Deals on Small/Portable Air Conditioners

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  kiwical on 16/10/2022 - 08:09

  +1

  I would look around for second hand. Today is a good chance as the free listing day on Trade Me yesterday means a lot of stuff got dumped there overnight.

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  cheekiecheapo on 16/10/2022 - 11:55

  +1

  I would recommend watching this video first before choosing one: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_-mBeYC2KGc (technology connections). it explains where they are deficient and where they are not.

  • 

    Tmurder91 on 16/10/2022 - 14:47

    I can second this channel - he does amazing content and should provide you with a decent amount of knowledge to make a good decision on weather you would bother with one or not

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  Stoffel on 16/10/2022 - 21:03

  When I lived in Sydney I needed to cool down my bedroom during the summer so bought a window mounted ac similar to this:

  https://www.heatpumpdiscounters.co.nz/product/1349260

  It worked well with the type of windows we had (wouldn't work at my current place with sash windows). The downside was the window became pretty much unusable with the AC in place and it was also a security risk cos the window was always unlatched.

  EEC is currently running a special on a 2.5 kw Panasonic high wall AC for $1799. If you're not renting I'd stump up and get a fixed AC, far more practical.

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  CheapAzChips on 16/10/2022 - 21:37

  Yeah, as above I've used a couple of different portable air conditioners and they basically blow a bit of cold air while heating the room. They are noisy, expensive to run, and barely satisfying unless you are sitting right in front of them.

  If you could save up a bit more money I'd say get a small heat pump installed to cool the area you need cooled the most: bedroom or small living area. You'll save money on running costs and get a far, far better outcome. Even better: if you own your home you can get an interest free loan to pay for it through some banks (eg. Westpac, ANZ). If you rent, perhaps negotiate with your landlord to put some money towards installation of one: if you're staying long term it's probably money well spent.

  Other ideas:

  • Make sure your bathroom and kitchen extraction/ventilation is adequate. Humidity makes warm air stifling. If you can keep humidity down it won't matter so much if the temperatures rise, and you'll also find the fans feel like they're doing a better job because skin evaporation will improve.
  • Consider alternative options for keeping heat out in the first place: leafy shade plants outside windows, blinds or curtains, improving ceiling insulation, etc. Identify other sources of heat that you might be able to reduce: appliances on standby, extra fridge/freezer that could maybe go in the garage, etc.
  • Look at options for fly screens so you can keep windows open at night. Try and get a cross-breeze flowing through the house to keep it cool.
  • Invest in a good fan. I've only ever bought the cheap ones ($10-30), but apparently the difference with a good one is like night and day. Much quieter, larger range of speeds, remote/app control, timers, etc. I've heard some good things about Xiaomi fans, I think there's a forum/deal post here somewhere about them.