Picking A Unit

Alright so which unit do you select? Choosing the right AC depends on more than just square footage. The size of the space matters, but so do heat-producing equipment, insulation, windows, occupancy, ventilation, and how the space is being used.

The good news: you don't need to be an HVAC expert. Start with the questions below, and if you're still unsure, just give us a call and we'll help you choose the right unit for your situation.

1. What Type of Space Are You Trying to Cool?

Start by identifying the area that actually needs cooling.

Portable AC rentals are especially useful for targeted spaces such as:

  • Offices and conference rooms
  • Server, IT, telecom, and equipment rooms
  • Retail and commercial spaces
  • Workshops and maintenance areas
  • Construction and renovation areas
  • Classrooms and temporary workspaces
  • Individual rooms affected by an HVAC outage
  • Heat-sensitive equipment or work areas

If only one portion of a building is experiencing a heat problem, spot cooling may be more practical than trying to cool the entire building.

2. How Large Is the Space?

Square footage provides a useful starting point, but it isn't the only factor.

Two rooms of the same size can require very different amounts of cooling. For example, a small server room filled with heat-producing equipment may need more cooling than a larger office with only a few people inside.

When choosing a unit, consider:

  • Room dimensions and ceiling height
  • Number of people regularly occupying the space
  • Computers, servers, machinery, or other heat-producing equipment
  • Large windows or direct sunlight
  • How well the space is insulated
  • Whether doors frequently open to warmer areas

3. Are You Cooling People, Equipment, or Both?

Your cooling goal makes a difference.

Comfort cooling focuses on keeping employees, tenants, customers, or occupants comfortable.

Equipment cooling focuses on protecting servers, electronics, machinery, or other heat-sensitive equipment from excessive temperatures.

Spot cooling directs conditioned air toward a particular workstation, machine, server rack, or problem area rather than cooling every part of the room equally.

Knowing the goal helps determine where the unit should be placed and how much cooling may be required.

4. What Power Is Available?

Portable ACs may require different electrical connections depending on the unit.

Before renting, check what power is available near the area being cooled. This can include standard electrical outlets or higher-voltage commercial power.

We'll help you match the equipment to the electrical setup at your location.

5. Where Will the Hot Air Go?

Portable ACs remove heat from the space and must exhaust that heat somewhere else.

Depending on the location, exhaust air may be directed through:

  • A window
  • A doorway
  • A ceiling or return-air space
  • Existing ducting
  • Another suitable area outside the space being cooled

Planning the exhaust route is an important part of selecting and positioning the unit.

Still Not Sure Which Unit You Need?

That's completely normal. Temporary cooling situations can vary considerably from one building to another.

Tell us what you're cooling, the approximate size of the space, your available power, and what's creating the heat. We can help determine which unit makes the most sense for your application.