A portable air conditioner is more effective in the room it is situated in. As they're not as powerful as bigger AC systems, you'll probably not be able to feel much of an effect in other rooms or hallways. For cooling large spaces and multiple rooms, you may need more than one portable unit or a wall mounted system.
Possibly not as effective for larger rooms: Some experts say that a portable model isn't as effective as a window AC unit in cooling large spaces. Estimates for the average room size hover around the 300-400 square-foot range. So you might want to opt for these only if you're looking to cool relatively small spaces.
The tricky part when comparing the cooling area of a portable air conditioner vs. a window unit is that there is no clear answer. If you need to cool the whole room, a window AC is stronger. On the other hand, if you need to cool several rooms, you should go for the portable AC to move it around.
Whether or not a wall-mounted AC unit is worth it depends on your needs. For example, if you want to cool one room, then a wall-mounted AC might be a more cost-effective option, given that Energy Star reports that wall-mounted AC units can save up to 30% in cooling costs compared to window air conditioner units.
As a general rule of thumb, central units are going to be more energy efficient than wall mounted units but will have to cool a larger area and require more upkeep and maintenance costs.
Con: Wall Air Conditioners Do Not Cool Your Whole Home
If your central air conditioner is on the blink or if your home simply does not have one, it is important to note that a wall air conditioner does not have the capacity or ability to cool your whole home.
"It's more energy efficient to keep the unit on but turn the temperature setting up," she advises. Turning off the AC unit during the day is not necessarily a bad thing — it is a myth that the AC unit has to work extra-hard to cool off a hot house.
If you kept your air conditioner in good condition over its lifetime, expect to need a replacement in about 10-15 years. Keep in mind that as your A/C grows older, its mechanical parts can become unavailable or obsolete over time. If you aren't able to replace a broken part, you will need to purchase new unit.
Energy savings: According to Energy Star, wall-mounted AC units can save up to 30% in cooling costs compared to window air conditioner units, meaning you'll save energy and money. Skip ductwork: Another benefit to wall cooling is saving the cost of adding ductwork, which can cost $6.50 to $20 per linear foot.
Cost. Through-the-wall air conditioners are relatively more expensive than window units. The setup and installation costs add up to a considerable amount. However, it should be kept in mind that these ACs are more efficient at cooling down your space and thus can make up for the initial high cost.
The cons of mobile air conditioning are:
Noise levels are quite high; Not energy efficient; Not a good choice for large rooms; Once the air conditioner cooling pipe is brought out the window, it is quite likely that you do not want to move it, so as not to spoil the installation.
Energy efficiency and cost of operation: Portable air conditioners can be more expensive to operate than window air conditioners, especially if they are used frequently. Energy-efficient window air conditioners can save money on energy bills in the long run.
The main disadvantage of portable air conditioners is that they aren't as effective at cooling a room as window AC units. Because all of the machinery is located indoors, these units can also be loud and quite heavy. Finally, they can be difficult to move from room to room even if they have wheels.
Portable air conditioners are a great option for cooling a single room or smaller space. They're cost-effective, easy to install, and require no permanent installation. However, portable air conditioners are not a replacement for a central air conditioning system or HVAC unit, as they can't cool an entire home.
Window AC Units: The Cons
AC units also completely block whichever window you choose to install them in, which means you can't open the window to get fresh air or natural light into your home. Window AC units are also not at all energy efficient for larger homes.
They're affordable, effective, and easy to use. Plus, because they're portable, the same unit used to cool a living room in the daytime can be wheeled or moved into a bedroom at night.
A wall-mounted ductless air conditioner also referred to as a mini split system or ductless mini split system is an easy, convenient and efficient way to gain refrigerated air without the expense or hassle of adding ductwork to a home or business looking for air conditioning.
You should not install a window air conditioner in a wall sleeve. This is because a window AC vents both out the back and out the sides, as noted, and putting the unit in a sleeve will prevent side venting.
Unfortunately, it can easily start growing inside your air conditioner if the unit isn't properly maintained. Here are some signs that your AC unit might be harboring mold: Visible signs of mold, such as black or green patches on the unit's exterior. An unpleasant musty smell coming from the vents.
Common Signs of Mold in Your Air Conditioner
Be aware that the smell might be limited to a single room if you're using a window-mounted or wall-mounted AC. The scent can fully permeate your home if you have a central AC unit. The other sign to look out for is large mold patches around your AC unit.
How Long Can a Portable Air Conditioner Run Continuously? Though this answer may come as a surprise, there isn't any limit to how long you can keep your portable air conditioner running, as long as it's connected to a power source.
First things first, yes, it is more efficient to leave your air conditioning on. This doesn't mean what many people assume, though. You shouldn't be leaving your air conditioner on full blast 24/7 by any means.
In general, it is cheaper to leave the AC on all day during very hot temperatures. However, it's not efficient to keep it on full blast all the time. Your exact results may vary depending on your AC system. So, it's best to consult a professional if you aren't sure about how to lower your energy bills.