Portable AC vs tower AC: Price, electricity consumption, maintenance and more compared
Follow UsPortable ACs are cheaper and easier to maintain, making them suitable for small rooms.
Tower ACs cool larger spaces faster but come with higher purchase and servicing costs.
Power usage varies, but tower ACs offer better cooling efficiency for bigger areas.
Summer is here, and if you are trying to pick a cooling option that does not involve drilling holes in your wall, you have probably landed on two choices: portable AC and tower AC. Both promise easy cooling without the hassle of a split AC installation, but they work quite differently and suit different needs. I have compared both on the things that actually matter to you when buying one: cooling performance, electricity bills, upkeep and price. Here is a simple breakdown of price, electricity consumption, maintenance and more for the portable AC and tower AC to help you decide which one fits your home and your budget better.
SurveyPortable AC vs tower AC: Cooling performance
If you’re looking for an AC to cool your small rooms, which are around 100 to 150 square feet, then a portable AC is the best option. The device is compact in size and looks aesthetic, as its compressor sits inside the same unit. However, the unit takes a significant amount of time to cool the space. Not only that, but it also generates heat indoors.
A tower AC, on the other hand, throws air much further and stronger because of its height and comes with multi-directional vents. In comparison to portable AC, the unit cools the room faster. The device is highly suitable for halls, large bedrooms and even small shops.
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Portable AC vs tower AC: Electricity consumption and running cost
Portable ACs typically use 900 to 1,500 watts per hour depending on the capacity of the device. However, if you’re wondering that it’s a lot of energy for a small AC unit, then let me tell you that it’s because the compressor of the device runs indoors, and as a result of that, you lose some efficiency to heat buildup.
Whereas tower ACs, especially 1.5 or 2-tonne inverter models, use more power when compared with the portable ACs, they also cool a larger area faster, so the cost per square foot evens out. If you run for 8 hours daily, expect your monthly bill to rise by Rs 1,500 to Rs 3,000, depending on the star rating and room size.
Portable AC vs tower AC: Maintenance
This is where portable ACs have an edge, as you just need to clean the filter and empty the water tray occasionally. The best part is you can do all that yourself. Whereas the tower ACs need more frequent servicing because of their bigger compressors and ducting. Not only that, but you usually need a technician for its maintenance, as it requires deep cleaning.
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Portable AC vs tower AC: Price
Portable ACs are easier on the wallet upfront, with most 1-tonne models priced between Rs 22,000 and Rs 38,000. Budget options from newer brands start even lower, around Rs 15,000 to Rs 20,000.
On the other hand, tower ACs cost noticeably more, with 1.5 to 2-tonne models ranging from Rs 43,000 to Rs 68,000, since you are paying for stronger cooling and a bigger build.
