Confused about whether to choose a Window AC or a Portable AC for your cooling needs?

When the temperature starts to rise in the summer season, most people use their air conditioning (AC) to keep their homes and offices at a comfortable temperature. When you go to buy new air conditioning, there are many options available in the market. If you are not sure which of the portable or window models you should use, here are some guidelines that may help you.

How Air Conditioners (AC) Work?

Before deciding to get any type of air conditioner, it is a good idea to have a basic understanding of how air conditioners work. No matter whether you buy a portable or window air conditioner, both take a gas, convert it into a liquid and then convert it back into a gas.

Air conditioners essentially use chemicals called refrigerants. These refrigerants absorb heat from the air as it passes over a set of coils and serve to cool the indoor air. As the refrigerant absorbs heat, it changes from a liquid to a gas. A compressor then pressurizes the gas to create heat that is evacuated elsewhere, usually outside. A portable unit uses an exhaust pipe that forces hot air out your window.

What is a Window AC?

Usually designed to cool one or two rooms. Window air conditioners are self-contained cooling systems that are semi-permanently installed in a wall or window, where more than half of the part vented outside the window or wall and the rest inward. Most models of window ACs have three basic parts.

➤ Compressor
➤ Condenser Coil
➤ Evaporator Coil

How Does a Window AC Work?

Window ACs are designed to cool down your space by cooling and dehumidifying the hot and humid air from your room, as well as returning the air back to your space while eliminating the hot outside air.

For cooling, window air conditioner use its compressor to convert the refrigerant into a hot high-pressure gas. When the gas passes through the condenser coil, it turns into a liquid that travels over the evaporator coil to absorb heat and cool the air. The warm air then moves out of your home past the air conditioner while the cool air moves into the room.

What is a Portable AC?

A portable air conditioner is a self-contained portable cooling system that operates in the same way as a window AC, but can be easily moved from one room to another. While portable ACs do not require permanent installation, unlike window ACs, they usually require exhaust hose to have access to a window or door to let the hot air out.

How a Portable AC Works?

Same like window air conditioners, portable air conditioners also use a compressor, condenser and evaporator coils to deliver cool air to your space. The main difference is that portable air conditioners push hot air out of the cooling space through an exhaust hose. There are two different type of exhaust hose in portable air conditioners and each have their own unique benefits.

➤ Single Hose Air Conditioners: These portable air conditioners expel hot air from your space through a single exhaust hose that attaches to the back of the air conditioner.
➤ Dual-Hose Portable ACs: These portable air conditioners expel hot air from your space through dual exhaust hose that attaches to the back of the air conditioner. Dual hoses portable air conditioners are slightly more efficient than single hosed counterparts. One hose exhausts warm air out of your space while the other hose draws in air to be cooled.

Why Choose Window AC?

Choose the right air conditioner as per your need. There are four top reasons that you are turning to window air conditioners over other options.

➤ Requires Less Space: Window air conditioners is installed in a window or wall, so 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.
➤ Cost: Window air conditioners are less costly than portable air conditioners. Portable air conditioners are usually around 28000 rupees, more expensive than window air conditioners (21000 rupees) with the same cooling capacity.
➤ Noise: The noise levels of portable air conditioners vary with some models being as quiet as a fan and others being as noisy. Since most of their components are outside the room, window air conditioners are generally quieter than portable air conditioners.

Window air conditioners are useful in many common places like:

➤ Bedrooms & Living Rooms
➤ Home & Offices
➤ Shop & light commercial spaces.

Why choose Portable AC?

One of the most attractive features of a portable air conditioner is that it is extremely easy to install and give you more freedom of movement from one place to other. Each person's cooling needs are different. Window air conditioners aren't for everyone. There are some reasons that you are choose portable ACs.

➤ Flexibility: If you want to cool more than one room or space with one AC, a portable air conditioner is a better option than a window AC because it is mobile and can be installed quickly and easily in other room or space.
➤ Easier Installation: Most portable air conditioners can be installed quickly and easily with the included installation materials. You can also install a portable air conditioner to vent through a ceiling using a ceiling vent kit. A ceiling vent installation is extremely common with installing a portable air conditioner in a server room.
➤ More Venting Options: You don’t have to just vent a portable air conditioner through a window. You can be vented through sliding glass doors, ceilings etc.

Portable air conditioners are useful in many places like:

➤ Bedrooms & Living Rooms
➤ Home & Offices
➤ Shop & light commercial spaces.

Key To Remember

Window AC: 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.

Portable AC: 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.

Tips For Reduce AC Bill - To reduce air conditioner power consumption or bill, set the thermostat to the highest comfortable temperature, use ceiling fans to circulate air, ensure proper insulation and seal air leaks, perform regular maintenance, utilize natural ventilation when possible, consider zone cooling for targeted cooling, use window treatments to block sunlight, and minimize heat-generating activities. These simple steps can help optimize energy efficiency, reduce cooling costs, and lessen the environmental impact of your air conditioner.

Conclusion

Either a portable or a window air conditioning unit is a great tool for efficiently cooling your home. Both devices can actually reduce your energy bills in warmer months. 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. By assessing your needs and taking into account the benefits of each, you can make a right decision between the two.

If you're still unsure which air conditioner is best for you, feel free to call us at +91 808 434 2167 or submit enquiry form. We're happy to help you find the best comfort solution for your needs.

About AC Repair & Maintenance

In both the air conditioners, you will get product warranty and free service for one or two years depending on the brand and model. Check all these things before buying. After the warranty, in case you face any issues or require servicing and maintenance, you can choose a reliable service provider like OOTS. OOTS provides AC Repair in Jamshedpur, AC Servicing in Jamshedpur and AC Installation Service in Jamshedpur city and surrounding areas. For service booking you can call +91 808 434 2167 and visit the OOTS service booking portal.

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Declaration: Information appearing in this blog is for general awareness or knowledge only, based on online research and OOTS service experience.