Portable air conditioners have grown in popularity recently, becoming one of the most used cooling solutions in many homes today.
However, their popularity hasn’t been without controversy, as the debate over whether portable air conditioners are as good as window units continue to rage on.
In this article, we’ll compare these two types of air conditioners and help you decide which will be best for you and your home.
What Is An Air Conditioner?
Air conditioning is a mechanical system that removes heat and humidity from the inside of a building to maintain an acceptable level of comfort for its occupants. An air conditioner uses refrigerants (coolant) and an electric motor to produce cool air that can be circulated throughout the building.
The cool air reduces both humidity levels and temperature, which makes people more comfortable by lowering their heat index (how hot they feel). It also lowers the strain on their cooling systems by reducing the heat they need to remove from their environment.
Air conditioners come in many different sizes, but there are two main types:
- Window units
- Portable units
Window units sit in a window or wall space, while portable ACs can be used anywhere there’s floor space.
Though window units provide better energy efficiency, portables offer other benefits, such as not taking up any valuable floor space when not used.
In addition to these features, portable ACs also have features such as remote controls and electronic thermostats. Window ACs cost less than portables overall because they’re easier to install. However, if you don’t have a place for it to sit permanently or want something you can take with you from room to room without disconnecting anything, then a portable unit may be the best option for your needs!
How Does An Air Conditioner Work?
One of the best ways to keep your home cool in the summer is by installing an air conditioner. Window units have a hose that comes out of the side and goes through an open window, whereas portable ac units typically sit on a flat surface like a table or floor.
Window ac units take in hot, humid outside air and cool it down using cold refrigerant, which then circulates inside the unit back into your house. The cold refrigerant creates a low-pressure zone that draws heat from inside your house through the ducts and into the unit, where it’s converted to heat energy and then dissipated outside.
Portable air conditioners work similarly but don’t need any ductwork because they’re self-contained machines. When you turn them on, they draw in warm outdoor air and expel cool indoor air through vents placed around the room for even distribution.
Both systems use electricity (although portable ones will use less).
Moreso, you’ll need to set up a dedicated circuit with sufficient wattage to operate both devices simultaneously without overloading circuits. Some models can run off battery power if needed, though.
So, overall they are similar but not quite identical – there are some pros and cons to each type of AC.
Related: Air Conditioner vs Air Purifier Comparison
What Is The Difference Between Window And Portable Air Conditioner?
For the most part, window air conditioners are usually installed in windows and require a power source that can be plugged into an outlet. This can cause some issues with wiring and installation.
Window air conditioners also need to be installed close to the window they’re going in so they can maintain maximum cooling power while still being able to suck in hot air from outside.
Portable air conditioners are often easier to install and don’t require wiring or outlet plug-in. They’re also very easy to use since you just need to turn them on near any window or door you want them hooked up next.
You might have seen portable air conditioners sold in many places, including hardware stores, big box stores, and department stores. They range anywhere from $100-$500. And for this air conditioner price, you get all the benefits of a high-quality AC unit without paying a ton upfront.
The only downside is that they take up space if you want to move them around your house. Moving them around your house might not be ideal if you live in a small apartment or tight house.
Related: Benefits Rechargeable Air Conditioners
What Is The Reason For Going Portable?
Most portable air conditioners are designed for smaller rooms and are cheaper. A window unit is better if you’re looking for a long-term solution to cool your entire home.
It’s not hard to find out which room size would be ideal for each type of AC; simply use Google Maps or another mapping software to get measurements for any room that could use extra cooling.
What Is The Cost of A Portable Air Conditioner?
Portable air conditioners are less expensive than window units because they don’t require installation and can be carried from room to room. However, while they are cheaper upfront, portable air conditioners have a higher ongoing cost of operation.
You will have to replace the cooling agent every few months in a portable unit, which costs anywhere between $8-$25 depending on the size of the unit.
A window unit typically has a yearly maintenance fee of less than $30. In addition, window units cool more effectively than portable air conditioners because their installation leaves them close to the opening for better ventilation.
What Are The Benefits of A Portable Air Conditioner?
There are many benefits to investing in a portable air conditioner. One of the main benefits is their portability. It’s much easier to move your portable air conditioner from room to room than it is to move a window unit. And with most models, you can even take them with you on vacation or when you’re out for the day.
Another benefit is that they are much quieter than a window unit, so you don’t have to worry about what time of day it is if you want peace and quiet without turning off your portable air conditioner.
Lastly, there’s the cost-saving aspect.
A good quality portable air conditioner will cost less to buy and use over time than a window unit.
Related: Rechargeable Air Conditioner vs Inverter Air Conditioner Comparison
Conclusion
Portable air conditioners and window units are excellent options for cooling your home or workspace. But, if you have a small space or need to move the unit periodically, a portable AC is probably your best bet. A window unit will take up more space in your room and requires you to hang it on the wall.
In this case, it’s important to know that not all portable air conditioners are created equal; some models don’t cool quite as well and require regular maintenance by a professional HVAC technician. If you can afford it, the more expensive models may be worth the price tag to save yourself some money down the line on repairs.
