I'm trying to cut down on overall cost this year, as well as do my part to go a little greener and use a bit less energy this summer.  That said, my family and I decided to turn off our central AC for good.  We're spending more time outdoors or in already cooled places during the daytime hours and trying to control the heat in the house other ways.  But, my kids (two boys, 5 and 4) aren't sleeping well at night, and I think it's because they are used to it being cooler.  I'd like to put some sort of small ac in their room that we can run periodically if need be, just to cool it down before they fall asleep. Does anyone have any good green recommendations.  I'd prefer it to be pretty quiet, I can't picture them liking anything too loud.  I've been looking at some NewAir products (Portable Air Conditioners) so far this is the only site I've seen them on.  They are the most affordable that I've found.  Does anyone have experience with these?

Thanks guys for all your help in advance! (And thanks from the boys too!)  :)

A ceiling or even a desktop fan will make a big difference - with or without AC.

If this is a home you own rather than a rental, apply the cash you would have spent on a portable or window-shaker to a ductless mini-split (or multi-split). It's considerably more money up front, but it's both more efficient and quieter and doesn't mess up fire-escape egress issues. If you get one with both heating & cooling (not dramatically more expensive than cooling-only), you can save money on the heating bill too by turning the rooms in to micro-heating zones. Look for something with an SEER north of 16, and if heating, an HSPF north of 9.5. (Any model on this regional program short list works: http://www.nwductless.com/images/2011%20preferred%20product%20list%20_final.pdf, but there are others. You can get pretty good ones down to ~8000-9000 BTU that may be more suitable for single bedroom sized zones. A 3- head multi like the Daikin or Mitsubishi on that list might be a better whole-house solution, but we're talking more serious money to go that route.)

Posted By jonr on 06 Jul 2011 01:13 PM
A ceiling or even a desktop fan will make a big difference.

This is quiet a good idea! It will really make a difference,and I don't think it eats a lot of energy!