How to choose between a portable air conditioner vs. a window unit
IN THIS ARTICLE:
If you’re in the market for an air conditioner, you’ve probably been debating which style would work best for your home or apartment.
While both portable and window air conditioners work well to keep your space cool during the hottest summer months, they each come with unique pros and cons. To help you make an informed decision, we’ll compare the two different styles and highlight their main features as well as their drawbacks, so you can decide what makes sense for you.
Seeing as both styles operate and function in similar manners, the main differences we’ll be discussing are overall power, size and mobility.
What is a portable air conditioner?
Unlike conventional window AC units, portable air conditioners operate almost entirely indoors, using only a window exhaust hose to rid the room of warm air. As the name suggests, a portable air conditioner can be moved from room to room depending on necessity, though their weight prohibits frequent movement up and down stairs.
Like most home appliances, the price of portable air conditioners varies. When purchasing a new model, you can expect to pay anywhere from $300 to $600, depending on power, brand and additional features.
Pros of a portable air conditioner
There are several reasons why you might want to choose a portable air conditioner over a window air conditioner.
- Portable air conditioners do not block windows or require any major window installation other than the ventilation hose, allowing you to open your window when you feel like letting in some fresh air.
- Portable air conditioners can be better for large apartment buildings with strict rules or safety regulations regarding window AC units.
- Certain homes have windows that are not compatible with window AC units. In that case, a portable air conditioner would be your best option.
- Some portable air conditioners include added features, such as dehumidifying and air purification functions. If that’s something you’re looking for, a portable air conditioner might be an excellent multi-purpose appliance.
What to consider before purchasing a portable air conditioner
While portable air conditioners make sense for some people, there are several drawbacks that you might want to consider before making a purchase.
- The main issue with portable units is their size. Though they are more mobile than their window counterparts, they take up a significant amount of space in your home.
- Portable air conditioners tend to use energy less efficiently, meaning they are often not as powerful as window air conditioners. However, you can still find energy-efficient portable options.
- The amount of noise produced by portable models is another common complaint, though different models sport different decibel levels.
- If you don’t choose a self-evaporative AC, you’ll be tasked with the added maintenance of emptying and clearing out the water that builds up within the unit.
Best portable air conditioners
Whynter ARC-14S 14,000 BTU Dual Hose Portable Air Conditioner
This powerful portable air conditioner can cool up to 500 square feet of living space and features an eco-friendly chlorofluorocarbon (CFC)-free design. It comes with an auto-drain technology, which uses and reuses the moisture to keep the office room, small bedroom, or a server room clean.
Sold by Amazon
Black and Decker BPACT10WT Portable Air Conditioner
Best for smaller rooms, this model has a maximum cooling setting of 65 degrees, and it simultaneously dehumidifies the air for a more comfortable environment. This air conditioner has three-in-one functionalities such as cool, fan and dehumidify.
Sold by Amazon
SereneLife SLPAC Portable Air Conditioner
Compact and lightweight, the SereneLife portable air conditioner can also be used to heat your home when the temperatures drop. With four operating modes, such as cooling, heating, fan, and dehumidifier, you may use this air conditioner all year-round.
Available at Amazon
What is a window air conditioner?
Window AC units have been keeping households cool for decades and are still a popular style today. Designed to fit securely in most windows, these air conditioners are powerful and efficient at cooling even large rooms. Many window air conditioners come with a remote control that you can use to operate the unit.
Generally less expensive than portable models, most window air conditioners fall within the $130 to $500 range. The average lifespan of window units is around 10 years, so you can expect a cool home through multiple summers.
Pros of a window air conditioner
Multiple reasons make window air conditioners an intelligent choice.
- Many window units are less expensive than portable air conditioners, saving you money.
- Window air conditioners can generate significantly more cooling power per British thermal unit (BTU). This leads to cooler rooms and lower energy bills.
- This type of AC unit won’t take up any floor space or extra room in your home. The low-profile window design is excellent for saving space.
- Though not quite as easy to install as portable ones, the installation process is usually quick and hassle-free.
- There is little to no maintenance required. While you want to wash off the filter now and then, you won’t have to worry about water collection.
- Window air conditioners are becoming less and less noisy, seeing as most of the unit is outside.
What you should consider before purchasing a window air conditioner
Even with all their benefits, window units might not work for everyone.
- There is no easy way to transport a window AC from room to room. Once installed, a window unit is usually left untouched until the end of the season.
- You won't have access to your window while the AC is in place. This can be annoying to some people since it blocks light and prevents the window from opening.
- Not all buildings allow window units, as they can be a safety hazard if not installed correctly. It’s essential to check all regulations before choosing this option.
Best window air conditioners
LG 12,000 BTU Energy Star Window Air Conditioner with Remote
With its powerful 12,000 BTU rating, this option from LG provides impressive cooling functions with minimal noise. It has customized cooling settings in the form of three fan speeds. The unit lasts longer, as it comes with LG's patented technology for the shield cover.
Sold by Amazon and Wayfair
Frigidaire 8,000 BTU Window-Mounted Room Air Conditioner
By utilizing this air conditioner’s sleep mode and timer settings you can make sure your home is at the perfect temperature when you return home from work or wake up in the morning. Additionally, it also comes with multi-fan speed, so you can customize the cooling and comfort, per your requirement.
Sold by Amazon
Which air conditioner you should get
Ultimately the decision comes down to your own specific needs and living situation. However, if you don’t have any restrictions, a window air conditioner is usually the way to go. The extra power, energy efficiency and minimal maintenance will definitely pay off in the end. For those who cannot use window units, portable air conditioners can still provide much-needed relief when the temperature rises.
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Matthew Young is a writer for BestReviews. BestReviews is a product review company with a singular mission: to help simplify your purchasing decisions and save you time and money.
BestReviews spends thousands of hours researching, analyzing and testing products to recommend the best picks for most consumers.
