If you’re shopping around for a new air conditioner, there are plenty of options that are designed to fit your needs. While window air conditioners and portable air conditioners have some similarities, they’re also very different when it comes to performance and maintenance costs. This article explains the benefits of buying the best portable air conditioner option over a window air conditioner, so you can make an informed decision before dropping your hard-earned money on an AC unit that may not be right for you and your new home.
Why a portable air conditioner is better than a window air conditioner
A portable AC can cool your entire house
We should note that there are two types of portable ACs: ones with hoses and ones without. If you live in an apartment with only one or two rooms, or if you’re just looking for personal cooling power, we’d recommend going with a portable air conditioner without hoses. But if you’re hoping to cool an entire house—or at least most of it—we’d suggest opting for one with hoses so you can place them around your house. That said, even hoseless portable ACs are great at cooling individual rooms.
Portables don’t take up space
Because portable air conditioners can be rolled and stored away during off-season, they save space. And while they’re in use, they often have wheels that allow you to move them around easily. This means you can always park it right next to a window and ensure maximum efficiency. Depending on your situation, many people find that portables are more aesthetically pleasing than large window units, as well.
You have more control over airflow
Just like using your air conditioner as an extra fan, portable air conditioners offer you more control over which rooms of your home get cooled. In some instances, it’s easier to position them in certain places than it would be to install an AC window unit into your wall. If you need help deciding whether a portable or window air conditioner is best for you, our guide will help walk you through that decision. There are tons of different styles and models out there, so you have lots of options available.
There are more features on the market now
When it comes to comparing portable air conditioners vs window air conditioners, you'll find that there are far more features available on portable air conditioners. This means they can be used in any room of your home and even kept on during renovations. It's easy to use: With its small size and wheels, moving it into another room is as simple as moving a piece of furniture. And unlike window units, you don't have to install anything or take up precious floor space; they just plug into an outlet. There are different sizes: If you want something small enough for a dorm room or something bigger that can cool down multiple rooms at once, then portable air conditioners have options for everyone's needs.
They cost less in the long run.
One of my biggest frustrations with window air conditioners (ACs) is that they’re just so expensive. The initial investment may be cheaper than a portable AC, but in order to get all-around cooling, you’ll need to purchase window treatments for your windows. If you don’t take care of them properly, mould can build up and you might eventually have to shell out even more money for mould remediation. Plus, if you go with one of those electrically powered window ACs, it will cost more to cool your whole house than it would with an outside unit because there will be heating elements attached to it as well.
They last longer than window models
Because of their design, portable air conditioners last longer than window units. While windows are mounted in holes in your wall or window frame, portable units can be moved from room to room without removing them from your home or requiring new holes in walls. This difference makes these models much less likely to leak, which means they won’t have to be repaired as often. And if you own your home, that means fewer expenses and more savings over time.
Lower energy bills
A portable air conditioner, when properly installed, will run anywhere from $100 to $400 less per year than a window unit. If you’re building or remodelling, consider installing an enclosed return—which ducts heat back into your home—rather than open windows. The enclosed return may look out of place but it can be easily tiled over. It can also save hundreds in annual energy costs if you live in a hot climate or if you like to keep your house cold during summer months.
