At I-HT we frequently get asked about portable systems and we’re certain that many people also have this discussion at home, so hopefully this information may help in deciding between the two.
When trying to decide between a portable air conditioning system or a fully installed air conditioning system, your choice will depend on many different factors. These include the size of your home, the layout of the property, the cooling/heating requirements of rooms, available budget and system preferences.
Here’s a guide to help you decide:
- Cooling Capacity: Fully installed air conditioning systems will typically have a higher cooling capacity when compared to portable ones. Therefore, if you have a larger home or have the need to cool multiple rooms at the same time, a fully installed air conditioning system would be a more suitable choice.
- Installation: Portable air conditioning systems are much easier to use or ‘install’ as they don’t require any kind of permanent fixtures, like a fully installed split-system would. They can also be easily moved from one room to another as required. Installed air conditioning systems require installation by a fully qualified F Gas engineer and will involve drilling holes in walls and the permanent fixing of internal & external units.
- Energy Efficiency: Generally speaking, fully installed systems tend to be way more energy-efficient than any portable system. If energy efficiency is a priority for you then a fully installed system might be the better choice, especially if you were to use the air conditioner frequently for heating and cooling.
- Ventilation: Portable systems will require some sort of venting through a window or through a large hole in the wall to expel any hot air. This can sometimes be counter intuitive as warm air will be able to enter the room and the cool air in the room will escape out of the open window. Installed systems don’t require any separate venting and you don’t need to worry about setting up additional exhaust hoses.
- Noise Level: Portable air conditioning systems will always be noisier than a fully installed system, as they house the evaporator and condenser/compressor in the same unit. They also tend to have to work considerably harder than a fully installed system to reach a comfortable temperature. Fully installed systems (in the widely used wall mounted variants) use a cylindrical fan in the internal unit, these are much quieter than other types of fans.
- Cost: Portable air conditioning systems will always be more cost-effective upfront when compared to a fully installed system. However, they will end up costing you more over a long period due to lower energy efficiency.
- System Looks/Aesthetics: Portable air conditioners can be less aesthetically pleasing as they take up floor space and require additional venting. Installed systems are often more discreet and are now available in many different styles and colours.
Ultimately, the best choice for your home depends on your specific requirements and your preferences. If you were to prioritise flexibility, ease of installation, and affordability, a portable system may be the best option. However, if you value energy efficiency, system performance, and a quieter operational system, a fully installed system would be more suitable. It’s essential to consider these factors carefully and assess your home’s cooling needs before deciding.
Still unsure, speak with one of our consultants who will be able to offer well informed advice – 01787 220202.
