Stand up air conditioners, also known as portable air conditioners, are a popular cooling option for many homeowners and renters. Unlike traditional window air conditioners, stand up units don’t need to be mounted in a window and can be easily moved from room to room. This flexibility makes them an appealing choice for those wanting to cool specific rooms without central AC. But are these freestanding ACs really worth the cost and hassle? Here we’ll examine the pros and cons of stand up air conditioners to help you decide if purchasing one is right for your cooling needs.
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How do stand up air conditioners work?
Stand up air conditioners work similar to window units, using a refrigeration cycle to cool air. They pull warm air from the room through an air intake, pass it over an evaporator coil filled with refrigerant, then expel the chilled air back into the room. The heat removed gets vented outside through an exhaust hose that you install in a nearby window. This exhaust hose is a key difference from window ACs, allowing the stand up unit mobility since it doesn’t have to be mounted in the window itself.
Sizes for stand up air conditioners are measured in British thermal units (BTUs) which indicate the amount of heat they can remove per hour. Residential units typically range from 5,000 BTUs to 14,000 BTUs, suitable for rooms from 150 to 700 square feet.
What are the advantages of stand up air conditioners?
There are several benefits that make stand up ACs an appealing cooling option:
Portability
The biggest advantage is portability and the flexibility to move the unit from room to room. Window air conditioners are fixed in place once installed, cooling only that space. Stand up air conditioners use an exhaust hose to vent out the hot air, allowing them to be wheeled into any room you want to cool. This gives you the freedom to cool only occupied rooms as needed without cooling unused spaces.
No permanent installation
Permanent installation isn’t required. Window ACs require creating an opening in the wall and window frame for mounting. Stand up units use temporary exhaust hoses that can be easily set up and removed as needed. This avoids permanent modifications to your home.
Versatility
Their mobility also makes them versatile for cooling enclosed spaces like garages, basements, additions and more that lack traditional AC. As long as there is a window for the exhaust hose they can be used to cool almost any room.
Efficiency
Stand up air conditioners are more energy efficient than central air for cooling individual rooms. Running a whole house central air system is wasteful if you only occupy part of the home. Portable ACs let you save energy by cooling just the specific rooms you use.
Cost effective
Purchasing and installing a stand up AC unit is often much cheaper than installing a complete central air system which requires ductwork. And without ducts to maintain you save on energy costs.
What are the disadvantages of stand up air conditioners?
Despite their benefits, there are some downsides to consider with stand up air conditioners:
Noisy operation
Portable ACs tend to be louder than window units when running. The compressor and fan motor are contained in the unit which generates more noise in the room versus window ACs where the compressor sits outdoors. Noise levels range from 50-60 dBA which is comparable to a normal conversation. Light sleepers may find the noise disruptive.
Exhaust hose setup
Installing the exhaust hose can sometimes be challenging. The hose needs to reach a window, so you may have to keep furniture placement in mind. The window kit blocks off part of the window which can impact views. And if not insulated properly, conditioned air can escape through gaps decreasing efficiency.
Takes up floor space
Stand up units take up considerable floor space with their large box design, measuring over two feet wide and 3-4 feet high. This can limit furniture arrangement options. The unit needs open space around it for air intake so furniture can’t be too close.
Not designed for large spaces
Portable air conditioners work best for cooling individual rooms up to 700 sq ft. Their capacity is too limited for effectively cooling large open spaces or an entire home like central air. You need sufficient units to cover each room.
Condensation removal required
Stand up ACs remove condensation that builds up during cooling. Most units collect it in a removable bucket or tray. When full it must be emptied which is an added maintenance task. Some have a drainage hose to eliminate manually emptying collection tanks.
Key factors when selecting a stand up air conditioner
If you decide a stand up AC will meet your cooling needs, here are some key criteria to evaluate when selecting a model:
BTU capacity
Choose a unit with adequate BTUs for the room size you want to cool. Models range from 5,000 BTUs for 150 sq ft rooms to 14,000 BTU units capable of cooling 700 sq ft spaces. Oversizing your unit won’t improve performance so pick the appropriate capacity you need.
Sound rating
Check the decibel rating to understand how noisy operation will be. Lower dB units of 50-55 dBA are preferable for quieter performance. Features like variable or multi-speed fans can lower noise on newer models.
Added features
Look for useful features like electronic controls with timer and temperature settings, remote control, multiple fan speeds, auto restart after power outage, and sleep mode. A self-evaporating condensate system avoids manually emptying water tanks.
Energy efficiency rating
More efficient units have higher EER (Energy Efficiency Ratio) and SEER (Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio) ratings which lower energy use and costs. Look for models with an EER of at least 9.80 or greater.
Warranty coverage
Expect an average warranty of 1-2 years on the appliance. Make sure the compressor unit is covered for at least 5 years as compressor failure is the most common issue.
Reputation of brand
Stick with well-known, established AC brands that manufacture dependable, long-lasting appliances. Read reviews to confirm the brand has a solid reputation.
Should you get a stand up or window air conditioner?
For cooling a single room, both stand up and window air conditioners are viable options. Window units are generally cheaper, easier to install, take up less space and operate slightly quieter. But stand up ACs offer flexibility with mobility between rooms. Other factors like your specific cooling needs, room layout, noise tolerance and installation challenges will determine which is better suited for your situation.
Stand up ACs make the most sense for users that want to cool multiple rooms without central air, have limited windows, or want to avoid permanent installations. Their ability to move around provides additional value many homeowners appreciate. But window units may be the simpler solution if you just need to cool one space.
Conclusion
Stand up air conditioners provide an effective way to add cooling to individual rooms without costly central air. Their portable design offers more flexibility than window units. However, potential downsides like noise, blocking window views, and floor space requirements should be considered. Taking your specific cooling needs and home layout into account will determine if a stand up AC is truly worth the investment for you. Units sized properly for each room paired with good maintenance can provide years of reliable operation. Just be sure to weight the pros and cons presented here when deciding between portable ACs versus other cooling options.