How the Meaco air conditioner can transform your summer
Some may question whether air conditioners are worth the energy usage, the cost and the noise that comes with it. But so far during this heat and last year's hot, albeit short, heatwave this could be a lifesaver
The Meaco air conditioners have been saving my sleep
(Image: MEACO )
The weather's been really something. Scorching hot some days, and even when the sun's not shining, the air remains thick and balmy. In the last few weeks, Brits have seen temperatures soar to a sizzling 33°C in some areas.
With that in mind, people have been scrambling to find the best way to cool down, with many reaching for fans and any form of lightweight clothing. However, respite from the heat might be best solved with a portable air conditioner, which has been credited for "transforming" experiences with the hot weather - and it could do the same for others.
While some may be initially dubious about the energy consumption, cost, and potential noise associated with such a unit; during this current heatwave and last year's brief but intense hot spell, this could be proven invaluable.
Technology Affiliates writer, Christopher Harper said that he invested in the MeacoCool MC Series Pro 10000 CH BTU Portable Air Conditioner, which set him back around £400 at Costco. Despite the hefty price tag, it has more than justified its cost by keeping both Chris and his partner comfortably cool, particularly while working from home, reports the Mirror.
When it comes to selecting the right air conditioner, most households would be well-served by this 7000BTU model priced at £329.99. However, for those needing to cool a larger space, Chris recommended opting for the same 10000 BTU unit, available for £429.
Air conditioning units are sized by "BTU" which is an acronym for British Thermal Units. BTU measures the heat quantity needed to increase the temperature of one pound of water by one degree Fahrenheit. Love dreamy Welsh homes? Sign up to our newsletter here
In choosing an air conditioner, it's vital that the BTU rating matches the size of the space you wish to cool. For Chris, a 10000 BTU unit was effective in lowering the temperature upstairs, particularly in the bedroom, ensuring comfortable sleep.
It's essential first to calculate the square footage of the space you're cooling using a BTU calculator online, and then select an air conditioner with the corresponding BTU rating.
Selecting a slightly higher BTU than necessary, would allow for the option of cooling bigger areas like the living room, which is something potential buyers should consider as well.
The Dry Mode on the air conditioner, also acts both as a cooler and dehumidifier by extracting moisture from the air, significantly reducing mugginess before bedtime. Note that using this feature requires attaching a hose and container to dispose of the collected moisture.
Additionally, there's the Cool Mode that promptly blasts cold air, substantially diminishing indoor warmth in about half an hour.
For those scouting for alternatives, AppliancesDirect offers a 12000 BTU unit from electriQ for £349, or there's a Costway 12000BTU variant listed at £299.95.
However, it's not all plain sailing with air conditioners of this sort. Despite their energy efficiency, they do consume a significant amount of electricity.
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Portable air conditioners are also quite loud. While you may acclimatise to the noise - it may take some time because it is very loud. There's also the task of handling a large hose outside the window - which can be tricky and irritating.
But considering the relief it provides during scorching periods like these, it may be the right price to pay to tolerate the additional cost and noise - just to avoid feeling like you're dissolving like an ice lolly.
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