When summer arrives and brings rising temperatures with it, not much is more miserable is being stuck with muggy and hot indoor air. Whether in your bedroom, living space, or office, you want to be comfortable. The best way to do that is with an air conditioner. But with so many different types out there, what's the best one to choose.
Portable and window air conditioners are some of the most popular cooling options available. If you're still early in the buying process and aren't sure which one is the right choice for you, this article is here to help. Check out this handy video and keep reading to find out more about each air conditioner type, how they work, and the best locations for them.
Use the below links to go directly to the answers for some of our commonly asked questions.
- What is a Window Air Conditioner?
- How Does a Window Air Conditioner Work?
- What is a Portable Air Conditioner?
- How Does a Portable Air Conditioner Work?
- The Best Rooms for Window Air Conditioners
- The Best Rooms for Portable Air Conditioners
- Top Reasons Customers Choose Window ACs
- Top Reasons Customers Choose Portable ACs
- Other Air Conditioner Resources
What is a Window Air Conditioner?
Typically designed to cool one or two rooms, window air conditioners are self-contained cooling systems that mount semi-permanently inside standard vertical sash or double-hung windows or permanently inside a measured and prepared wall opening. When looking at a window AC, most models contain three basic parts:
- Compressor
- Condenser Coil
- Evaporator Coil
How Does a Window Air Conditioner Work?
Window ACs are designed to cool your space by removing hot and humid air from your room, cooling it and dehumidifying it, and returning the air back to your space while exhausting warm air outside.
To do so, a window air conditioner uses its compressor to turn refrigerant into a hot high-pressure gas. The gas then passes through the condenser coil when it's turned into a liquid that travels over the evaporator coil to absorb the heat and cool down the air. The warm air is then exhausted out of your home with the back of the air conditioner while cooled air is blown into the room. Learn even more about how window ACs work in our Window Air Conditioner Buying Guide.
Ok, So What is a Portable Air Conditioner Then?
A portable air conditioner is a self-contained portable comfort system that's ideal for cooling, and sometimes heating, single rooms. While unlike window ACs, portable ACs don't require permanent installation they do typically need access to a window or sliding glass door for ventilation of the system's exhaust.
How a Portable AC Works
Like window air conditioners, portable ACs also use a compressor, condenser, and evaporator coil to deliver cool air to your space. The key difference lies in how portable air conditioners exhaust warm air outside of the cooling space, in this case through an exhaust hose.
When comparing portable air conditioner options, you'll notice two different exhaust types, each with their own unique benefits.
- Single Hose Air Conditioners: These portable ACs vent hot air out of your space through a single exhaust hose that is connected to the back of the air conditioner.
- Dual-Hose Portable ACs: Air conditioners with dual hoses are slightly more efficient than their single hosed counterparts. Two hoses are connected to the back of the air conditioner. One hose exhausts warm air out of your room while the other hose draws in air to be cooled.
Check out the articles in our Portable Air Conditioner Knowledge Center for more in-depth info on how portable ACs work.
What Are The Best Rooms for Window Air Conditioners?
Whether used to supplement your home's central air conditioner by only cooling the rooms of your home that actually need it or as a primary cooling option, window air conditioners are useful in many common spaces including:
- Bedrooms
- Home Offices
- Living Rooms
- Offices and other light commercial spaces
The key to remember is that window air conditioners should be installed in rooms with access to a window. Typically, it's recommended that you install a window AC in the highest window possible in your space.
The Best Rooms for Portable Air Conditioners
Portable is in the name, so you know that portable air conditioners give you more freedom of movement than window air conditioners. There's some cross-over with window ACs when it comes to the rooms that portable air conditioners work well in. Placement ideas include:
- Basements
- Studio Apartments
- Garages
- Workshops
- Bedrooms
- Home Offices
- Living Rooms
Similar to window units, you're still going to need access to an appropriate window or sliding glass door since hot air must be exhausted outside of your room. Be sure to check the product's specs and installation manual when comparing possible portable AC options.
Top Reasons Customers Choose Window ACs
For customers, finding the right cooling system can be confusing. However, there are three top reasons that people are turning to window air conditioners over other options.
- Requires Less Space: Because the unit is installed in a window, most of its bulky components are completely outside of your room, freeing your space from clutter.
- Increased Efficiency: Unlike portable air conditioners, many window air conditioners are designed to be efficient, several even earning an Energy Star rating.
- Noise: Typically, since the majority of their components are outside of the room, window air conditioners are usually quieter than portable units.
Why Customers Choose Portable Air Conditioners
Window air conditioners aren't for everyone. Each person's cooling needs are different. That's why there are several top reasons customers choose portable ACs.
- Flexibility: If you’re not committed to always cooling the same room or space, then a portable air conditioner is a better option than a window AC since it’s mobile and can be installed in other rooms relatively easily.
- Easier Installation: Most portable ACs can be installed quickly with the included installation materials and are more of a plug and play device than window units.
- More Venting Options: You don’t have to just vent a portable air conditioner through a window. Some can be vented through sliding glass doors, ceilings, and more depending on the individual unit.
Other Resources
Portable and window air conditioners aren't the only AC types we've been looking at. Check out some of our other air conditioner comparison articles for even more helpful advice.
In Summary
For the ultimate in flexible cooling with simple installation, choose a portable air conditioner that can be moved from room to room as needed. If you're concerned about space, efficiency and noise level, then a more permanent window air conditioner is the one for you.
Additional Questions
If you're still unsure which model is best for you, feel free to call us at 1-800-934-9194. We're happy to help talk through the differences with you and help you find the best comfort solution for your needs.
