Central vs. Portable Air Conditioning
Having air conditioning in your home is essential in some states like Florida, where the heat and humidity can feel unbearable without AC. However, if you are installing an air conditioner for the first time or need to replace your current system, you might not be sure which type of air conditioner is right for you. Some HVAC companies offer both central and portable air conditioning, so let’s break down some of their differences to help you make the right decision.
Central Air Conditioners
Central air conditioners refer to systems where air is cooled in a central location and then distributed throughout the home via fans and ducts. With a packaged air conditioner, a single, self-contained unit is located outdoors and contains all the important components, like compressors and coils. A split-system central air conditioner consists of an indoor unit, which pulls heat and moisture from the air, and an outdoor unit, which expels the heat and cools the air to be blown back inside. Central air conditioning is best for maintaining consistent temperatures throughout the home and improving indoor air quality.
Portable Air Conditioners
Portable air conditioners are exactly what they sound like—movable, self-contained systems that are best for cooling individual rooms. They’re just a few feet tall, and they’re designed to be easy to use, set up, and move around as needed. Portable air conditioners pull hot air from inside your home and transfer it outside via a window. They also have a motor that cools and circulates air in the room. Portable air conditioners are best if you want to move your unit from one room to another. That way, you can save energy by only cooling rooms you are currently using.
