Knowing the anticipated cost of any product or service is naturally important, and heating, cooling, and air management rentals are no exception. Several key elements play a role in determining your costs for such rentals—some that are relatively obvious, plus a few others you might not have considered.
At 1 Source Portable Air, we're here to help with a wide range of portable air conditioning, heating, and air quality rentals for any client need. What are the key elements that will dictate your costs for such needs? Below are the top factors that determine rental rates.
One of the single largest determinants of cost is the size of the air conditioner, heater, or drying unit. Size is dictated by a number of factors—including the size and layout of your space, as well as the intended application and whether people will be occupying the space.
When it comes to sizes, expect to see different metrics depending on the product type. For air conditioners, unit capacity is typically measured in tons, whereas heaters may be categorized by kW (kilowatts) or BTU (British Thermal Unit). Dehumidifiers may be sized by gallons per day (GPD) or CFM (cubic feet per minute), depending on whether the unit is a refrigerant dehumidifier or a desiccant dehumidifier. The different measurement types and options may be confusing, but the experts at 1 Source Portable Air can collaborate with you to ensure the equipment you select is right-sized for the project at hand.
Rental duration will also play a huge role in determining overall costs. For example, if you're renting an air conditioning or heating unit for just one day, your costs are naturally going to be much lower than if you're looking at using these models for several weeks' worth of coverage on a long-term basis.
However, these costs typically aren't linear in nature. That is, the longer your rental is, the greater the day-by-day discount you'll likely receive. Make sure to discuss cost differences between daily, weekly, and monthly rates with your rental provider to ensure you get the most savings possible.
Another factor that will play a role in your costs is the actual placement of your rental unit. This includes both whether you'll be indoors or outdoors with the unit, plus any special considerations for setting it up and taking it down safely.
For instance, if you plan to use an air conditioner or heater rental on an outdoor job site, you'll need to ensure that the unit will be able to handle the weather conditions. In some cases, you might need to cover it when not in use and also make sure that there's easy access for technicians and other staff members who may be required to set up, maintain, or take down the rental.
As you might imagine, the amount of energy and power you'll use with your rental will also influence costs. This starts with making sure that the unit you rent can handle the needs of your situation and space without overworking itself. For example, if you have a business or office setting that requires full-power air conditioning and heating for 8 hours per day at a consistent rate, you'll want to ensure that your chosen unit can handle this demand.
A factor in electrical costs that's not as obvious is how much power you can access from an external source if needed. If a commercial client requires portable heating, dehumidification, or air conditioning and doesn’t have access to a generator, you'll have to account for the added costs of electricity.
Depending on the type of unit you rent, there may be different types of warranties or other protections available. It’s always a good idea to review the protection offered by your rental provider and determine what coverage it includes. Investing in protection plans may save you money down the road, especially if a rental unit is damaged or stolen.
Costs in heating, cooling, and dehumidification rentals can vary widely from one provider to another. By knowing what factors play a role in these rates, you'll be able to knowledgeably shop around for the best prices possible. However, it’s important to bear in mind that the absolute lowest price may be an indicator of subpar equipment or service. It’s important to weigh cost with company reputation, fleet health, and service standards to ensure you get the most out of your rental.
If you're ever looking for help with concepts like these, our team at 1 Source Portable Air is happy to assist you. Whether you're interested in renting a unit or are just looking for more information, we'll make sure that your experience is as convenient and straightforward as possible. Contact us today!
