Mount Pleasant DC Forum

[John B.]

With the brutally hot & humid DC summer fast approaching, I have a basement apartment that needs to be air conditioned. The windows are small and oddly shaped, and I don't want to sacrifice either of them for a window unit (and legally, the bedroom window must remain clear as a fire escape anyway).

Does anybody have experience--good or bad--with portable air conditioners? These units are contained entirely within the room, with only an exhaust hose venting through a window. They seem to be only slightly more expensive than an equivalent window unit. Any recommended brands? Do any local stores carry them? (They are on the Bestbuy website but the local store doesn't stock them.)

[Barbara]

It's probably way too late... but I used to live in a basement apartment and still have mine but no longer use it. I'd be willing to let it go for a song (I paid close to $1k for when I got it - there weren't as many options then). I know they start around $450 now.

You should know that this particular one uses water - you fill a 1 or 2 gallon tank. As I recall, I only had to do that every few days and the water makes it more efficient energy-wise. It worked quite well for my english basement - not only cooled the place off but got rid of the dampness.

[John B.]

Thanks, but I ended up ordering a Sunpentown portable air conditioner from Amazon.com. It cost about $500 (including shipping) and was delivered in just 3 days. So far it seems to be doing its job and our tenant is happy with it. One advantage of this model is that it expels most of the moisture out the exhaust hose with the hot air (it apparently uses the extracted moisture to help cool the air--don't ask me how), so the reservoir needs to be emptied only occasionally. The main problem is that the exhaust hose isn't quite long enough to reach up to the window so we had to set it on a low table--not the most stable solution, and rendering it most un-portable. It is also big and heavy, so I would definitely recommend a window unit if at all possible--this was a last resort measure.

[jathomps68]

I have used window air conditioners, and in my experience they have been really ineffective, on a really hot days I didn't notice any difference.

[robsam]

Hello Jhon ,
Actually you do not need any air conditioner for your basement all you need is a dehumidifier which will make your basement, humidity free & fresh. A good brand Basement Dehumidifier will be good for you. . Go for it . Your problem will be solved .