How to Select the Right Size Commercial Grade Portable Air Conditioners
Portable air conditioners are useful for cooling server rooms, hospitals, special events and even for emergency cooling needs. When you take a look at the number of commercial grade portable air conditioners on the market though, it can feel a bit overwhelming. Each offers unique specifications that are best suited for particular environments and use cases.
Temporary cooling manufacturing as a whole has come a long way. Even though the technology is more adaptable than ever, selecting the right size for your commercial business needs is important.
This article will offer insights to help you learn how to choose the proper equipment and why selecting the right size portable air conditioner is so important to your operation.
A Review of Cooling Capacity
For starters, it is important to take a look at BTUs and what this measurement is used for. It gauges how much heat air conditioning systems will be able to remove from a given space every hour.
There’s an association between the size of a commercial space and the BTUs per hour needed to successfully keep the area cool. Another angle to consider is that there are multiple factors that will play into the required BTU rating for a commercial space.
Some of these factors include:
- The size of the space and insulation
- Exposure to sunlight
- Equipment that generates heat
- Ceiling height
- And more
Once you take all of these aspects into account, you will be able to narrow down the kind of portable cooling system you need. For the most part, the size of your space will be one of the biggest focal points.
BTU Ratings and Size of Commercial Space
The required BTU rating for the space you’re working with can vary a bit depending on the many factors mentioned so far. However, there are some general guidelines you can follow to help point you toward the right spot cooler.
| BTU Rating | Recommended Coverage Area |
| 1 Ton- 14,000 BTU | 400 – 700 square feet |
| 2 Ton- 21,000 BTU | 700 – 1,400 square feet |
| 5 Ton- 71,000 BTU | 2,000 – 2,500 square feet |
| 12 Ton- 144,400 BTU | 4000+ square feet |
As one might expect, the BTU rating will scale as the space gets larger. When searching for the right spot cooling system, it is vital to review the BTU rating and compare it to the size of your space.
Properly Assessing Your Space for Cooling
Aside from getting the size in square feet, you’ll want to consider the factors that may impact your buying decision and the temporary cooling performance. Again, factors such as ceiling height and even equipment that generates heat can negatively affect the cooling load.
A good example of this is that buildings with higher ceilings and lacking insulation will likely need a portable AC system with a higher BTU rating. This means it would be able to effectively combat these conditions while providing consistent cooling all throughout the space.
Selecting the Right Cooling Option
On top of all the details mentioned in this article, it never hurts to consult the professionals before diving in head first. Commercial spaces are known to be temperature sensitive due to their size alone, and cooled systems are the answer.
Then again, it isn’t as easy as blowing cold air, as specific areas, equipment, and structural qualities have to be considered. Speaking with those who understand HVAC systems can offer thorough insight into which conditioning systems are best for your situation.
Mobile Air and Power Rentals offers a wide range of commercial grade portable air conditioning that is affordable, dependable, and versatile. If you’d like to explore the ins and outs of commercial grade portable air conditioners, send us a message, and we’ll get back to you with the answers.
