Summer in New Zealand can be a mix of warm, sunny days and humid, sticky nights. For many homeowners, an air conditioning system is no longer a luxury, but a necessity for maintaining comfort during these hot months. If you’re wanting a fast and quick solution, many people, wonder if a portable air conditioner will suit their needs, or whether a standard high wall system is going to be required.
This guide will help you navigate the pros and cons of both portable and installed air conditioning systems, ensuring you make an informed decision to provide your home with the best solution possible.
What Are Portable Air Conditioners?
Portable air conditioners are standalone units designed to cool a single room or small area. These units are relatively compact and come with a duct that needs to be vented outside through a window or door .
Portable Air Conditioners are often sold on the below benefits, but as we'll see later, there are several disadvantages that need to be considered as well :
Price: Low price compared to installed systems.
Mobility: Wheels or handles for easy movement between rooms.
Simplicity: Plug-and-play setup.
Flexibility: Ideal for renters or those needing temporary cooling solutions.
What Are Installed Air Conditioning Systems?
Installed systems, most commonly high wall types in New Zealand are permanently fixed in a home. These systems consist of an indoor unit connected to an outdoor compressor, delivering cooling throughout a space.
The Key Features of Installed Air Conditioning Systems are:
Fast, easy on-off operation
Low noise levels
Coverage: Effective cooling of large rooms, or even whole homes (ducted systems).
No floor space used (high wall systems)
High Energy efficiency
Pros and Cons of Portable Air Conditioners
Off the bat, portable air conditioners are cheaper than installed systems. But there are compromises compared to installed solutions. Here are a few that need to be considered.
Pros:
Affordability: Portable air conditioners are generally cheaper upfront than installed systems.
Flexibility: Easy to move between rooms as needed (although time needed to set up duct venting from each room).
No Installation Needed: Ideal for renters in apartments that do not allow air conditioning to be installed or those avoiding permanent building modifications. In some rare cases, may be the only option available when standard installation is not possible to be installed
Quick Setup: Can be operational within minutes of unboxing (assuming easy duct run outside)
Cons:
Limited Cooling Capacity: Best suited for small spaces; the biggest portable units are only 5kW so may struggle in larger rooms.
Noise Levels: Tend to be noisier due to the compressor being inside the room.
Energy Efficiency: Often less efficient than installed systems, leading to higher running costs.
Aesthetic Impact: Bulky units and hoses can disrupt the room’s visual appeal.
Storage requirement: When not in use, the unit is large and heavy which may present transport problems to the storage area if climbing stairs is required as well as storage problems for people with limited storage space
Condensate removal : Certain systems collect condensate water in tanks underneath the unit that require regular emptying
Pros and Cons of Installed Air Conditioning Systems
Installing an air conditioning system provides a reliable, long-term home comfort solution for your family as the system can also provide warmth during winter. Here are the pros and cons of getting an air conditioning system for your home.
Pros:
Large rooms : High walls are available in sizes up to 10kW (cool), meaning even large rooms can be covered
Efficiency: Installed systems are the most energy-efficient, especially for cooling larger rooms or entire homes (central / ducted air conditioning).
Quiet Operation: With the compressor located outside, indoor noise levels indoors are minimal.
Space saving: Indoor units are mounted high up on the wall and do not use up interior floor space.
Fast on-off operation: One-button press to turn system on - no ductwork setup needed
Greater feature set : Most modern systems come with many additional features and benefits that may not be available on portable units eg. Advanced air filtration, room sensors occupation and built-in WiFi to name only a few.
No storage requirement : Once installed,
Cons:
Higher Upfront Costs: Installation requires qualified air conditioning technicians for best results and takes around 4 hours. Installation labour, transport and materials can cost between $500 - $1500 depending upon the complexity of the installation.
Permanent Installation: Not ideal for renters or those planning to move house and don’t want to leave the air conditioning behind as de-installation is expensive and needs to be done by qualified Technicians if the system is to be used again
Maintenance Requirements: Regular annual servicing is recommended to maintain performance.
Cost Comparisons: Portable vs. Installed Systems
Energy Efficiency Considerations
Portable air conditioners often consume more electricity due to their limited cooling capacity and reliance on single-hose designs, which can pull warm air into the room. Installed systems, especially those with inverter technology, provide consistent and energy-efficient cooling, making them a better long-term choice for energy savings.
Maintenance and Lifespan
Portable Air Conditioners:
Maintenance: cleaning of filters is required and some models require condensate water tanks to be manually emptied when filled.
Lifespan: 5-10 years, depending on usage.
Installed Systems:
Maintenance: Professional servicing is recommended annually.
Lifespan: 10-20 years with proper care and regular maintenance.
Suitability for Different Homes
Portable Air Conditioners:
Best For: Apartments, rental properties, or rooms with temporary cooling needs.
Limitations: Not ideal for cooling open-plan spaces or large homes or rooms where running an exhaust vent outside is a problem.
Installed Systems:
Best For: Homeowners seeking long-term cooling and heating solutions for large or multiple rooms.
Limitations: Requires upfront investment and professional installation.
Which Is Right for You: Portable Air Conditioners or Installed Air Conditioning Systems?
When choosing between a portable air conditioner and an installed system, it’s essential to weigh your immediate needs against your long-term goals. Portable air conditioners are cost-effective and flexible, making them ideal for small spaces or temporary use. Installed systems, while requiring a higher initial investment, offer superior efficiency, quieter operation, and better coverage for larger rooms.
Still not sure which is best for your home? Contact OneAir today to schedule a consultation and let our experts guide you to the ideal choice for your requirements.