Choosing an air conditioner involves many considerations—from price point to setup and from noise level to efficiency. Sometimes, the decision can be overwhelming. To help you learn how to choose an air conditioner that will work in your space, start by asking yourself these 10 questions.
For easy accessibility to questions discussed, use our indexed list below:
- How much do you want to spend?
- Does your residence or office have restrictions against installing a window air conditioner or thru-wall air conditioner?
- How much physical space do you have to accommodate a room air conditioner?
- What type of windows do you have?
- How much installation do you want to perform?
- What type of electrical outlets does your room have?
- How important is energy efficiency to you?
- How important is self-evaporation?
- Do you prefer easy portability?
- How much noise can you withstand?
1. How much do you want to spend?
Window Air Conditioners
Window air conditioners are the most economical type of room air conditioner. The price for a standard-size window AC ranges from $250 to $500, depending on cooling capacity, and will feature basic features such as:
- Multiple fan speeds
- Adjustable thermostat
- Manual or electronic controls
- Timer
The price increases for models with extra features, such as onboard heating modes, air purifiers, energy-saving functions, and remote controls.
Through-The-Wall Air Conditioners
Thru-the-wall air conditioners are slightly more expensive than window air conditioners, ranging in price from $400 to $700 or more, depending on the features.
Thru-wall ACs may also require you to purchase a wall sleeve for installation if you don't already have one installed for a previous model.
Portable Air Conditioners
Standard portable air conditioners typically range in price from $400 to $700. Commercial-grade portable air conditioners can extend into the thousands and are often used to cool:
- Computer rooms
- Manufacturing facilities
- Large office spaces can extend into the thousands.
Ductless Mini Split Air Conditioners
Ductless Mini-Splits are the most expensive room cooling options, ranging in price from $900 for a single-zone system to more than $2,500 for multi-zone systems. Additionally, you'll need to factor in the cost of professional installation, as well as any installation accessories required, such as refrigeration tubing.
Although they cost more upfront for installation, mini-split air conditioner systems offer the most efficient and budget-conscious cooling of all room air conditioner types.
Packaged Terminal Air Conditioners (PTACs)
PTAC air conditioners are primarily used in the hospitality industry and are ideal for cooling and heating individual rooms. Most models can be controlled from a central location, such as a hotel lobby.
PTACs typically cost between $750 and $1,200, depending on needs.
Vertical Package Air Conditioners (VPACs)
Similar to PTACs, vertical package air conditioners are typically used in multi-unit facilities, such as dorms, extended-stay hotels, and assisted living facilities, and usually cool single rooms. They offer:
- Fewer Installation Costs
- Independent Metering
- Less Downtime
- Compact Design
To learn more about the different air conditioner types, read our article Types of Room Air Conditioners.
2. Does your residence or office have restrictions against installing a window air conditioner or thru-wall air conditioner?
Some apartment complexes, homeowners associations, and office buildings have rules against installing window or thru-wall air conditioners for safety and aesthetic reasons.
Additionally, the more extensive installation required for a ductless mini-split air conditioner may not be feasible. In these cases, a portable air conditioner is the best solution for room air conditioning.
3. How much physical space do you have to accommodate a room air conditioner?
Unlimited Floor Space
Portable air conditioners require a sufficient amount of floor space to operate efficiently.
Little to No Floor Space
Window air conditioners, through-wall air conditioners, and vertical package air conditioners do not require any floor space, since they sit inside a window, wall, or closet.
No Floor Space
Mini-split systems take up the least amount of indoor space, thanks to their wall-mountable blower units and the majority of the AC unit situated outside.
4. What type of windows do you have?
If you're deciding between a portable and a window AC, consider the type of windows in the space you want to cool.
For Vertical-Sash and Sliding Windows
Portable ACs are most popularly set up to vent hot air through double-hung or sliding windows. However, some models can also be configured to exhaust air through a wall hole or a drop ceiling if a window is not available.
Standard portable AC installation kits will not fit casement windows. But you can create your own customized casement window kit using Plexiglas. Learn more in our article How to Vent Your Portable AC.
Vertical-Sash Windows Only
Window air conditioners are designed to be installed inside vertical sash windows only. Specially designed window units can be installed inside sliding windows, but these are pricier.
Generally, you won't be able to install a window air conditioner inside a casement window unless you make intense modifications to the window frame.
No Window Required
Mini-split air conditioners, PTACs, vertical package air conditioners, and through-wall ACs do not require a window for installation.
5. How much installation do you want to perform?
Little Installation Time Required.
Portable AC units are nearly "plug-and-go" devices. The only part you'll have to install is the hot air exhaust hose (single or dual). Window exhaust kits for sliding and vertical sash windows are typically included with your unit. Most window kits can be set up using tools you already have around the house.
When exhausting a portable air conditioner through a wall, you'll need to create a custom hole in the wall to fit the portable AC's exhaust hose adapter. To set up a drop ceiling exhaust—a setup popular in computer server rooms, which often lack windows—you'll need the necessary ductwork accessories. Often, drop ceiling exhaust kits are available as accessories for your model.
For the DIY Weekend Project
In terms of man-hours, window air conditioners, thru-wall air conditioners, PTACs, and vertical package air conditioners will take longer to install and require more tools than installing a portable air conditioner.
- Window AC Installation: You'll need to install the window kit, which typically includes window brackets, side curtains, foam sealers, and—in some cases—a mounting sleeve or chassis.
- Through-the-Wall AC Installation: You'll need to cut a hole of the appropriate size in the wall to accommodate the window unit and install a chassis sleeve. This may require the help of a professional, depending on your comfort level and skill.
- PTAC Installation: If you're replacing an existing PTAC, then most units are plug-in-go, simply removing the old unit from the wall case and installing the new one. A new installation may require the assistance of professionals to ensure the unit is installed correctly.
- VPAC Installation: Most vertical package air conditioners easily install in mechanical closets, requiring only a simple electrical hookup and duct installation if needed.
Professional Installation Almost Always Required
Except for a few select DIY options, the more sophisticated ductless mini-split AC systems require professional installation by a certified technician.
6. What type of electrical outlets does your room have?
110/120-Volt Outlets
Almost all standard-capacity portable air conditioners operate on traditional 110- or 120-volt outlets, which are found in most households.
Certain models, such as the commercial-grade portable air conditioners by KwiKool, use higher-voltage outlets because they have more powerful cooling capacities.
208/230-Volt Outlets
Window air conditioners and through-wall air conditioners use either traditional 110/120-volt outlets or 208/230-volt outlets, again depending on their cooling capacities. Most mini-split system ACs operate on 230 volts, but they are hardwired and do not require an electrical outlet.
Make a note of the type of outlet you have in your room or your voltage power supply before shopping for a room air conditioner, and then look for a compatible voltage in the product specifications.
As an alternative, you can always seek out an electrician to install the correctly rated outlet or power supply for your AC model.
7. How important is energy efficiency to you?
Not Important At All
Portable room air conditioners overall are less energy efficient and slightly less powerful than window and thru-wall air conditioners. This is because portable ACs use more energy to expel hot air and have exhaust hoses that can indirectly release heat into your room.
As a result, portable ACs require more BTUs (British Thermal Units) of cooling power to cool a room of the same size as a similar-capacity window or through-the-wall air conditioner.
Overall efficiency and effectiveness are reduced when a portable air conditioner is not vented properly or when the unit is too small to cover the total area of your room.
You can evaluate a portable air conditioner's efficiency by looking for the model's EER, or Energy Efficiency Ratio. This ratio tells you how many BTUs of heat energy a PAC uses for each watt of power. Remember, the higher the EER, the more efficient the air conditioner.
Somewhat Important
Window AC and thru-wall AC systems are more efficient than portable ACs because they vent hot air directly to the outside, without using extra energy to push warm air through an exhaust hose and window. In addition, half of the window AC—the exhaust system—is located outside, so you won't indirectly add heat to your environment, which slows the cooling rate.
Evaluate a window AC's energy efficiency by looking for an EER measurement and an Energy Star seal. The Energy Star certification means that a unit uses at least 10 percent less energy than similar models.
Very Important
Ductless mini-split ACs are by far the most efficient room air conditioner systems on the market. Because no ductwork is involved, mini-splits avoid the problem of energy loss through ducts, which can account for up to 30 percent of your central AC's energy usage.
Many mini-split AC systems are also Energy Star-qualified, carry high Energy Efficiency Ratios (EER), and have high Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratios (SEER). SEER ratings give you an indication of how efficient the AC is under the conditions of a typical cooling season.
8. How important is self-evaporation?
Extremely Important
With modern thru-wall and window ACs, you won't have to worry about getting rid of collected condensate because it automatically evaporates from the drip tray to the outside or through a drain pipe situated outside.
Mini-split air conditioners also eliminate this problem because the large, self-contained condenser unit is located outside.
Somewhat Important
With portable ACs, on the other hand, you have a choice. Most portable air conditioning systems feature automatic condensate removal systems that exhaust collected water out through your window. However, you may still have to empty the condensate drip tray, especially if the unit dehumidifies a space faster than it can evaporate the water.
A few modern portable AC models require you to manually empty collected condensate from an onboard water tank. These are good choices if you won't be venting your portable unit out through a window.
9. Do you prefer easy portability?
Portable air conditioners have the advantage of portability because they are built to move easily from one space to another. Many portable air conditioners come with easy-roll casters or offer caster kits that can be purchased separately for added mobility.
Heavier window and through-wall air conditioners cannot be easily moved from room to room, since they require more installation work.
Ductless mini-split systems, PTACs, and vertical package air conditioners are designed for permanent installation.
10. How much noise can you withstand?
As a general rule, any appliance with an internal fan will make noise. Room air conditioners are no exception. While a completely silent room AC isn't an option, you do have some control over the amount of noise you introduce into your environment.
Some Noise
Window ACs, through-the-wall ACs, and portable ACs have comparable decibel (dB) ratings, with the average measurement falling around 55 dB on the highest cooling speed. This sound level is a little louder than the hum of a refrigerator heard from a few feet away.
With a window or thru-wall air conditioner, you may not be as affected by the unit's sound because its internal components are, for the most part, located outside. With a portable AC, you might be more disturbed because the entire unit is located inside your room.
Little to No Noise
Ductless mini-split air conditioners provide quieter cooling than other room AC types. This is because the loudest part of the air conditioning system, the condenser, is located outdoors.
Still Have Questions?
For more information on Sylvane's room air conditioner solutions and a free consultation on treatment options for your indoor environment, please call our product experts at 1-800-934-9194. In addition, visit our Knowledge Center for more informative articles on choosing a room air conditioner. We want to help make your indoor air healthy and comfortable.
