then open the windows at night

10x10 room you'll probably get away with a 8-10000BTU, but don't expect it to keep the temp down durnig the day with the sun blasting on the windows, and PC's running etc

Or you can just bosh a 4" hole through the wall?

OR Like the one I picked up today that has a small condenser on the outside, you only need a 1.5" hole for the pipe or hang it out the window and have the window open a jar.

MMM

You can, but warm air will come back in from somewhere, be it the outside, loft, rest of the house..

Split ones are much better, but obviously in a different league pricewise. Spend the money lining the curtains with tinfoil and tape them up before you go out. Should get the neighbours talking

[doodab]

Actually, here in Germany I have blinds that are silvered on the side that faces the window. They do work if I remember to put them down before I go out.

[DimPrawn]

And if so:

1) Do you put the "exhaust" tube out of the window? Seems to negate the idea of aircon if you need the wondow open?
2) can you sleep with them on or are they too noisy?

Get a proper split system installed. E.g. Heat Pumps, Climate Control, Office Air Conditioning, Heating and Air Conditioning, Air Con

Heat Pumps, Climate Control, Office Air Conditioning, Heating and Air Conditioning, Air Con

That's what I did when I lived down south, one in each bedroom.

Now I live oop north it's not a problem. It might be 35 deg c in London but it doesn't go higher than 22 up here. And -22 in winter.