Over 87% of homes in the United States use air conditioning equipment. Are you considering becoming a part of that statistic by purchasing a new AC unit?
While there are varying air conditioning units, we will focus on portable AC vs. Window AC. These are the most common units that you will find in someone’s home.
Throughout this guide, you will first learn how air conditioners work. Afterward, you will learn the differences between window and portable air conditioning units and when you should choose one over the other.
How Do Air Conditioners Work?
Before you learn about the differences between a portable AC unit and a window unit, you will want to understand how air conditioners work. First off, these units use liquid refrigerants that companies designed to remove heat from the surrounding air.
After the refrigerant removes heat from the air, it will move toward coils inside the AC. From there, the refrigerant will evaporate and evacuate the heat outside your home. Finally, the leftover cool air turns the refrigerant back into a liquid and begins the AC cycle again.
Portable AC vs. Window AC: What Are the Differences?
Window air conditioners are a single unit that you need to install in your windows. You must ensure that your window has a nearby plug outlet when installing these units because you will need it for this AC unit.
Portable air conditioners are units you can place anywhere in your home near a window and a plug outlet. You will need to open your window to filter the warm air outside with these units.
Both air conditioners use the same principles as any other AC system. However, both come with varying differences that you must understand before purchasing an air conditioning system.
Cooling Efficiency
Air conditioning uses British Thermal Units (BTU), which determine how powerful your AC unit is. The more units your air conditioner uses, the more power that it will need and the stronger the unit’s cooling capabilities are.
When comparing the two units, window-mounted units need fewer BTUs to cool the same area as portable ones. Thus, the window unit is more efficient than a portable AC.
Costs to Purchase and Run Each AC
Whether you want to purchase the best portable AC unit or its window-mounted counterpart depends on how much you want to spend. You will also need to know how many BTUs you want your unit to have.
If you want a unit with more BTUs, you will likely spend more on the unit itself and additional electricity costs.
As for installation, you won’t need to hire a professional with a portable AC unit. As for a window-based appliance, paying for a professional installer will add more to your bill.
Appearance
No matter which air conditioning unit you choose, neither is going to blend into the background. If you use a window unit, then it blocks a part of your window.
As for the portable unit, you must keep it a certain distance from your wall. Because of this, you will have a large machine with a fairly prominent in your room. Many portable units have modern designs, which make them a bit more appealing.
How They Handle Water
As the evaporator coils cool the warm air within your air conditioner, it causes condensation within your unit. Because of this effect, water will collect and drip into a drip tray within an AC unit.
When using window-mounted units, the water will drip outside, whereas you have to connect your portable unit to a water drain to get rid of excess water.
Noise Levels
When comparing both units, window-mounted air conditioners tend to make more noise than their portable counterparts. Moreover, since window units aren’t entirely insulated once a window AC unit installed, you will more likely hear sounds from outside when they are not running.
How Portable Are They?
This feature makes an enormous difference if you want to be flexible with cooling your home. For example, if you need air conditioning for a guest room but don’t want to purchase another unit, you can move your portable unit to that room.
You can also focus on cooling one area with portable units instead of an entire room, making these units ideal for remote workers who are on their computers all day.
Window units must remain stationary. If you want to cool another room, you’ll need to install another unit.
Difficulty To Install
When installing a window air conditioning unit, you will need to do much more heavy lifting than their portable counterparts. Moreover, these units are dangerous to install by yourself.
This is because you will usually need a partner to hold the appliance while performing the installation. A small window AC unit will usually be easier to install. To install window AC units right, you might want to consider hiring a professional.
With portable AC units, the manufacturers usually send an installation kit with each unit. All that you typically need to do is pull it out of the box, attach the hose and attach it to an exhaust source or a window, and plug the device in.
Advantages and Disadvantages of Window and Portable Air Conditioners
Now that you understand the differences between each air conditioning unit, what makes one better than the other? Once you finish reading this section, you will better understand in which areas both types of air conditioners excel.
Window Unit Air Conditioners
Some pros of using a window AC unit include:
- Uses less energy
- Minimalizes clutter
You will find these disadvantages when using window unit air conditioners:
- Can leak outdoor humidity and air into your home
- There isn’t any way to fully seal these units
- Your unit will have to run harder as a consequence
- Not able to cool multiple rooms
- Possible security risk with potential access for thieves to your home
These units can also cause significant issues if you don’t install them properly. For instance, if it’s loose after installation, the unit could slip from your window, fall, and injure someone. Because of this, you will need to learn how to install a window AC unit correctly or hire a professional.
Portable Air Conditioners
Portable AC units are great for these reasons:
- Instead of only using a window to vent your AC unit you can connect the venting hose to an existing exhaust system
- These come with installation kits that mean you can set up this type of unit in less than an hour
- Flexibility with placement
- Can be moved from room to room
- No impact on security
The following points may convince you that you will not need this type of air conditioning unit:
- Portable AC units tend to be fairly noisy
- Portable AC units can be less efficient meaning you’ll have higher energy costs
- A portable AC unit will take up space in your room
- You’ll need to run off the condensation
Here’s When You Should Use a Window AC
Opt for window-mounted AC units when you need to cool a single room. They’re also a good choice if you’re short on space and don’t need an additional appliance taking up valuable floor space in your room.
Moreover, if you are on a budget and can’t afford the best window AC unit, going for an older one can save you money on upfront costs and electricity bills.
When You Should Choose a Portable AC
Suppose you rent an apartment or are a part of a community that does not appreciate residents having unappealing appliances in their windows. In that case, you will need a portable AC.
You will also find more benefits with a portable unit when needing to cool multiple rooms since you can move your AC unit around your home.
However, it would be in your best interest to go for a portable AC if you live on the first floor of an apartment or if you need to condition the first floor of your home. That way, you remove the opportunity for thieves to use the additional open window space to enter your home.
Which Air Conditioner Do You Choose?
Portable AC vs. window AC, which one is the victor? In the end, that’s up to you.
Both air conditioning units offer different benefits. Moreover, each unit has different use cases. For instance, window units are best for cooling entire rooms, while portable ones can cool multiple rooms.
Are you ready to take the leap to a new AC system? Are you looking for air conditioning replacement or installation services? Contact us now for a free quote.
