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Portable air conditioners have quickly become a sought-after solution for precise cooling where traditional HVAC units are unfeasible. Whether you’re in a rented apartment, or just need a temporary cooling solution, portable air conditioners can come in handy. They have a compact, movable design, and you can conveniently place them wherever you want to.
If you’re considering investing in one, there are many factors to consider before taking the plunge. When it comes to energy efficiency, portable aircons rank lower among other types of air conditioners. It’s best to keep them in mind only if none of the alternative options align with your needs. This blog post discusses the portable AC pros and cons in detail to help you decide if portable air conditioners are worth it.
How Portable Air Conditioners Work
A portable air conditioner is a standalone cooling unit that can be moved from room to room to provide localized cooling. They are designed to cool a single room or a specific area. Portable air conditioners comprise of two types:
- Single Hose Portable Air Conditioners
These are the most common types of portable air conditioners. They feature a single exhaust hose that expels hot air from the room to the outside. These units draw in warm air, cool it down using a refrigeration cycle, and then release the hot air through the exhaust hose.
- Dual Hose Portable Air Conditioners
Dual hose portables have two separate hoses – one for drawing in air from outside for cooling and the other for expelling hot air back outside. Due to a dual hose, they are considered more efficient than single hose portable units.
Here’s a detailed guide on how do portable air conditioners work.
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Portable Air Conditioner Pros and Cons
These versatile units offer convenience when installing or moving, hence, a popular option among renters. But like any appliance, portable ACs come with their own set of disadvantages.
Before making the final judgement regarding whether portable air conditioners are worth it or not, let’s look at them in detail.
● Pro: Suitable for Small Spaces
In certain places like small apartments, where traditional cooling options such as a central AC might not be feasible, portable air conditioners have emerged as a highly popular solution. Their distinctive features make them an appealing option for spaces that demand efficient and adaptable cooling without the constraints of permanent installations.
Related: Everything You Ought to Know Before Buying an Apartment Air Conditioner
● Pro: Portability and Flexibility
Portable air conditioners are designed to be easily moved from one room to another, adding an extra layer of convenience to your cooling experience. It only takes a few minutes to uninstall and reinstall it in another room.
Unlike traditional fixed AC systems, which cool a whole house or apartment, portable ACs offer spot cooling. Since you only cool the room in use and not your whole home, portable units also help reduce energy consumption and AC costs.
● Pro: Economical Solution
Portable air conditioners are generally more budget-friendly than other room air conditioners. They offer an economical cooling solution, especially for those who want targeted cooling without the high upfront costs. They can cost anywhere around $200-$600.
When it comes to maintaining a comfortable indoor environment, portable air conditioners stand out not only for their convenience but also for their cost-effective upkeep. The maintenance cost of portable ACs is notably low, making them an attractive option for budget-conscious individuals like students who are looking for dorm room cooling options.
● Pro: Smart Functionality
Some modern portable AC units can be connected to the internet, allowing you to remotely control them using your phone. While smart functionalities add to the cost, you can also go for a budget-friendly solution and connect your portable AC with a smart AC controller.
They provide features such as smart schedules, geofencing, and energy usage tracking, allowing you to automate your room climate for maximum comfort and savings. Cielo Breez smart AC controllers offer a Comfy Mode, which allows you to set temperature/humidity triggers to automate your preferred comfort settings.
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● Pro: No Permanent Alterations
Unlike central AC systems that require extensive installation and potential modifications to your home, portable air conditioners don’t require any permanent alterations. This makes them ideal for renters who may be restricted in the upgrades they can make to their living spaces.
● Pro: Easy Installation
Installing a portable air conditioner is quite simple. On average, the installation process takes 10-15 minutes.
You just have to take the AC out of the box, set it up where you want to place it, exhaust the hose out of the window opening, and then plug the unit into the socket. That’s it, get ready to enjoy cool air in an instant!
● Con: Limited Cooling Capacity
One of the most significant drawbacks of portable ACs is their limited cooling capacity, especially when compared to other room air conditioners like mini-splits or window units.
These units are best suited for small to medium-sized spaces. When dealing with larger areas or multiple connected rooms, a single portable AC might struggle to provide adequate cooling. This limitation can result in uneven temperature.
● Con: Less Energy Efficient
While portable ACs are known for their convenience, they are generally less energy-efficient compared to other cooling options, such as window units. The main reason is that much of the heat they remove from the room ends up back inside as it escapes from the poorly insulated exhaust hose. This makes portable air conditioners less suitable for areas that witness extremely high temperatures.
● Con: Noisy Operation
Portable AC units tend to be louder due to all the components being housed in one unit. The absence of an outdoor unit means that there can be more noise pollution in your living space. This can be especially bothersome when trying to sleep or watch TV, which is why it’s important to factor in noise levels when considering the best AC option for you.
Related: How to Reduce Air Conditioner Sound for Peace and Quiet
● Con: Require Drainage on a Regular Basis
Portable units, like any other AC, remove air moisture as they cool down your room. This moisture condenses as water and is collected in a drain pan. This requires you to empty the pan after every few hours, which can be a nuisance.
● Con: Limited Aesthetic Appeal
Portable ACs require an exhaust hose that needs to be vented through a window. This setup can be unsightly and may not be an ideal choice for those who value aesthetics and interior design. The presence of the hose can disrupt the visual harmony of your space and limit your window usage.
When is a Portable Air Conditioner the Right Choice?
Here are some situations in which portable air conditioners are a better choice:
- Different Window Type: If you have casement windows where installing a typical window unit is not possible. You can opt for a casement window AC, but they are on the pricier side.
- Homeowner Association (HOA) or Building Regulations: If your building management enforces strict rules that prohibit the installation of wall-mounted or window units.
- Limited Cooling Space: When you only need to cool a specific area or room rather than the entire house, a portable air conditioner can be a cost-effective solution.
- Supplementing Central AC: If you want to cool a particular space that is hotter than the rest of your home without cranking up the whole house temperature, or there is a section that is cut off from the rest of your home, such as a shed or a garage, a portable AC can be a great alternative.
Related: Air-Conditioned Shed: Make Your Shed a Backyard Haven
- Preserving Natural Light: If you want to avoid blocking natural light through your windows, or want to open the windows for fresh air, portable ACs are a better choice compared to window units. They require minimal window space for venting, and you can easily use your windows.
Are Portable Air Conditioners Worth It?
Deciding if portable air conditioners are worth it depends on your requirements and priorities. If you’re seeking cooling options for small to medium-sized spaces, such as apartments, individual rooms, or temporary living situations, a portable AC’s flexibility and ease of installation might be a perfect fit.
However, if you prioritize energy efficiency and need cooling for larger areas, a mini-split for individual room cooling or a central for the whole house will be more appropriate. Consider factors like your budget, the space you want to cool, your tolerance for noise, aesthetic preferences, and willingness to perform routine maintenance. If you value convenience, mobility, and are willing to balance the potential portable aircon pros and cons, a portable AC could provide you with the versatile comfort you need.
