portable air conditioner unit

A central air conditioning system cools your entire house. A 9,800 to 12,500 BTU window air conditioner can cool up to 950 square feet. You would need multiple units to cool a house of average size. But even then, a window air conditioner might not be the best option due to blocking natural light, inefficiency, noise level, and more. A portable AC unit is meant to cool a much smaller space. Portable air conditioners can cool up to 700 square feet. Window air conditioners, wall AC units, and portable air conditioners are all generally louder than a central air conditioning system. They also are either on or off and can make a lot of noise when they turn on. If you need cooling in a bedroom, central AC is much quieter and makes for a better night’s sleep. A central cooling system will also offer better air filtration than a window, wall, or portable cooling unit.

portable ac vs window ac

A central air conditioning system cools your entire house. A 9,800 to 12,500 BTU window air conditioner can cool up to 950 square feet. You would need multiple units to cool a house of average size. But even then, a window air conditioner might not be the best option due to blocking natural light, inefficiency, noise level, and more. A portable AC unit is meant to cool a much smaller space. Portable air conditioners can cool up to 700 square feet. Window air conditioners, wall AC units, and portable air conditioners are all generally louder than a central air conditioning system. They also are either on or off and can make a lot of noise when they turn on. If you need cooling in a bedroom, central AC is much quieter and makes for a better night’s sleep. A central cooling system will also offer better air filtration than a window, wall, or portable cooling unit.

portable ac vs window unit

A central air conditioning system cools your entire house. A 9,800 to 12,500 BTU window air conditioner can cool up to 950 square feet. You would need multiple units to cool a house of average size. But even then, a window air conditioner might not be the best option due to blocking natural light, inefficiency, noise level, and more. A portable AC unit is meant to cool a much smaller space. Portable air conditioners can cool up to 700 square feet. Window air conditioners, wall AC units, and portable air conditioners are all generally louder than a central air conditioning system. They also are either on or off and can make a lot of noise when they turn on. If you need cooling in a bedroom, central AC is much quieter and makes for a better night’s sleep. A central cooling system will also offer better air filtration than a window, wall, or portable cooling unit.

air conditioners portable

A central air conditioning system cools your entire house. A 9,800 to 12,500 BTU window air conditioner can cool up to 950 square feet. You would need multiple units to cool a house of average size. But even then, a window air conditioner might not be the best option due to blocking natural light, inefficiency, noise level, and more. A portable AC unit is meant to cool a much smaller space. Portable air conditioners can cool up to 700 square feet. Window air conditioners, wall AC units, and portable air conditioners are all generally louder than a central air conditioning system. They also are either on or off and can make a lot of noise when they turn on. If you need cooling in a bedroom, central AC is much quieter and makes for a better night’s sleep. A central cooling system will also offer better air filtration than a window, wall, or portable cooling unit.

portable room air conditioners

A central air conditioning system cools your entire house. A 9,800 to 12,500 BTU window air conditioner can cool up to 950 square feet. You would need multiple units to cool a house of average size. But even then, a window air conditioner might not be the best option due to blocking natural light, inefficiency, noise level, and more. A portable AC unit is meant to cool a much smaller space. Portable air conditioners can cool up to 700 square feet. Window air conditioners, wall AC units, and portable air conditioners are all generally louder than a central air conditioning system. They also are either on or off and can make a lot of noise when they turn on. If you need cooling in a bedroom, central AC is much quieter and makes for a better night’s sleep. A central cooling system will also offer better air filtration than a window, wall, or portable cooling unit.

air conditioners window units

A central air conditioning system cools your entire house. A 9,800 to 12,500 BTU window air conditioner can cool up to 950 square feet. You would need multiple units to cool a house of average size. But even then, a window air conditioner might not be the best option due to blocking natural light, inefficiency, noise level, and more. A portable AC unit is meant to cool a much smaller space. Portable air conditioners can cool up to 700 square feet. Window air conditioners, wall AC units, and portable air conditioners are all generally louder than a central air conditioning system. They also are either on or off and can make a lot of noise when they turn on. If you need cooling in a bedroom, central AC is much quieter and makes for a better night’s sleep. A central cooling system will also offer better air filtration than a window, wall, or portable cooling unit.

air conditioner for a window

A central air conditioning system cools your entire house. A 9,800 to 12,500 BTU window air conditioner can cool up to 950 square feet. You would need multiple units to cool a house of average size. But even then, a window air conditioner might not be the best option due to blocking natural light, inefficiency, noise level, and more. A portable AC unit is meant to cool a much smaller space. Portable air conditioners can cool up to 700 square feet. Window air conditioners, wall AC units, and portable air conditioners are all generally louder than a central air conditioning system. They also are either on or off and can make a lot of noise when they turn on. If you need cooling in a bedroom, central AC is much quieter and makes for a better night’s sleep. A central cooling system will also offer better air filtration than a window, wall, or portable cooling unit.

air conditioner for window

A central air conditioning system cools your entire house. A 9,800 to 12,500 BTU window air conditioner can cool up to 950 square feet. You would need multiple units to cool a house of average size. But even then, a window air conditioner might not be the best option due to blocking natural light, inefficiency, noise level, and more. A portable AC unit is meant to cool a much smaller space. Portable air conditioners can cool up to 700 square feet. Window air conditioners, wall AC units, and portable air conditioners are all generally louder than a central air conditioning system. They also are either on or off and can make a lot of noise when they turn on. If you need cooling in a bedroom, central AC is much quieter and makes for a better night’s sleep. A central cooling system will also offer better air filtration than a window, wall, or portable cooling unit.

quiet window air conditioner

A central air conditioning system cools your entire house. A 9,800 to 12,500 BTU window air conditioner can cool up to 950 square feet. You would need multiple units to cool a house of average size. But even then, a window air conditioner might not be the best option due to blocking natural light, inefficiency, noise level, and more. A portable AC unit is meant to cool a much smaller space. Portable air conditioners can cool up to 700 square feet. Window air conditioners, wall AC units, and portable air conditioners are all generally louder than a central air conditioning system. They also are either on or off and can make a lot of noise when they turn on. If you need cooling in a bedroom, central AC is much quieter and makes for a better night’s sleep. A central cooling system will also offer better air filtration than a window, wall, or portable cooling unit.

window air conditioner unit

A central air conditioning system cools your entire house. A 9,800 to 12,500 BTU window air conditioner can cool up to 950 square feet. You would need multiple units to cool a house of average size. But even then, a window air conditioner might not be the best option due to blocking natural light, inefficiency, noise level, and more. A portable AC unit is meant to cool a much smaller space. Portable air conditioners can cool up to 700 square feet. Window air conditioners, wall AC units, and portable air conditioners are all generally louder than a central air conditioning system. They also are either on or off and can make a lot of noise when they turn on. If you need cooling in a bedroom, central AC is much quieter and makes for a better night’s sleep. A central cooling system will also offer better air filtration than a window, wall, or portable cooling unit.

window air conditioners unit

A central air conditioning system cools your entire house. A 9,800 to 12,500 BTU window air conditioner can cool up to 950 square feet. You would need multiple units to cool a house of average size. But even then, a window air conditioner might not be the best option due to blocking natural light, inefficiency, noise level, and more. A portable AC unit is meant to cool a much smaller space. Portable air conditioners can cool up to 700 square feet. Window air conditioners, wall AC units, and portable air conditioners are all generally louder than a central air conditioning system. They also are either on or off and can make a lot of noise when they turn on. If you need cooling in a bedroom, central AC is much quieter and makes for a better night’s sleep. A central cooling system will also offer better air filtration than a window, wall, or portable cooling unit.

air conditioner no window

A central air conditioning system cools your entire house. A 9,800 to 12,500 BTU window air conditioner can cool up to 950 square feet. You would need multiple units to cool a house of average size. But even then, a window air conditioner might not be the best option due to blocking natural light, inefficiency, noise level, and more. A portable AC unit is meant to cool a much smaller space. Portable air conditioners can cool up to 700 square feet. Window air conditioners, wall AC units, and portable air conditioners are all generally louder than a central air conditioning system. They also are either on or off and can make a lot of noise when they turn on. If you need cooling in a bedroom, central AC is much quieter and makes for a better night’s sleep. A central cooling system will also offer better air filtration than a window, wall, or portable cooling unit.

air conditioners window unit

A central air conditioning system cools your entire house. A 9,800 to 12,500 BTU window air conditioner can cool up to 950 square feet. You would need multiple units to cool a house of average size. But even then, a window air conditioner might not be the best option due to blocking natural light, inefficiency, noise level, and more. A portable AC unit is meant to cool a much smaller space. Portable air conditioners can cool up to 700 square feet. Window air conditioners, wall AC units, and portable air conditioners are all generally louder than a central air conditioning system. They also are either on or off and can make a lot of noise when they turn on. If you need cooling in a bedroom, central AC is much quieter and makes for a better night’s sleep. A central cooling system will also offer better air filtration than a window, wall, or portable cooling unit.

portable window air conditioner

A central air conditioning system cools your entire house. A 9,800 to 12,500 BTU window air conditioner can cool up to 950 square feet. You would need multiple units to cool a house of average size. But even then, a window air conditioner might not be the best option due to blocking natural light, inefficiency, noise level, and more. A portable AC unit is meant to cool a much smaller space. Portable air conditioners can cool up to 700 square feet. Window air conditioners, wall AC units, and portable air conditioners are all generally louder than a central air conditioning system. They also are either on or off and can make a lot of noise when they turn on. If you need cooling in a bedroom, central AC is much quieter and makes for a better night’s sleep. A central cooling system will also offer better air filtration than a window, wall, or portable cooling unit.

air conditioner portable no window

A central air conditioning system cools your entire house. A 9,800 to 12,500 BTU window air conditioner can cool up to 950 square feet. You would need multiple units to cool a house of average size. But even then, a window air conditioner might not be the best option due to blocking natural light, inefficiency, noise level, and more. A portable AC unit is meant to cool a much smaller space. Portable air conditioners can cool up to 700 square feet. Window air conditioners, wall AC units, and portable air conditioners are all generally louder than a central air conditioning system. They also are either on or off and can make a lot of noise when they turn on. If you need cooling in a bedroom, central AC is much quieter and makes for a better night’s sleep. A central cooling system will also offer better air filtration than a window, wall, or portable cooling unit.

air conditioner without window

A central air conditioning system cools your entire house. A 9,800 to 12,500 BTU window air conditioner can cool up to 950 square feet. You would need multiple units to cool a house of average size. But even then, a window air conditioner might not be the best option due to blocking natural light, inefficiency, noise level, and more. A portable AC unit is meant to cool a much smaller space. Portable air conditioners can cool up to 700 square feet. Window air conditioners, wall AC units, and portable air conditioners are all generally louder than a central air conditioning system. They also are either on or off and can make a lot of noise when they turn on. If you need cooling in a bedroom, central AC is much quieter and makes for a better night’s sleep. A central cooling system will also offer better air filtration than a window, wall, or portable cooling unit.

portable air conditioner no window

A central air conditioning system cools your entire house. A 9,800 to 12,500 BTU window air conditioner can cool up to 950 square feet. You would need multiple units to cool a house of average size. But even then, a window air conditioner might not be the best option due to blocking natural light, inefficiency, noise level, and more. A portable AC unit is meant to cool a much smaller space. Portable air conditioners can cool up to 700 square feet. Window air conditioners, wall AC units, and portable air conditioners are all generally louder than a central air conditioning system. They also are either on or off and can make a lot of noise when they turn on. If you need cooling in a bedroom, central AC is much quieter and makes for a better night’s sleep. A central cooling system will also offer better air filtration than a window, wall, or portable cooling unit.

window air conditioner units

A central air conditioning system cools your entire house. A 9,800 to 12,500 BTU window air conditioner can cool up to 950 square feet. You would need multiple units to cool a house of average size. But even then, a window air conditioner might not be the best option due to blocking natural light, inefficiency, noise level, and more. A portable AC unit is meant to cool a much smaller space. Portable air conditioners can cool up to 700 square feet. Window air conditioners, wall AC units, and portable air conditioners are all generally louder than a central air conditioning system. They also are either on or off and can make a lot of noise when they turn on. If you need cooling in a bedroom, central AC is much quieter and makes for a better night’s sleep. A central cooling system will also offer better air filtration than a window, wall, or portable cooling unit.

non window air conditioner

A central air conditioning system cools your entire house. A 9,800 to 12,500 BTU window air conditioner can cool up to 950 square feet. You would need multiple units to cool a house of average size. But even then, a window air conditioner might not be the best option due to blocking natural light, inefficiency, noise level, and more. A portable AC unit is meant to cool a much smaller space. Portable air conditioners can cool up to 700 square feet. Window air conditioners, wall AC units, and portable air conditioners are all generally louder than a central air conditioning system. They also are either on or off and can make a lot of noise when they turn on. If you need cooling in a bedroom, central AC is much quieter and makes for a better night’s sleep. A central cooling system will also offer better air filtration than a window, wall, or portable cooling unit.

room air conditioner no window

A central air conditioning system cools your entire house. A 9,800 to 12,500 BTU window air conditioner can cool up to 950 square feet. You would need multiple units to cool a house of average size. But even then, a window air conditioner might not be the best option due to blocking natural light, inefficiency, noise level, and more. A portable AC unit is meant to cool a much smaller space. Portable air conditioners can cool up to 700 square feet. Window air conditioners, wall AC units, and portable air conditioners are all generally louder than a central air conditioning system. They also are either on or off and can make a lot of noise when they turn on. If you need cooling in a bedroom, central AC is much quieter and makes for a better night’s sleep. A central cooling system will also offer better air filtration than a window, wall, or portable cooling unit.

window mounted air conditioner

A central air conditioning system cools your entire house. A 9,800 to 12,500 BTU window air conditioner can cool up to 950 square feet. You would need multiple units to cool a house of average size. But even then, a window air conditioner might not be the best option due to blocking natural light, inefficiency, noise level, and more. A portable AC unit is meant to cool a much smaller space. Portable air conditioners can cool up to 700 square feet. Window air conditioners, wall AC units, and portable air conditioners are all generally louder than a central air conditioning system. They also are either on or off and can make a lot of noise when they turn on. If you need cooling in a bedroom, central AC is much quieter and makes for a better night’s sleep. A central cooling system will also offer better air filtration than a window, wall, or portable cooling unit.

indoor air conditioner no window

A central air conditioning system cools your entire house. A 9,800 to 12,500 BTU window air conditioner can cool up to 950 square feet. You would need multiple units to cool a house of average size. But even then, a window air conditioner might not be the best option due to blocking natural light, inefficiency, noise level, and more. A portable AC unit is meant to cool a much smaller space. Portable air conditioners can cool up to 700 square feet. Window air conditioners, wall AC units, and portable air conditioners are all generally louder than a central air conditioning system. They also are either on or off and can make a lot of noise when they turn on. If you need cooling in a bedroom, central AC is much quieter and makes for a better night’s sleep. A central cooling system will also offer better air filtration than a window, wall, or portable cooling unit.

HVAC Tips & Tricks7min read

Whole-House AC vs Window AC Units

Discover how a whole-house AC system beats window unit air conditioners, hands down.

Published:
April 23, 2025

By Anne Fonda

Did you just buy an older home without air conditioning and you’re struggling to decide how to cool it so everyone can sleep at night? If the home was built before air conditioning was a normal part of home construction, you have options.

Many homeowners in northern states never required air conditioning until recent years. But a warming climate and changing weather patterns have caused summers to be hotter than ever before.

We’ll tell it to you straight. Even the best window AC unit or portable AC unit is, at best, a short-term solution if you need to cool your whole house. Let’s take a look.

Let’s compare central air conditioning vs window units

A central air conditioning system cools your entire house – every room that the ductwork extends to, that is. Cooled air circulates through your home’s ductwork system and into each room upstairs and downstairs. If you have one room that never cools as well as the others, you might benefit from a zoning system or ductwork cleaning.

Can a window AC cool a whole house?

No, unless you live in a so-called tiny house, with a square footage of less than 500 sq. ft. A 9,800 to 12,500 BTU window air conditioner can cool up to 950 square feet. You would need multiple units to cool a house of average size.

But even then, a window air conditioner might not be the best option due to blocking natural light, inefficiency, noise level, and more.

Can a portable AC cool a whole house?

No, with the same caveat regarding tiny homes. A portable AC unit is meant to cool a much smaller space. Portable air conditioners can cool up to 700 square feet.

Central air conditioner electricity consumption vs window AC electricity consumption

Although a central air conditioning unit will draw more power overall than a window AC unit or portable AC unit, the portable or window unit will use more energy than a whole-house AC unit to cool the same space to the same temperature.

And again, if you want to cool more than one room, multiple window units can use a lot of energy and you may still have hot spots.

Noise levels

Window air conditioners, wall AC units, and portable air conditioners are all generally louder than a central air conditioning system. They also are either on or off and can make a lot of noise when they turn on. If you need cooling in a bedroom, central AC is much quieter and makes for a better night’s sleep.

Air filtration

A central cooling system will also offer better air filtration than a window, wall, or portable cooling unit. If anyone in your family has allergies or asthma, this is kind of a big deal.

Cost

The cost of installing a central air conditioning system will be higher than buying and installing several window units. The central AC unit cost will vary based on the capacity, efficiency, brand, and other factors.

You can think of installing central air as a long-term investment in your comfort. A central air conditioner will do a better job of cooling your home as well as reducing the humidity. In general, a central AC unit will last 15 years or so and provide comfort to the entire house. The average window unit will last 8-10 years.

In both cases, proper maintenance, your climate, and usage habits will play a part in how long an air conditioner lasts. Central AC units also generally have better warranties.

Best air conditioning system if you have ductwork

If you have existing ductwork and a forced-air heating system such as a gas furnace, it’s pretty easy to add a central AC unit or heat pump to your HVAC system. If you value comfort, energy efficiency, and peace and quiet, a central air conditioner or heat pump would be the way to go in a home with existing ductwork.

Browse Trane air conditioners

Browse Trane heat pumps

Let’s compare a mini-split AC vs a window unit

A whole-house AC option when you don’t have ductwork is a mini-split system.

Again, when you compare a window AC vs a mini-split air conditioner, the mini-split AC unit will come out ahead. This is especially true for Mitsubishi mini-splits, which is what our Trane dealers install.

A ductless mini-split air conditioner is a cooling-only unit. Like a heat pump, a mini-split system can both heat and cool your home if you buy the right type.

Mini-split energy efficiency vs an air conditioner window unit

Our mini-splits are highly energy efficient. Some units have a SEER2 rating of up to 33.1! Mitsubishi mini-split systems use the minimum amount of energy to maintain your desired temperature. The system is always active, adjusting the temperature when it detects even subtle changes. This can result in energy savings and a lower electric bill.

Contrast that with a window AC unit, which is either on or off. On particularly hot days, it will run for a long time, turn off, and start again relatively quickly. All that starting and stopping wastes energy.

Noise levels

Our indoor mini-split units are whisper-quiet. You might not even realize they’re running. Contrast that with a window AC or wall unit, which can make quite a bit of noise, making it hard to have a conversation or hear the TV, let alone get a good night’s sleep.

Air filtration

Our mini-split indoor units have removable filters with a difference. Depending on the unit, they may have multiple layers of filtration vs just one filter for a window or wall AC unit. With proper care, these filters can last 10 years or more.

Cost

A mini-split air conditioner or full mini-split heating and cooling system will cost more than a few window AC units. But it will also provide more even cooling, last longer, and come with a better warranty. Think of it as an investment in your comfort. In addition, if you ever decide to sell your home, having a whole-house heating and cooling system will increase the resale value.

Best air conditioning system if you don’t have ductwork

If you live in an older home and don’t have ductwork, a mini-split system can provide the cooling you need. But you don’t have to stop with cooling. You can replace costly baseboard heat or a failing boiler system if you get the full mini-split heating and cooling system.

Single-zone and multi-zone ductless mini-split systems

A single-zone ductless mini-split system is for use in just one room, such as an addition, room above a garage, or to cool the garage itself.

With a multi-zone ductless mini-split system, you can heat and cool your entire home. Multiple indoor mini-split units connect to one outdoor mini-split heat pump via refrigerant lines. A mini-split system can keep you comfortable year-round and offers superior energy efficiency.

Read the ductless product brochure for more information.

Work with the HVAC experts

Whatever your cooling needs, or heating and cooling needs, your local Trane dealer can assess your home and make expert product recommendations to enhance your home comfort and increase your home’s energy efficiency. Be sure to ask about ENERGY STAR®-qualified units and what tax credits or rebates are available to you.

Schedule a consultation

Anne Fonda, Content Writer

A Content Writer with Trane Technologies, Anne Fonda researches topics and writes for Trane® and associated residential HVAC brands. She works in collaboration with Trane Technologies subject matter experts, offering easy-to-understand, informative content on complex topics. Her goal is to help consumers make informed decisions on the products and services they need.

She has written for HVAC and other service provider websites for over 16 years. Before transitioning to web content writing, Anne had a 14-year stint as an award-winning journalist. She graduated cum laude from the University of Missouri-Columbia School of Journalism.

When she’s not working, Anne enjoys playing word games, reading, gardening, spending time with family, and visiting gardens and museums.

Expert review by Kimberly Sexton, Senior Systems Engineer