Since their introduction in the 1980s, commercial portable spot  air conditioners, sometimes called spot coolers, have grown  steadily in popularity. 
 Today, spot air conditioners are used as an efficient, cost effective  solution in a wide variety of commercial and industrial  applications. 
 As with any type of equipment, being able to compare the total  cost of ownership of one brand with another is essential. 
Since their introduction in the 1980s, commercial portable spot  air conditioners, sometimes called spot coolers, have grown  steadily in popularity. 
 Today, spot air conditioners are used as an efficient, cost effective  solution in a wide variety of commercial and industrial  applications. 
 As with any type of equipment, being able to compare the total  cost of ownership of one brand with another is essential. 
 This guide considers the many factors that go into the total cost  of ownership, and gives buyers information to help them make a  wise purchasing decision.