Portable AC units bring some relief from heat

PORTLAND, Ore. – As temperatures climb into the 100s, some residents have finally broken down and purchased an air conditioning unit for their home.

“We’ve put it off for years and years, and we’re going to do it now,” said Clay Lamont, who just bought a portable AC unit for $500.

Portable AC units can be moved from room to room, unlike their window counterparts, which are confined to one room.

The manager at the Lloyd Center Sears said portable units have been more popular than the cheaper window kind, though Consumer Reports just rated similarly-sized window units better than portable ones.

The store opened with 24 portable units but expected to be sold out within a few hours.

But before purchasing an AC unit, consumers should make sure the AC unit is the correct size for room or right model for the window. If the box is opened and then returned, consumers are responsible for a restocking fee, which is usually 10 to 15 percent of the purchase price.

People like Andrew Elder who can’t afford a portable or a window unit are improvising with a cheaper model.

“We’re going to have to make some sort of converter piece or something like that or mount stuff on the bottom,” said Elder. “I’ll make it happen.”

But others like Verlean Willis are still shopping for fans. 

“I don’t think this is going to last,” said Willis. “I’m hoping it doesn’t last.”

Helpful Links

• Store supplies of air conditioning units
• Consumer Reports best buys on air conditioners
• Energy savings calculators