Just like a movie trailer lets you in on the basic plot of a movie, this overview will give you a picture of the AC rental world. Air conditioning manufacturers sell and sometimes provide commercial air conditioning rentals and residential air conditioner rentals. The difference is partly determined by the size of space you are trying to cool.

These manufacturers also work together with portable air conditioner rental manufacturers in order to offer you comprehensive solutions. Distributors gather manufacturers' products to supply your local air conditioner rental company with a selection of units to offer you. With all these options for AC rentals, which one is right for you?

1. Is the contractor listening to you and finding out what your desires are for your air conditioner rental?

2. Is the contractor knowledgeable and thoroughly answering the questions you have about AC rentals?

3. Is the contractor licensed and insured?

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AC rentals are provided by manufacturers

We all know the manufacturers make the parts, units and systems. Did you also know that manufacturers will also rent them to you through their sales offices and service companies? You should expect superb customer service because the service providers are trained directly from the manufacturer.

I recommend: Trane is prepared to handle your planned and emergency cooling needs with 140 sales and service offices and 24 hour availability. Trane works directly with DENSO Corporation to provide customers with MovinCool products to be able to provide the best in portable air conditioner rental. Carrier, whose founder pioneered modern air conditioning, boasts a world presence. They supplied the air conditioners for the 2008 Beijing Olympics.

Rent air conditioners from a local company

An air conditioning rental does not have to come from a manufacturer in order to still give you top quality. Sometimes, just like when dealing with automobile repairs, you will get a better price from a smaller local shop than with the dealer, and with similar service. If a local contractor keeps up with training, licensing, and the latest products, they can offer competitive services.

I recommend: Genie Air Conditioning & Heating has a search page to assist you in finding a local HVAC company to contact about rental AC. The Air Conditioning Contractors of America have several checklists for you to use to compare local companies to make sure you are getting the best quality on your AC unit rentals.

Research details on air conditioners for rent and the company offering them

Sometimes we don't know what to ask about. Checking with industry associations will help you know exactly what you should be asking about and keeping an eye open for. Part of their goal is to better the industry and educate consumers. Making sure the consumer is happy is part of reaching that goal.

I recommend: The American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE) dedicated to advancing the HVAC industry. Their Consumer Center will help you gain better understanding. They advise when you are looking for an HVAC service provider for your air conditioning rental needs, to make sure they are ASHRAE certified. Check for the seasonal energy-efficiency rating, or SEER, when looking at the actual rental AC unit. The higher the rating, the more efficient the machine is. The rating is controlled by the Air-Conditioning, Heating and Refrigeration Institute.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  The capacity of rental air conditioners is measured in BTUs just like with permanent air conditioning systems. BTU is the amount of energy it takes to raise the temperature of 1 lb. of water by 1 degree Fahrenheit.
• •  Your provider will calculate the size of AC unit rentals you need with this calculation: Every 400 square feet is recommended to have 12,000 BTU.

Air conditioning rentals may be ideal for some situations. If you are in a temporary setting, have a traveling business or just want to try out an air conditioning model before investing, then renting is the way to go.

Prices vary greatly according to the type of air conditioners for rent and the electric supply needed to power them. Some companies offer advice on which model you need and what will serve you best. It is a good idea to take advantage of these services, even if they charge a small fee for it.

When choosing an AC rental you need to:

1. Go with a reputable AC rental company.
2. Sign a contract detailing everything from repairs to fees to length of terms.
3. Reserve the unit way in advance, especially for the summer months.

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Rent a window air conditioning unit

Window units work well for residential air conditioning and small offices. Installation fees may be high since installing a unit in a window requires a small bit of carpentry. Other than installation, a window unit is probably the cheapest month-to-month rental cost.

I recommend: Find a window unit for rent at Air Assurance Company Ltd.

Get central AC unit rentals

Central air conditioning units are the most consistent in cooling and the most efficient. They are great for residences or small to medium office settings. A central air conditioner rental is much more reliable than window or potable units, so this is a good choice if your business has plenty of computer and technological equipment that needs to stay cool in order to work properly.

I recommend: Rent a central air conditioning unit from NuTemp or OnSite Energy.

Choose a portable air conditioner rental

Portable air conditioner rentals are often used for events such as weddings, live performances and sporting events. They can also be used to cool small areas in buildings too large to condition the whole thing. In settings like these, the portable unit is often moved along with workers as they move around.

I recommend: Rent portable air conditioners nationwide from Spot Coolers or Topp Portable Air. Some companies offering commercial air conditioning rentals are local. Air Conditioner Rental and Leasing Inc. serves the Northeast, including New York.

Use an industrial air conditioning unit

These are the most expensive to rent, run and install. They are also the biggest investment to buy, so renting beforehand is a wise move. These cool off the largest areas such as large offices and factories.

I recommend: Find commercial AC rentals at Specialty Refrigeration and Equipment or Movin Cool.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Don't go with the cheapest prices, which probably translate into oldest units and worst service.
• •  Ask about installation fees associated with air conditioner rentals, which may make low prices invalid.
• •  Don't forget to inquire about delivery fees of the AC rentals, which may be astronomical.

When your world gets too hot and you need a temporary remedy to cool off, consider an air conditioner rental. If you don't know where to start, some air conditioner rental basics will drop that temp fast. There are many reasons you might need to rent air conditioners:

1. AC rental helps when you are waiting for a new air conditioning unit to be installed.

2. AC rentals can be utilized while you wait for your broken machine to be repaired.

3. Rent air conditioners if you will be in a space temporarily.

Contact your trusted air conditioning service company when you need assistance getting cooled off through AC unit rentals. Your provider will work with you to discover your exact rental needs. When a decision has been made, a good service provider will work with you to set up the rental AC with the least amount of disruption to you and your space.

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Know what is important to you before you rent air conditioners

Will sound volume be a problem if a unit is placed inside? Do you need a generator? Are dehumidification, adjustable settings, energy saving options, size or portability important to you? One overlooked aspect could lead you to regret your decision and leave you stuck with it for the duration of your contract with the service company.

I recommend: The Consortium For Energy Efficiency has a directory of both light commercial and commercial systems that meet high standards for energy efficiency. Sylvane has the solution for you if a quiet portable air conditioner is what you need. Sharp CV-P10MX Portable Air Conditioner is advertised as being "library quiet."

Understand the kinds of air conditioner rentals that are available to you

Depending on your needs, you can rent portable air conditioners or systems up to 50 tons. You can rent air conditioners, air handlers, chillers, cooling towers, dehumidifiers or generators.The goal of air conditioner rentals is to fulfill your expectations for cooling your space while attempting to duplicate the effectiveness of a permanent system. Understand that an AC rental is meant to provide some relief. It cannot take the place of a permanent system.

I recommend: Atlas Sales and Rentals considers themselves a trail-blazer in portable air conditioner rental. They have offices scattered throughout the United States. For advice on larger, commercial air conditioning rentals, and for explanations on the other available systems, visit On Site Energy Company.

Choose a quality system from an air conditioning rental provider of good reputation

Take a minute to ensure you are making the right choice by researching to make sure you are getting the best value. Making a hasty decision can leave you hot, upset and cost you money. Look for reviews on the company you want to use as well as the product they recommend to you.

I recommend: AllergyBuyersClub.com will give you product information and ratings and reviews on some of the products recommended to you by your service company. If you do not have a service provider, find a few to select from at RentalSite or FurnaceCompare.com which offers a list of qualified and screened companies.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Portable air conditioners will take up a little space. If you choose a portable air conditioner rental, make sure you have adequate space for it where it will not get in your way and where exhaust can easily be disposed of.

Understanding the air-conditioner rental business requires some knowledge of the air-conditioning industry in general. Other necessary information is specific to the air-conditioner rental industry. Many types of AC machines are the same, as are the theory and workings of a cooling system. A few air-conditioner rental key terms will give you a better understanding of the way rental air conditioners run, and of the rental AC business.

Action Steps
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British thermal unit (BTU)

A British thermal unit is the amount of energy necessary to raise the temperature of a pound of water 1 degree. The power of heating and cooling devices is measured in BTUs.

I recommend: The Energy Advocate provides more information on BTUs.

Bonded, licensed and insured

Bonding, licensing and insurance are forms of security for either your customer or your business, depending on the situation. Bonding gives consumers a promise of remuneration should a problem occur for which the contractor is at fault. Licensing guarantees that the contractor is an expert in his field. Insurance is procured for the benefit of the contractor if an incident occurs, since the customer is likely not to be responsible for the costs.

I recommend: Companies that rent air conditioners should be bonded, licensed and insured. For a description of each term, go to Bargaineering.

Portable air conditioners

Portable air conditioners are mobile air conditioners that can be rented for use in any circumstance. They are often self-contained units and even have wheels for ease of mobility.

I recommend: Visit WiseGeek for information about portable air conditioners.

MovinCool

MovinCool is a brand of portable air conditioner that leads the air-conditioning rental market.

I recommend: Learn about MovinCool at Atlas Sales & Rentals.

Chiller

Rental chillers can be water cooled or air cooled.

I recommend: Learn more about chillers at Cooling Technology. More information on air-cooled chillers can be found at Engineers Edge.

Air handler

The air handler, another type of air-conditioning unit that can be rented, is the part of a split system that accelerates the cooled air throughout a space.

I recommend: See air-handler products and learn more about air-handler function from Trane.