According to a recent study, less than 5% of properties in the UK currently have air conditioning in place. However, this is something that is set to change, especially as temperatures continue to climb year on year.
If this is something you are considering investing in, be that for your flat, home, or business, then you may be wondering which type of unit is best for you – portable or wall-mounted. While both have their benefits, the answer to this question often lies in your specific needs and budget.
In this article, we’ll compare both portable and wall-mounted air conditioning units so that you’re able to make a more informed decision moving forward.
Portable Air Conditioning Units: Pros and Cons
If you’re looking to reap the benefits of air conditioning as quickly as possible, then you may be tempted to choose a portable air conditioning unit. However, it’s important that you understand the pros and cons of this choice ahead of time!
Benefits of a Portable Air Conditioning Unit.
There are many benefits associated with installing a portable air conditioning unit within your home. For example, as mentioned above, they require minimal set-up and no form of installation whatsoever, which is great for those who are currently struggling in the rising summer heat.
Furthermore, these units are relatively compact, meaning that they work perfectly in smaller spaces, such as flats. They also come with the added benefit of being portable so that you can place them in different areas of the home as you see fit.
Drawbacks of Portable Air Conditioning Units.
Generally speaking, portable air conditioning units are less powerful and effective than more permanent installations. As such, you may notice that they have a lower cooling capacity, which can be less than ideal if you’re relying on them to stay cool. In addition, many users find that they can be somewhat noisy. As such, they aren’t always the best choice for businesses, bedrooms, or any other spaces where a quiet, peaceful environment is preferred.
Wall Mounted Air Conditioning Units: Advantages and Disadvantages
Wall Mounted Air Conditioning Units are a more permanent fixture that can be used to keep homes, apartments, and even large office buildings at an ideal temperature all year round. As such, while they may be slightly more expensive, they’re often a better investment in the long term.
Benefits of Wall Mounted Air Conditioning Units.
There are many benefits associated with installing a wall-mounted air conditioning unit on your property. For example, as they are mounted onto a suitable wall within a room or property, they do not take up a significant amount of space. Portable units, while compact, take up more usable space.
In addition to this, wall-mounted air conditioning units tend to have a higher efficiency rate, which means they have a notably better cooling capacity too. They also tend to be more energy-efficient, making them much more cost-effective in the long-run.
Drawbacks of Wall Mounted Air Conditioning Units
Generally speaking, wall-mounted units are the better choice when it comes to both domestic and commercial air conditioning. However, it is important to note that the initial cost can be slightly costier, especially when you factor in the installation work that needs to take place. Furthermore, as they are a more permanent fixture, they may not be a suitable choice for those looking to introduce air condition units to rental spaces.
Installation Process Comparison: Portable vs. Wall Mounted
As mentioned above, there’s very little in the way of installation or set-up when it comes to using portable air conditioning units. In fact, their simplicity is often part of their charm. Users must simply find a suitable spot within their chosen room to place the unit, ensuring that the exhaust hose is close to a window.
However, even those who pride themselves on their at-home DIY skills will require the support of a HVAC technician when it comes to installing a wall-mounted unit. This is because it requires specific skills when it comes to electrical wiring, and it’s important that the unit is secured correctly.
Cost Considerations for Portable and Wall Mounted Air Conditioning Unit
Portable AC Costs.
The exact amount you can expect to spend on a portable AC unit can vary depending on the specific make and model you select. However, they typically start from around £50. Generally speaking, the more expensive a unit is, the more powerful it tends to be. There are no installation costs associated with a portable AC unit, but you should be expected to spend a little money each year on maintenance.
Wall-Mounted AC Costs.
Wall-mounted air conditioning units are more expensive than portable units. However, it is important to remember that when buying this kind of unit you’re also paying for longevity, given that they tend to last 15+ years when taken care of, meaning they are well worth the initial cost.
Again, the exact costs can vary depending on the unit you chose, and any complexities relating to the aircon installation task itself. However, at ACS, we pride ourselves on offering high-end services to our customers for unbeatable prices. This means that we’re incredibly transparent when it comes to pricing and will provide you with a fair quote ahead of time.
Suitability for Different Spaces: Portable and Wall Mounted Air Conditioning Units
It is also important that you take into consideration the suitability of a unit before installing it within your property. As mentioned above, portable units are often the first choice for rental spaces, due to the fact that they do not require any form of renovation or installation tasks to be carried out.
For commercial spaces, such as gyms, retail environments and offices, wall-mounted air conditioning units are often the best choice. This is because they are often more powerful, meaning that they have better cooling capabilities for larger and often busier environments.
They are also recommended in spaces such as bedrooms and living rooms, due to the fact that they are much quieter, meaning they will not disturb you when you’re trying to binge the latest Netflix series or get some sleep!
Conclusion and Next Steps
In short, there are various factors you should take into consideration before purchasing an air conditioning unit for your home/commercial space. This includes your budget, needs, and the space you have available to you.
If you’ve decided that a wall-mounted unit is the way to go, please do not hesitate to get in touch today. We’d be happy to answer any questions you may have, or to kickstart the air conditioning installation process!