Many applications require the use of portable HVAC equipment, and one of the most popular and well-known is events. Whether hosted indoors or outside, events almost always require some type of supplement HVAC, portable cooling in particular. Knowing how to proceed when selecting this equipment is important.
At 1 Source Portable Air, we're happy to offer an unmatched selection of cooling equipment rentals, including spot coolers, split systems, high-capacity coolers and more. If you're selecting one or more such pieces of equipment for an upcoming event, here are some basic tips on what to look for.
One of the first things to consider is whether your event will be inside or outside. More specifically, you need to determine whether your venue will have a source of fresh air. Refrigerant-based portable air conditioners are limited to indoor use, whereas evaporative coolers, also known as swamp coolers, are meant for outdoor applications or indoor use as long as a source of fresh air is present.
Portable air conditioners and evaporative coolers utilize unique cooling methods, each of which is best suited for certain environments. Portable air conditioners pull in the warm air and cool it through the use of a refrigerant before dispersing it into the room, exhausting the warm air outside. Evaporative coolers, on the other hand, utilize what’s known as the adiabatic method. This technology utilizes a fan to pull the surrounding dry air through a water-saturated medium before reintroducing it into the space.
Historically, evaporative coolers have also proven to be more effective in dry environments as compared to humid areas. Keep these factors in mind during your search for portable cooling equipment.
Portable HVAC units come in many different sizes, ranging from smaller spot coolers that can cool a single room to larger split systems that can keep large scale events running smoothly. As such, it's important to make sure you choose a unit that is suitable for your needs—too small and the equipment won't be able to cope with the demand, but too large and you could end up spending more money than necessary due to inefficient operation and increased wear and tear from the unit cycling on and off unnecessarily.
In addition to calculating the cooling load based on the size of your event space, it’s critical to take into consideration the heat that people and machinery generate. The general rule is to allot 600 BTU of heat per person. Other common event equipment, such as generators, also produce heat while in operation. Make sure to incorporate these additional factors into your cooling load calculation to ensure the unit(s) you select will be able to effectively cool your space.
No one wants their event to be disrupted by loud and intrusive mechanical noise, so it's important to factor this in when selecting a portable HVAC unit. All units produce some degree of noise while in operation, but some include features that can help minimize disturbances.
For instance, many modern air conditioners come with built-in sound dampening systems that help keep noise output to a minimum, as well as features such as high-efficiency motors that help reduce power consumption and thus limit vibration.
Just like any other purchase, it's always a good idea to get multiple quotes when looking for portable HVAC equipment. Make sure you shop around and compare prices between different vendors so you can be sure you're getting the best deal possible.
One of the benefits of engaging 1 Source Portable Air for HVAC equipment rentals is that we offer competitive prices and a wide selection of units so you can be sure to find just what you need.
It’s also important to think about how to store your portable HVAC system for optimal performance, as well as potential weatherproofing. For example, if you're running an outdoor event then you may need to find a way to shield the equipment from the elements, depending on whether the unit is rated for indoor use only or is appropriate for outdoor use.
Coverage themes refers to how you make sure that the cold air being produced is spread evenly throughout the event space. This could include positioning multiple units around the area, or even making use of ceiling-mounted fans to circulate the air.
By taking all of these considerations into account, you can feel confident that your portable HVAC system will run smoothly, providing a comfortable environment for your guests.
At 1 Source Portable Air, we provide a wide range of services and products to help you find the perfect portable HVAC system for your needs. Whether you're looking for an indoor or outdoor solution, we can offer competitive pricing and personalized customer service. Contact us today to learn more about our selection of units and how they can help with your event!