Get matched with top heating and air conditioning pros in Sardis, MS

Not if you have a standard unit. Because portable AC units actually work to dehumidify the room, you’ll likely need to drain the unit from time to time—but you won’t have to put water into it. There is, however, another type of air conditioner called a swamp cooler that requires water to operate. If you have a swamp cooler, you may need to fill a reservoir with water and potentially ice. But a swamp cooler is different from a standard portable AC unit.

If you have central air conditioning, it’s fine to run your AC all day if that’s what you want—as long as the AC unit is in good condition. But if your AC runs constantly when you don’t want it to, there may be a problem with your system (like the ones we’ve mentioned above). Window AC units and wall air conditioners aren’t as powerful as central AC, so you should only run those kinds of air conditioners for eight to 12 hours at a time.

Most experts recommend getting three to five HVAC quotes from licensed, insured, reputable local heating and cooling companies. Getting multiple detailed HVAC quotes (but not too many) lets you compare the equipment, services, and prices of several contractors without being overwhelmed by options. It can also let you see if one contractor’s prices are much higher or lower than the others and give you a chance to ask for clarification. That way, you can weed out any contractors who aren’t providing quality services or materials and find the company that best meets your budget, quality requirements, and long-term goals.

You should get anywhere from three to five quotes for HVAC replacement to get an idea of the average cost of a new unit. Although this quote-collecting process can be time consuming, it allows you to compare what work is required, what type of unit you should install, and how much you should expect to pay for the service.