Portable vs. Window air conditioners?

Question

I have a window A/C downstairs in my home that cools the entire downstairs very well. I need one for upstairs but there is no central window that would cool the entire area. I was hoping to purchase a portable A/C that could stay in the hallway. What is the difference between the two? Everyone keeps telling me that portable A/C is not worth it, but they don't elaborate. Do these still need to be vented somehow? Help?

Answer 1

A portable a/c also needs someplace to vent the hot air. Unless you have a window in your upstairs hall that will allow you to vent the hot air there is no point in a portable unit.

Answer 2

Window air conditioners are the best in my own personal opinion, i have had both before and window model generally work better than portable ones, i used to have a old portable one that i would take camping and use it in my tent, i would call it The Swamp Cooler because i used to watch M.A.S.H. all the time on t.v., and they called the tent The Swamp, i've had newer models as well but window models always worked best, but the truth is no matter how much advice you get it's best to learn for yourself what one you like best.

Answer 3

I have a portable one that is a piece of junk - a fan works better. I don't know the brand but I'll post that later when I go to the barn.

But you put ice into it and the back cannot be against the wall to allow for air to circulate. I put it into my son's room (about 10' x 12') and it doesn't bring the temperature down one bit. I mean it really, really, really sucks.

Here is a link that may help answer some of your questions: http://www.air-conditioner-america.com/d...

Good luck.

Answer 4

Portable A/C units work well. But since they must dispose of the water from the humidity they extract from the air, you must have a way to drain it.

Some units have a water tray that you empty manually. If it comes close to filling, a sensor shuts the unit off. So, you might have to get up in the middle of the night to empty it.