Under normal conditions, our house can handle what most people consider extreme heat. It was built a hundred years ago, and the basic design and the many large windows keep us comfortable while those around us are frantically running up their electric bills.
Last summer was a major exception. The heat index was up over 124 degrees all day long. The air was so super-heated, it was like trying to draw a breath in a blast furnace. Even the nights were blisteringly hot.
Ordinary air conditioners were not the answer. The windows were not made for it, and cutting through a wall wasn't an option. It didn't leave many alternatives; we had to do SOMETHING. We quickly researched the possibilities, evaluated the most likely candidates, and decided to try the little Soleus portable.
The instructions were remarkably clear and understandable (always a good sign,) and assembling the hose was a no-brainer. It went together quickly and without incident. The only delay putting it into use came from the need to allow the refrigerant to settle before turning it on.
At 10,000 BTU, we didn't expect it to cool more than one room, so we set it up in the kitchen, sealed off the doorway with plastic sheeting to contain the cool air, and fired it up. The heat index outside was well into the life-threatening range, but within a matter of minutes, the kitchen was freezing! We had to turn it down. We made it through an impossible day in absolute comfort.
The next day was no cooler, so we headed for the kitchen, again, this time without the plastic sheeting. Over the course of a very dangerous afternoon, we were astonished to find that the little Soleus managed to cool ANOTHER large room, without turning it up any higher than we had before. The entire first floor stayed livable all the while it was running. A series of fans helped keep the air moving in the father reaches, but it was the Soleus that cooled things off.
We got another pleasant surprise when the electric bill arrived. We had run it for several hours a day for the better part of a week, and the bill was about what it always was for that time of the year.
We haven't had to use it this summer, but it's there if it's needed. Storage isn't a problem; it takes up very little floor space in the utility room. It could as easily be stored in a closet. It was a Godsend when we needed it the most. We couldn't be more delighted with this great little air conditioner.
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