Is A Portable Right For Me?

There are many different types and styles of air conditioning products and systems available. The four most common types of air to air systems are;

• Portable
• Central
• Ductless mini split
• Room (window/wall unit)

Portable Air Conditioner:

Where is this system used? In areas where other types of air conditioning products/systems are not suitable. Portables are ideal for supplementary, temporary, spot or emergency cooling.

Cooling area? Designated room, office or spot cooling.

What are the main components? Smaller capacity portable is a one piece, self contained "stand alone" unit consisting of evaporator/condenser coils, compressor, and fans (FREECOM^® models RCS-M2000T and RCS-M1000T).

Larger capacity portable "Split" two piece unit consists of independently housed outdoor condenser and indoor evaporator (FREECOM^® model RCS-S3000T).

Installation requirements: For space cooling installation of vent kit. For spot cooling no vent kit required.

Advantages: A portable can be used in multiple rooms with minimal installation. Energy efficient by cooling only a designated area or room. Electrical requirements, standard household outlet.

Disadvantages: Occupies floor space.

What does this system cost? Generally, a portable is less expensive than central or ductless mini split systems.

Central Systems:

Where is this system used? Primarily in homes or offices that have forced air heating duct (furnace) systems. Cooling area? Entire home or office.

What are the main components? A central system is comprised of two major components. An indoor evaporator coil unit and an outdoor condensing unit. For home applications the indoor evaporator coil is usually installed directly above your furnace in the plenum (duct). For commercial applications a separately housed unit called an evaporator/blower is utilized.

The condensing or outdoor unit contains a compressor, coil and fan. The condensing unit is usually located outdoors.

Installation requirements: For homes, modification to existing furnace duct and/or installation of duct system. Installation of electrical wiring and refrigerant piping. Installation of outdoor condensing unit. Commercial applications may require the installation of a separately housed evaporator/blower unit and additional duct.

Advantages: Permanent and quiet. Air conditions all rooms utilizing a single system.

Disadvantages: A basic system may increase utility costs due to cooling of unoccupied areas or rooms.

What does this system cost? This depends upon a number of factors. Generally, if extensive duct work is required, central systems could be more expensive than other types of air conditioning products.

Ductless mini split:

Where is this system used? Primarily in homes or offices that do not have central forced air heating duct systems. Alternative or supplementary to central systems.

Cooling area? Designated room or office.

What are the main components? A ductless mini split system is comprised of two major components. An independently housed indoor evaporator fan coil/blower unit and an outdoor condensing unit. The indoor evaporator unit is usually installed on the wall or floor of a designated single room. The condensing or outdoor unit contains a compressor, coil and fan. The condensing unit is usually located outdoors and can be hung on a wall or set on the ground.

Installation requirements: Installation of indoor unit on wall or floor. Installation of electrical wiring and refrigerant piping. Installation of outdoor condensing unit.

Advantages: Permanent and energy efficiency cooling only a designated area or room.

Disadvantages: Takes up interior wall or floor space.

What does this system cost? This depends upon a number of factors. Generally ductless mini split systems can be a little less than or equal to a central system.

Room Air Conditioner (window/wall unit):

Where is this system used? Wherever low cost air conditioning is required.

Cooling area? Designated room or office.

What are the main components? Self contained unit consisting of evaporator/condenser coils, compressor, and fans.

Installation requirements: Possible modifications to window or hole in wall. Special electrical wiring for larger capacity units.

Advantages: Low cost and energy efficiency, cooling only a designated area or room.

Disadvantages: Noisy. Takes up window/wall space. Weather infiltration. Awkward handling.

Security risk (unit can be removed from outside allowing access to home/office).

What does this system cost? The cost for the unit only is generally cheapest compared to other air conditioning systems. However, any modifications to window, wall and electrical installation will substantially increase total system cost.