Car portable air conditioners may seem like a great idea if the air conditioning in your car is broken. Car air conditioners can be rather costly to fix. However, it would be wise to know the facts about car portable air conditioners before you go looking to purchase one.
Fact #1
Car portable air conditioners are extremely rare. In fact, many people create or build their own or simply just opt for having their engine driven air conditioner fixed. Although having your factory built, engine driven, air conditioner in your car fixed can be costly, it may be more feasible.
Fact #2
There are a few portable car air conditioners made available for purchase. There is the MW1 also known as the MightyKool 3-Speed Personal Air Cooler, which runs on 12 volts. It has the noise level of 59dB, which is rather loud especially if used in a small space like a car. However, it is said to be rather efficient at cooling your vehicle. There is also the KoolerAire which requires for you to purchase a cooler separate from the 12 volt air conditioner itself. There are a few other models out there for purchase too.
Fact #3
Car portable air conditioners usually need water or ice in order to function. Water is more commonly used in dry heat and ice is typically used for more humid areas. Considering that water or ice is needed to make these units function, they tend to need refilling after a few hours depending on how hot it is.
Fact # 4
Some models, like the MW1, may offer flex hose kits which allow for the warm air to be vented out of the vehicle. Typically these are used more for tents, campers, and boats but they can be used in a vehicle as well.
Fact #5
These car air conditioners cost anywhere from $40 upwards to $400. The KoolAire is probably the cheapest of the car portable air conditioners costing around $40. However, you can probably find it for cheaper with a little online searching.
Fact #6
These car air conditioners are only available for purchase online. They aren’t very hard to find but your options are extremely limited.
Fact #7
These units do not have features like a portable room air conditioner. They are fairly simple. They have a fan that blows cool air out. That’s basically all they offer. Their dimensions differ and so does their requirement for water or ice.
If wanting a way to cool your vehicle, you may really want to rethink purchasing car portable air conditioners. It may be easier and more convenient for you to just have your engine driven air conditioner fixed. It all depends on what you expect from a portable car air conditioner, the price you can pay, and whether or not you mind having a portable air conditioner taking up room in your car. To find a solution to cooling your vehicle, you will really have to absorb the facts above and decide what is best for you.