Fixed Air Conditioning Unit vs Portable ACs

With the many types of aircon available in today’s market, it’s difficult to decide which one is right for you. Should you purchase a portable unit or have a professional install a fixed AC system? Is one option really better than the other for everyone?

Ultimately, the decision is based on your specific needs. For example, how often you will use the unit and the size of your property. However, we encourage you to explore the factors of both to determine which one is right for you.

This extensive article will cover:

1. What is the AC unit installation process?
2. What is the portable air conditioner installation process?
3. Is AC unit maintenance easy?
4. Is portable air conditioner maintenance simple?
5. What are the different air conditioner sizes?
6. What portable AC sizes are there?
7. How much does air conditioning cost?
8. What is the standard portable AC priced?
9. What are the main air conditioning benefits?
10. Are there any portable AC unit benefits?

What Is the General AC Unit Installation Process?

Typically, our installation process goes as follows:

1. Assessing and sizing the proposed installation area
2. Sizing the old and new AC units
3. Inspecting the new AC unit
4. Removing the AC old unit (if applicable)
5. Installing the new AC unit
6. Fitting the thermostat
7. Testing the systems and electricals
8. Potential adjustments
9. Explaining how to use the system
10. Discussing warranty, maintenance and servicing

You can expect the duration to be four to eight hours for a standard AC unit or three to five days for a HVAC. The installation time frame varies based on unit type, quantity and challenges. See this CheckaTrade article for details.

What Is the Typical Portable Air Conditioner Installation Process?

Portable AC units are much easier, meaning you won’t need a professional, and quicker to install. It takes up to 30 minutes depending on the model and complexity of the setup.

The general process is summarised in five easy steps:

1. Placement: Choose a location near a window or door for venting
2. Ventilation: Attach the exhaust hose to the unit, then turn it to the window or door
3. Power: Plug in the unit to a standard electrical outlet
4. Setup: Follow the manufacturer’s instructions to set up any additional features
5. Testing: Select your preferred settings and turn on the AC

Is AC Unit Maintenance Easy?

Yes. While fixed AC unit maintenance is not as straightforward as a portable unit, it’s easy for a professional. You can complete maintenance yourself, but it will be much quicker, up to an hour, hiring an experienced technician.

Most inspections include:

1. Safety and Efficiency Checks: Ensuring the unit is functioning properly, there are no leaks and there is no physical damage.
2. Electrical Inspection: Examining the electrical components, including testing the thermostat, wiring, fuses and connections. Then checking the voltage, amperage, compressor and motor performance.
3. System Maintenance: Performing routine maintenance tasks, such as cleaning, replacing the filters, lubricating moving parts, inspecting ductwork, seals and pumps, and flushing drain lines.
4. Diagnostic and Recommendations: Creating a diagnostic report detailing any findings, and providing recommendations for issues.

It’s actually a legal requirement for indoor air conditioners to be inspected at least every five years. However, we recommend you change the filters every three to six months and have the unit serviced every six to twelve months for a long lifespan.

Is Portable Air Conditioner Maintenance Simple?

Portable air conditioner maintenance is much simpler than a fixed unit, simply because it doesn’t have as many components. Also, it’s not a legal requirement to have your portable system serviced.

While you can hire a professional, it’s expected that you complete maintenance checks yourself. This process includes:

1. Cleaning the air filters with water: every two weeks
2. Draining the water: weekly (dry the unit using fan-mode for 12 hours in a warm area)
3. Replacing the drain plug: after draining the water
4. Wiping clean the exterior: weekly (use a soft cloth with a non-chemical cleaner)
5. Checking the electricals and that the unit is functioning properly: every six months

What Are the Different Air Conditioner Sizes?

There are many different models of AC systems suitable for a variety of property types. However, there is no one-size-fits-all regarding fixed units. The correct air conditioner size depends on your specific needs and how big your building is.

The easiest way to calculate the right size is to hire a professional, but you can also tackle the task yourself using these steps:

1. Determine the square footage of the installation area
2. Divide the square footage by 500
3. Multiply the result by 12,000
4. Add any additional BTUs (British thermal units) required for specific needs
5. Convert the total BTUs to tons to determine the final size needed for the air conditioning unit

What Portable AC Sizes Are There?

The majority of portable AC sizes are between 7,000 and 9,000 BTU, which correlates to the size of a modern electric boiler or a kitchen bin.

Finding the right size for a portable unit is much easier than a fixed one as most options are suitable for all properties. Additionally, most marketplaces state what space a specific system is suitable for.

How Much Does Air Conditioning Cost?

Including installation, ducted ceiling-mounted units cost between £989 and £1,750. Whereas, wall-mounted systems cost just £742 to £1,150. However, the overall cost is reduced the more units are fitted.

The average running costs are similar to portable units, between 20p and 45p per hour. However, the overall cost on your bill depends on what AC system you have, how often you use it and the energy price cap.

To learn more about specific air conditioning costs, refer to this CheckaTrade article. Additionally, calculate your potential running costs using this article.

What Is the Standard Portable AC Priced?

The standard portable AC price is between £350 and £650 depending on the unit. However, you can find much more affordable models from smaller manufacturers.

What Are the Main Air Conditioning Benefits?

Air conditioning benefits vary depending on the model and its features. The more luxurious and expensive the unit is, the more advantages it will likely have. For example:

– Automatic running times
– Better air quality
– Better sleep
– Doesn’t use floor space
– Easy installation
– Energy-efficient
– Higher productivity
– Less humidity
– Less illness and bacteria
– Quiet operation
– Reduced asthma attacks
– Reduced energy bills
– Remotely controlled
– Temperature control

Are There Any Portable AC Unit Benefits?

Similarly, the advantages depend on the specific model. However, there are also many portable AC unit benefits, such as:

– Cost-effectiveness
– Dehumidifier option
– Eco-friendliness
– Easy to store
– No (permanent) installation
– Portable
– Remotely controllable
– Simple maintenance
– Timer option

However, we must note that portable units don’t last as long as fixed units, they are much noisier, offer limited cooling and require careful ventilation.

Fixed Air Conditioning Units at D-Mec Services

Many portable unit advantages overlap with fixed systems. After all, the quality depends on the model. And in most cases, people purchase a unit based on their needs and property rather than having a luxury, expensive system. It might be that a portable unit is all you need, but this may not be the case for others.

At D-Mec Services, we offer a variety of air conditioning services, including installation, maintenance and servicing, and repairs. When you buy an AC system with us, you are sure to receive expert service at the most affordable price. If a fixed air conditioning unit is for you, contact us today for a quote.