Can portable air conditioners also function as heaters? What are the advantages and disadvantages of portable air conditioning units? How is the required power of the unit determined? Are lower costs and easy installation the only benefits of portable air conditioners over split systems?
Recently, we’ve received several emails asking whether portable air conditioning units can be used for heating. The short answer is: some units have a heating option, while others do not. When making a purchase, it’s best to inquire whether the unit has heating functionality. However, if we rephrase the question to inquire if a portable air conditioner can effectively heat during winter, the answer would be no.
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There are several reasons for this. Firstly, portable air conditioners do not utilize inverter technology. This means their compressor operates on an on/off principle, lacking precise adaptation to external and internal temperature conditions. In regions with harsh winters like ours, this type of heating isn’t efficient or reliable. However, supplemental heating during transitional periods is possible.
So, if you’re planning to solve your heating problem this year by purchasing a portable air conditioner, it will likely be an unsuccessful mission unless you need to heat a smaller space like a cottage, garage, or workshop.
Advantages of Portable Air Conditioners Besides Cost
One of the major advantages of portable air conditioners is their lower cost compared to split systems. However, there are other notable benefits of portable air conditioners, likely the reason why many are interested this year in whether these units can also provide heating. One advantage is that a portable air conditioner doesn’t require installation like a standard split system. You can move it from room to room or even house to house to cool or heat the desired space.
There are, however, some limitations. Since portable air conditioners consist of only one unit, there’s a flexible hose about four inches in diameter that needs to be routed outside the room to expel hot air. Typically, this hose is vented through a slightly open window. Kits for venting the hose outside are included with portable air conditioners, but this is another reason why these units aren’t suitable for heating during winter months. One option is venting the hose through a chimney opening, but it’s preferable for the hose to be as short as possible for efficiency.
It’s also worth noting that portable units with the same power as split systems are less efficient and therefore less economical. Additionally, since a portable air conditioner consists of only one indoor unit, the compressor is located within the room being cooled, resulting in more noise compared to split systems, whose compressors are almost silent as they’re located in the outdoor unit.
In terms of maintenance, it’s relatively straightforward, primarily involving periodic filter cleaning as per the manufacturer’s instructions, and regular emptying of the condensate tank. Since there’s no outdoor unit, condensate is collected in a tank that needs regular emptying. There are portable air conditioners available with the option to vent the condensate hose along with the flexible hose outside the room.