Window AC Vs Portable AC? Home Air Conditioners Compared For Cooling and Value!

Hi there, I'm Josh and welcome to Air Conditioner Lab, where we review a variety of home appliances and HVAC products so you can find the right brand for your needs. In this video, I'll be comparing portable air conditioners to window air conditioners, which are two of the most popular options for cooling a specific room in your house. I've recommended both types of appliances over the years and each has its merits, so use this video as a guide to choose what will work best for your space. I'll share some of my favorite models for both portable ACs and window ACs along the way. All product links can be found in the description. Let's get started! Cooling performance is up first in this head-to-head comparison, and this one may surprise you, but window air conditioners have an edge here, primarily because they are more efficient and effective at cooling large spaces. This comes down to BTUs, or British Thermal Units. The metric used for cooling power in both window and portable AC models. The higher the BTU, the larger the area that can be cooled. So yes, a 10,000 BTU window AC and a 10,000 BTU portable air conditioner will cool similarly, but window ACs have models that can exceed up to 30,000 BTUs, and portable air conditioners tend to only range up to 14,000 BTUs. On top of this, window ACs will expel hot air to the outside of the home without the need for any exhaust pipes. Portable ACs need to be vented through pipes or kits to cool down a room. For many reasons, these contribute to making portable models less efficient. For larger rooms, I recommend going with a window air conditioner. Next up is energy efficiency, and when we compare the energy efficiency ratings, or EER, of window air conditioners to portable ACs, window ACs tend to come out on top again. Window ACs are becoming increasingly more energy efficient, meaning they won't cost you a ton of money to run. Some models with inverter technology are even peaking with a 15 plus EER rating, like the GE Profile, which is currently topping the charts with an outstanding 15.7 EER. Inverter compressors are the most energy efficient because they change fan speeds very incrementally as needed, based on the room's temperature instead of cycling on and off. On the other hand, even the most energy efficient portable air conditioners top out at about an 11 EER, and they don't currently qualify for Energy Star certifications like window models do. For those who are set on getting a portable AC but still prioritize energy efficiency, I recommend getting a dual hose model with inverter technology. Dual hose options like the Medea Duo are more efficient because they use one hose to draw in air from the outside to cool the compressor, and another to expel warm air, creating a more balanced and efficient cooling process. Overall though, window ACs will lead the pack in terms of energy efficiency. Noise levels are the next category, and this is a big one, especially if you're looking to cool your bedroom during those hot summer nights. In general, most portable ACs create about 50 to 60 decibels of sound, which can be compared to a normal conversation. There are some quiet models out there, and again, I would recommend going for a dual hose option with an inverter compressor, as these are more insulated, which makes them quieter. Window ACs are designed to have the bulk of the machine outside, which naturally makes them more quiet than portable ACs. For extra peaceful ambience, I recommend looking for a U-shaped model or saddle window AC. Saddle air conditioners paired with inverter technology will be the quietest. Air conditioners like the GE Profile Clearview rest over your windowsill like a saddle, placing the compressor on the outside wall. Because of this sound barrier, this model can run as quietly as 40 decibels, which is similar to what a refrigerator runs at. If noise is your number one concern, stick with a window air conditioner. The next category to compare these two cooling powerhouses is installation and ease of use. Window air conditioners require proper positioning to make draining easy, and often two people are needed to lift their heavy design. Portable air conditioners often come with universal window kits that can be easily installed in less than 10 minutes by venting them out of a horizontal or vertical sliding window. They can also be vented through casement windows, but this is often a bit tricky, and a third-party window kit may be required. This also makes portable air conditioners more mobile. While either type of cooling can be moved from room to room, portable ACs are much easier to move, with nearly every model having wheels and carrying handles built in. Ongoing maintenance will be similar for both types of AC, with the air filters needing to be changed often. However, some portable air conditioners will require a bit more work. If they lack an auto-evaporate feature, you may need to empty the water tank often as condensate collects, or install a continuous drain, which will add to the cost. All in all, I would say that when it comes to installation and ease of use, portable ACs and window units are tied. Portable ACs win for mobility and installation, but window ACs are slightly easier to maintain. Now on to extra features. If you're into the latest and greatest tech features, you'll be happy to hear that both window air conditioners and portable ACs are available with these additional features. You can find options with Wi-Fi compatibility, voice activation, and even heating elements. Space is another consideration, and window ACs are the winner for saving floor space. It's pretty straightforward here, unless you prefer an unobstructed window, which brings me to aesthetics. We all know that beauty lies within the eye of the beholder, and both portable ACs and window ACs have come a long way in terms of fitting seamlessly into a room. And some companies, such as Windmill AC, put aesthetics at the forefront. This is another tie in my book. The last category in our head-to-head comparison is cost, which is often the top consideration for most consumers, myself included. When it comes to pricing these models out, window AC units are usually more affordable, both upfront and long term, thanks to their energy efficiency. The average window AC ranges from $150 for the most basic models to around $900 for the most premium models. Portable ACs are generally more expensive, and I would attribute this to the added ability to move your AC around as needed. Portable air conditioners also start at around $199, but can climb as high as $1,200 for residential models with premium features. Commercial portable ACs are more powerful, but the price can climb up to $10,000. Your current situation and budget will help determine the right type of air conditioner for you. Let's put everything together by looking at each cooling type's benefits. The advantages of window air conditioners include higher energy efficiency levels, saves indoor space, quieter operation, more affordable upfront, and has larger BTU options. The advantages of portable air conditioners include they are easier to install, they are more mobile, they won't block your window view, and some have multiple venting options. There you have it. When it comes to portable air conditioners versus window air conditioners, each has some great advantages. Knowing your space and requirements will help you determine which is best for your own setup. Remember to like this video and subscribe to this channel. Also, check out the information in the description box below. This includes all product links, plus our most up-to-date article on airconditionerlab.com. See you next time!