There are many advantages to both portable air conditioners and fixed air con units. Both are great options for cooling a room, however, getting down to brass tacks, portable air conditioners stand out because they tend to be less expensive, and they are by and large more environmentally friendly. They are also more versatile, allowing them to work effectively in a variety of climates.
As with wall-mounted aircon units, portable air conditioners also allow you to control the temperature of the air. Let’s take a look at some more key pros and cons of both options.
Advantages of portable aircon units
Portable air conditioners are a practical alternative to wall-mounted air conditioners, especially for those who don’t want to deal with aircon installations as well as compressors. They are also easy to use and perfect for areas/rooms with limited space.
Another factor to consider is that portable air conditioners are an environmentally friendly option as most models use less electricity and reduce the risk of CO2 emissions.
Moreover, the best brands are also reasonably cost-efficient, so you can purchase one for a sensible price and use it wherever you need to. They can be easily moved to different rooms, which can help alleviate allergy symptoms. You can also use them in a motorhome or trailer, which don’t always come with a cooling system. If you move, you don’t need to hire an expert to uninstall a wall mount and the compressor. Furthermore, you can take the aircon to a friend or family’s place and you have space in your vehicle.
Another benefit is some of these portable air conditioners come with the ability to dehumidify as well as cool. This helps reduce the risk of mould and other allergens and keeps your home dry and comfortable.
Disadvantages of portable aircon units
The biggest downside of portable air conditioners is their large size and bulk. Some models are quite noisy and less energy efficient than wall-mounted air conditioners. As such, just because a portable aircon unit looks like it offers great value for money, doesn’t mean they are energy efficient or quiet. In fact, quite a few first-time buyers end up dissatisfied, so researching portable air con reviews from other buyers is highly recommended.
Another disadvantage is that evaporative coolers add humidity to the air they cool, which can cause uncomfortable clamminess. In order for them to work properly, you will need to open some windows in the house when using one. This will allow the evaporation process to work properly. On the other hand, wall-mounted air conditioners actually dehumidify the air inside the room it is cooling.
Rounding Up Portable Air Cons Versus Wall Mounted Air Coolers
One of the key advantages of portable aircon systems is they come ready to go.
- A quick set-up following the manufacturer instructions and you are good to go. Conversely, wall-mounted air coolers, on the other hand, come in three parts. The wall-mounted aircon unit, the compressor, and the pipework. All this requires an engineer to come into your home and set it up.
- The fact that the portable unit is not fixed to a wall, or a compressor means you are free to move it anywhere you are able to.
Aside from these two key points, portable aircon and wall-mounted aircon setups offer the same features depending on the brand/model you purchase. Both can dehumidify your room, purify the air (although not as well as an air purifier), and you can buy energy-efficient versions to reduce your electric bill and CO2. In the end, deciding which one is better is down to your personal circumstances.