Air conditioner or portable cooling device?
This article comes from a slightly biased source, as we sell and install stationary air conditioners and heat pumps. However, let's take a critical look at the matter.
The summer heat awakens need for an efficient cooling solution. The two most popular options are air conditioners and portable air conditioners. Which one is better for your needs? In this article, we will look at the pros and cons of both devices so that you can make a better decision.
The choice between an air conditioner and a portable air conditioner depends on the user's needs, space, and budget.
Air conditioners are more energy efficient, consuming up to two times less electricity to produce the same cooling capacity, and their indoor units can be up to three times more quiet than air conditioners. In addition, the fixed piping of an air conditioner is more discreet, making it a more aesthetic and permanent solution, especially for larger spaces, where its better airflow is effectively utilized.
A portable air conditioner, on the other hand, can be more than three times cheaper and offers the flexibility of being able to move it from room to room as needed. This makes it a practical option for cooling individual rooms or small spaces. Although a portable air conditioner is noisier and less energy efficient, it can be an adequate and cost-effective solution for temporary or small-scale use.
Efficiency: Is the cooling capacity sufficient for your needs?
Do you need cooling for the entire apartment or just certain spaces? If the latter, a portable air conditioner may be enough. Our rule of thumb is that if the space to be cooled is less than 25 m2 (300 sq ft), a more expensive air conditioner may be a bit too bulky.
A fixed air conditioner indoor unit is usually installed high up on a wall, allowing for efficient air circulation and cooling of larger spaces. It can make the entire apartment feel cool in just a few hours.
A portable air conditioner instead focuses on cooling nearby areas and is better suited to smaller rooms. Its effectiveness can be limited by the need for a connecting exhaust hose that can leak heat back into the room, which can affect the unit's performance.
Silence: Does noise bother you?
How important is silence in your application? If noise is not a problem, a portable air conditioner may be a viable option.
A fixed air conditioner compressor is located outdoors, so its indoor unit operates almost silently, making it an excellent choice for bedrooms and other spaces where silence is important.
A portable air conditioner can be noisier because the compressor is located inside the unit. However, modern portable units are considerably quieter than previous models and can be tolerable in offices or for occasional use.
Convenience: Fixed solution or flexible mobility?
Do you want a permanent solution or do you need the flexibility that a portable device offers?
A fixed air conditioner is a fixed installation, making it a worry-free long-term solution. Once in place, it is easy to use and does not need to be moved or repositioned. In addition, the humidity that accumulates in the indoor unit, i.e. condensation, is drained out by itself through a hose.
A portable air conditioner However, it offers flexibility. It can be moved from room to room as needed, which can be a big advantage if cooling is needed in different places at different times. The disadvantage is the need to install the exhaust hose to a window each time and possibly empty the condensation tank inside the unit.
Price: Is it worth the investment?
Do you have the budget for a long-term solution or do you need a more affordable option for short-term use?
The heat season in Finland where we are located is shorter than in many other warm countries. However, the average number of heat days in Finland has been steadily increasing. The average number of heat days over the decades has increased from 29 days in the 1960s to 45 days in the 2020s. This trend can be possibly seen in northern parts of United States as well. Source.
A fixed air conditioner is often a significant investment that requires professional installation. However, it can be a cost-effective solution in the long run, as its energy consumption is usually lower than that of portable units. In addition, since the air source heat pump is an integral part of the home, it can increase the value of the home.
A portable air conditioner is significantly cheaper initially, but can be more expensive to run due to inefficiency and higher electricity costs. In addition, the device may not last as long as an air conditioner.
Appearance: Blend in or stand out?
Do you value a permanent and discreet solution, or is appearance less important due to temporary use?
There are significant differences in the appearance of fixed air conditioner and a portable air conditioner that can influence your purchasing decision.
A fixed air conditioner The indoor unit takes up little space, as it is installed high on a wall, out of the way of living spaces. The outdoor unit of the device is considerably larger (usually about 80 cm wide and 30 cm deep), but since it is placed on a balcony or other outdoor space, it does not interfere with the use of the indoor space. The indoor and outdoor units are connected by a copper pipe system mounted on the wall, which is covered by a plastic installation channel.
Portable air conditioners on the other hand, are larger and more visible, as they are placed on the floor and take up more space in the room. A portable air conditioner requires an exhaust hose that must be connected to a window or vent, which can add to the feeling of a temporary solution. Aesthetically, these devices do not always blend in with modern interiors, but there are also more stylish and compact models on the market.
Technical specifications of example devices in comparison
| Feature | Air conditioner Toshiba Seiya+ 10 | Portable air conditioner Electrolux Comfort 600 EXP26U759C |
|---|---|---|
|
Cooling capacity |
2.5 kW |
2.6 kW |
|
SEER value |
7.0 (A++) |
3.6 (A++) |
|
Annual energy consumption |
125 kWh |
256 kWh |
|
Sound pressure level |
Indoor unit: 41 dB (high), 20 dB (quiet) Outdoor unit: 48 dB (high), 43 dB (quiet) |
64 dB |
|
Price |
1820€ installed |
597€ |
|
Service life |
around 15 years |
around 10 years |
Notes on the comparison
Toshiba Seiya+ is significantly more energy efficient thanks to its high SEER value (7.0 vs. 3.6), which means lower energy consumption in the long term.
The Toshiba Seiya+ has significantly lower sound pressure levels in both the indoor and outdoor units, making it a quieter option.
The Electrolux Comfort 600 portable air conditioner is a significantly more affordable option.
Top 3 cooling air heat pumps for apartment buildings
- Just cooling
- Meets the housing company's requirements
- Trusted brands
Mitsubishi Electric HR
Installed in an apartment building from €1,720
- 2.5 and 3.5 kW power classes
- 20 - 120 m2
- WiFi as standard
- PM 2.5 air purifier as standard
- Trusted brand
Panasonic TZ
Installed in an apartment building from €1,765
- 2.5, 3.5 and 4.2 kW power classes
- 20 - 150 m2
- WiFi as standard
- PM 2.5 air purifier as standard
- Excellent airflow
Toshiba Seiya+
Installed in an apartment building from €1,895
- 10, 13 and 16+ power classes
- 20 - 150 m2
- WiFi as standard
- PM 2.5 air purifier as standard
- Quiet voice
Free yourself from permission hassles.
Order Coolflat cooling package.
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