Standing air conditioners, also called floor-mounted air conditioners, are similar to split-type air conditioners, but stay close to the ground. Portable air conditioner units may also be considered as standing air conditioners, albeit not floor-mounted. There are factors to consider when using a standing air conditioner:
Factors to Consider When Buying a Floor-mounted AC Unit
Budget
Standing air conditioners are relatively low-cost units compared to split-type systems, window units, and other types of air conditioning systems. Floor-mounted units cost around $200 – $800 depending on the model, size, and cooling power.
In terms of maintenance costs, single/Dual hose portable air conditioners do not require installation, and the plug-and-play features make them simple to operate at lower maintenance costs compared to wall or floor-mounted units.
Energy Consumption
Floor-mounted air conditioners range in energy efficiency, with split-type units more energy efficient than portable ones. A study done on floor-mounted units, however, shows that floor-mounted air conditioners significantly increase energy consumption over time, so you will need to prepare for the operating costs of using these units.
Space Requirements
A standing air conditioner takes up minimal floor space, but larger units may require a considerable amount of floor space. Portable air conditioner models are efficient in cooling small rooms without the need of a split system (indoor and outdoor unit).
Standing, portable air conditioners are often used in rented apartments, homes, retail shops, and offices that are not allowed to install any appliance into the walls, or make any renovations without consulting with the property owner. Portable units allow users to cool the space, without having to drill through the walls.
Cooling Power
Despite the pros, a standing, portable air conditioner is often weak in cooling capacity as most standing air conditioners have an average of 5,000 BTU to 14,000 BTU (British Thermal Units). Compared to the 60,000 BTU maximum of split-type systems, even the best portable air conditioners can only provide cool air to small rooms at a time.
Maintenance
Floor-mounted split-type units may incur installation costs and higher energy consumption compared to standing units and other portable air conditioners. Floor-mounted split systems will require consistent professional cleaning and maintenance as well to keep its functionality and durability.
Best Standing Air Conditioner Models - A Complete Guide
LG Smart Portable Air Conditioner
Our rating: ★★★★★
The LG smart portable air conditioner features a sleek design that blends into most modern spaces. Despite its compact size, the portable unit boasts a 12,000 BTU, which can comfortably cool down up to 350 square feet with just a touch of a button using the LG ThinQ feature.
The AC unit can connect to your phone, allowing you to control the unit from anywhere. The LG smart portable air conditioner can follow voice commands as well, and its small size is a space-saving feature that uses up less precious floor space.
Black + Decker BPACT08WT Portable Air Conditioner
Our rating: ★★★☆☆
The Black + Decker portable air conditioner features a 8,000 BTU capacity, which can efficiently cool up to 150 square feet of space - perfect for small bedrooms, living rooms, and office spaces! The easy-to-clean filter feature makes this AC unit low maintenance, and the portable AC operates quietly for maximum comfort.
Whynter ARC-14SH Dual Hose Portable Air Conditioner
Our rating: ★★★★★
The Whynter dual hose portable AC is one of the best portable air conditioners in the market, boasting a powerful cooling BTU of 14,000, capable of cooling up to 500 square feet of space! The unit may be bigger and heavier than other portable units, but the Whynter dual hose system can be easily operated with the remote control, and drains automatically.
ROLLICOOL Smart Portable Air Conditioner
Our rating: ★★★★☆
The Rollicool smart air conditioner can be controlled through the Rollibot app, and can connect to most home assistants like Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, and more via bluetooth or Wi-Fi. It can efficiently cool 375 square feet of space with 14,000 BTU, and is easy to glide from room to room due to its lightweight design.
Honeywell MO08CESWK Compact Portable Air Conditioner
Our rating: ★★★☆☆
The Honeywell compact air conditioner and dehumidifier is lightweight, easy to clean, and includes a room climate control feature that removes the humid and hot air from the room. Its dehumidifier keeps the air in the room at a comfortable moisture level. However, its 6,100 BTU is not suitable for more than 350 square feet of space.
Standing Air Conditioner Installation Process
The installation process for a portable ACs is simple. Most units are plug-and-play units, so plugging them into the wall socket is all it takes to start using the air conditioner. However, most standing AC units will need a window to loop the exhaust hose outside, particularly for dual hose units.
For smart and wifi air conditioners, follow the installation guide on the user's manual to properly link your standing, portable AC to your smartphone, tablet, or other devices. Download the official app of the brand, and link your devices to start using your standing air conditioner!
Having trouble with your portable unit? Contact us at Luce Aircon for all your AC needs!