It's summer, a time when overworked HVAC systems become prone to failure and portable air conditioners are pressed into emergency service. But portable air conditioners are not just for use in hot weather. They can provide solutions to a range of heat-related and comfort challenges year-round. This article will review what facility owners and managers need to know about portable cooling equipment for the summer season and beyond.

Equipment Types
There are three main types of portable equipment in use today:

• Air-cooled portable air conditioners, which exhaust hot air through ductwork. Air-cooled portable air conditioners are the most commonly used equipment because they can be installed almost anywhere, usually in minutes. They are preferred over water-cooled units where water leakage, no matter how unlikely, would be catastrophic (e.g., in rooms that house computer servers).
• Water-cooled portable air conditioners, which connect to an external water source. They are best-suited for use in facilities with central cooling towers or chiller systems or where the municipal water supply is plentiful and economical. Water-cooled systems do not require exhaust ducts, so they often are specified when there is no convenient way to exhaust hot air out of a room (e.g., in restaurants).
• Evaporative coolers, which use an internal or external water source to provide cooling and a fan to push air across a space. Although their performance is not comparable to that of portable air conditioners, they can provide a simple, low-cost cooling option for specialized use—most commonly, for outdoor areas where the budget or power supply is limited, as they can run on standard residential current. Warehouses are another common application for these units.

The Role of an Emergency Preparedness Plan
When it comes to protecting people, equipment, and/or critical processes, it is wise to plan ahead and be prepared for the worst-case scenario. If you anticipate using portable cooling for emergency backup:

• Make sure there is a backup generator capable of providing sufficient power for portable cooling.
• Pinpoint areas to be cooled.
• Consider special vulnerabilities. Power outages are not the only factor to consider. Rooftop air handlers and other outdoor units may be vulnerable to breakdowns caused by fallen trees and airborne debris.
• Check nearby power outlets for the required voltage and phase. If none is available, determine the requirements for electrical cables, extension cords, and other accessories.
• Establish a written emergency cooling plan that includes a list of the areas to be cooled, a full inventory of needed portable units and accessories, and emergency contact information for the portable-air-conditioning supplier.
• When possible, specify equipment delivery before an anticipated event, such as a hurricane. When disaster strikes and panic mode sets in, the demand for portable cooling equipment often exceeds the local supply. Ordering ahead is the best way to ensure your facility will have the right equipment at the right time.

Portable Cooling Solutions for Non-Emergencies
Besides emergency backup, a common application for portable air-conditioning units is bridging gaps during construction or renovation. When work on a building addition or remodel is under way, a central HVAC system may be shut down or not even be installed yet. Not only does portable cooling provide relief to construction crews, it can facilitate work processes. For example, by controlling temperature and humidity, it allows faster drying of spackle and better acclimation of wood flooring and paneling to prevent warping or buckling.