- Mar 18, 2007
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Window units are better but if you don't have windows that work then the best portable is one that is modded so that it uses outside air for condenser intake. Otherwise it's just sucking a bunch of air from inside to outside and you basically lose half efficiency. They do sell dual pipe units that are already built this way but they are harder to find and you'll pay a
premium.
Before I got central AC I got a portable since I have crank windows, and I ended up just modifying it and adding an intake for the condenser/compressor cooling part. Worked ok.
If I was to do it over again though I would just get a window unit and convert it into a portable unit, since they are way cheaper. But I just ended up giving in and getting central AC. For the few weeks of the year that I need it here, it's worth it.