Air Conditioner Comparison: Wall-mounted vs Portable Units - Battling High Temperatures, Which One Suits You Best?

In the midst of summer's scorching heat, keeping your home cool becomes a priority. Two common options for air conditioning are portable and wall-mounted units. Here's a breakdown of their features, benefits, and drawbacks to help you make an informed decision.

Portable Air Conditioners

Portable air conditioners are mobile units on wheels, designed to be plugged into a standard electrical socket. They require a hose to be run from the unit to outdoors, either through a window or door. These units are practical for cooling specific spaces like bedrooms or home offices during hot weather.

However, portable air conditioners can be noisier to run than wall-mounted units and may require more user maintenance, as the user needs to plug them in, move them around, and remember to empty the water tank when it's full. Additionally, they can be more expensive to run day-to-day compared to most wall-mounted units.

Despite these cons, portable air conditioners offer several advantages. They are initially cheaper to purchase, offer a simpler, lower-risk alternative as they do not need structural changes, and can be moved between rooms. Chris Michael, the managing director of Meaco, emphasises that portable air conditioners are easy to install and operate, offering a convenient and portable solution for maintaining comfort and cooling.

Wall-Mounted Air Conditioners

Wall-mounted air conditioning systems, on the other hand, are fixed units that are usually installed high up on a wall, ceiling, or hidden at a lower level. They consist of two parts - the indoor unit and a fan unit situated outside that is connected through copper pipes.

These systems are more efficient to run compared to portable units and tend to be more efficient at cooling spaces. However, they require professional installation, which can be a significant cost. In some cases, planning permission may also be needed for outdoor units.

Despite the higher initial cost, wall-mounted air conditioners have lower running costs compared to portable models. Martyn Fowler, founder of Elite Renewables, suggests that wall-mounted air conditioners are a great long-term option, particularly for homeowners. Portable air conditioners, he notes, are a great short-term option, particularly for renters or for occasional use during a heatwave.

In conclusion, both portable and wall-mounted air conditioners have their unique advantages and disadvantages. The choice between the two depends on your specific needs, budget, and living situation. It's also worth considering other methods for keeping a house cool, such as insulation and natural ventilation, in addition to air conditioning.