Now that summer is in full swing, it’s a good time to review common “facts” about temporary AC that are actually untrue! Knowing what information is real and what is false can help you to get the most out of your air conditioner, and save on your electric bill.
There are techniques you can employ when using temporary AC that can help save you money, keep your project running efficiently, and keep your workers safe and healthy.
Myth 1: Air conditioning isn’t portable.
Not all air conditioners are gigantic, in fact, some are quite small! Also, spot coolers have wheels for easy transportation and placement.
Myth 2: For best results, keep the air conditioner set to the same temperature for the whole day.
Many contractors make the mistake of setting the air conditioner to the same temperature and leaving it there all day. Many people believe that if you keep a steady stream of AC going into your job site, you will save energy, compared to the energy used to cool a room that has heated up. Others turn their unit off when they leave, not realizing that it’s going to place extra stress on their unit when they turn it on in the morning, and it has to work extra to cool off the space.
If you turn your AC down (not off!) by about 10º when your building is empty, this could save money in the long run. For a detailed guide on setting your AC to the right temperature, check out our past post.
Myth 3: Air conditioning is a luxury, not a necessity.
A hot, humid environment creates a haven for mold. It also slows drying times for paint, can cause materials to swell up, and places stress on electronic equipment. It is also stressful and dangerous for your employees to work in extreme heat conditions.
Chance of illness, accidents, and fatigue increase with the temperature of a room. Working in a more comfortable space also keeps morals high.
Myth 4: If the building has central AC, there’s no reason to use portable AC.
Using portable AC in conjunction with an HVAC system can help save you money. Unlike installed AC units, you can move your portable units around, cooling only the spaces that really need it. This way, you can use your AC only where it’s really necessary. If there are hot spots in the room or the HVAC system isn’t functioning as well as it once did, portable units can also help take the stress off.
If you have maintenance scheduled on your HVAC unit, it’s a good idea to supplement with temporary air conditioner. Maintenance often takes longer than expected, and even if your system is only down for a few days, those days will feel like an eternity during a heat wave. You may also want to keep some temporary units on hand in case of an outage or HVAC issue.