Whenever you’re moving in to a new place and need to choose appliances, chances are you’re looking for appliances that are easy to install, inexpensive, and efficient. The same is true when it comes to A/C. If you don’t have central air and need to choose your own A/C, you might be wondering what the better option is for your living room or bedroom: a window A/C or a portable A/C? Read on for the pros and cons for both A/C types.

Before making your next purchase, take measurements in your home to decide how big of an A/C you’ll need in the first place. After that, you should also weigh each of the pros and cons for portable A/C units and window A/C units.

Portable A/C Pros & Cons

For anyone who lives in a tight apartment that doesn’t have much window or floor space, a portable A/C might sound more preferable because it might guarantee more efficiency. It has “portable” in the name, after all!

Portable A/Cs are definitely easy to install, and they can be easy to store away – all you have to do is unplug the unit and roll it out of the way when you don’t need it anymore. Also, they don’t require a standard single or double hung window in order to function and can fit a variety of window styles.

However, portable A/Cs actually have very poor efficiency. Sure they’re portable, but there are a few unfortunate catches: They’re ugly, loud, and they’ll take up a lot of floor space in your home. Most versions require a cumbersome and obtrusive hose that you have to stick out the window in order to generate cool air. Portable A/Cs are much easier to store away if you have a basement and/or a spacious home. But if you rent an apartment with limited closet space, they might not be right for you.

Window A/C Pros & Cons

When it comes to efficiency, window A/Cs are actually the better option. They’re quieter, more powerful, and they last longer, which makes them conducive to long-term living situations. If you live in New York City or a different major city, you don’t even have to worry about storing away your window A/C for the winter – so long as you take the proper steps to winterproof the unit.

The downside to owning a window A/C is that they can’t all fit into any type of window, which is why you need to measure your window first before purchasing a unit. And even when they do fit, a window A/C will take up an entire window, preventing you from seeing outside and enjoying the sunlight.

Portable A/Cs are fine if you don’t plan on cooling down your space that often (for example, you only need it for the occasional heatwave). Otherwise, if you need frequent cold air, purchase a window A/C. You should consider a smart window A/C like July.

July is efficient and turns what is usually an eyesore in your window into a beautiful design object. What’s more, our window A/C units can be installed with plexiglass side panels that allow you to still enjoy the sunlight. Our small units are great for bedrooms and our medium units work very well in living rooms. Finally, we even have an adaptation that allows July to fit into slider windows, unlike other standard window A/Cs.