Some people just can’t decide over whether they should invest in a static air conditioning system or if they should just rely on a portable ac unit. Some will call in air conditioning companies for an installation quote only to be horrified by the cost. Well, let’s have a quick review of the reasoning behind owning portable air conditioning units whether you already have a static system or not. IMHO they are still worth the investment.

First and most obvious benefit is that static units are just that, you can’t move them around the home! OK, I’ll admit if you have an efficient static system you may not need a portable one, but they still have their uses. For example, in exceptionally high temperatures your system may not be quite as good as you would like, and a portable unit would help reduce the temperature where the unit was placed, usually in the living area or kitchen. If you don’t have a static system at all, you can place portable air conditioning units where you are and just move it when you need to without having to worry about ripping hoses out etc.

Talking about ripping hoses out, a portable ac unit does not need professional air conditioning companies to install it! Just plug it in and go!

Popular Haier Portable AC Unit

Another quite obvious advantage is the purchase and running costs. Full ac systems are expensive to buy. Even with the most efficient static system it will certainly cost a lot more than one or two portable air conditioning units. The only time that running costs will increase is if you are using both types.

Added bonuses to portable air conditioning units are that they usually double as heaters. This means they can be used year round, instead of sticking it in a cupboard for the winter as you may do with a cheaper and more inefficient air cooler unit. You will usually find that the portable units have dehumidifiers as well. This is great for helping get rid of mold in the house as it will help dry excess moisture from the air.

The only against point I can think of when you don’t have a full ac system in your home, is that portable air conditioning units are perhaps more suited to smaller properties and where people tend to stick to one room (unless you have multiple units). Other than that, it’s probably a good idea to get at least one to either boost a static system, to keep as back-up or, if you can’t afford a full installed system they will function well enough to help you keep cool.