Question:
Has anyone tried a portable air conditioner ($900 - $1200 units) that
does not need to be connected to a window? I'm thinking of getting
one, but I'm wondering how energy efficient it is, and more importantly
how cool it would make my room (1 bedroom apartment).
Answer:
Consumer Reports rated a DeLonghi back in 1999, but didn't care for
it. They found it delivered less cooling than advertised, and used
signifigantly more power.
If the problem is a matter of geometry (slider or casement [crank]
window) you can get A/Cs designed to fit them. From looking at
Frigidaire's (http://208.155.230.135/products/homecomfort.asp), theirs
are 14.5" wide and 20.25" tall. You will still need either a wood or
plexiglass panel to fill in the hole over the A/C.
