Other than central air conditioners and split systems, the only non window room air conditioners to be found are either portable or through-the-wall units. If you are trying to find a portable or through-the-wall air conditioner, here are some facts you should be aware of before you make a purchase.
• There is almost no such thing as non window air conditioners unless you are willing to cut a hole in your wall. Portable units need a way to vent the warm air taken out of the room and release it outside. As for through-the-wall units, they need to be placed in a hole in an exterior wall. This will allow it to vent the warm air outside, similar to a portable unit.
• A portable air conditioner usually only has BTU ranges between 5000 and 16000. Through wall units range anywhere from 5000 BTU upwards to 29000 BTU. You will be able to cool rooms from 100sq ft to about 1500sq ft. However, it all depends on a number of factors.
• Portable and through wall units can be just as energy efficient as other types of air conditioners as long as they are used and cared for properly. There are many models available that offer energy saving modes and high EERs. There are even many units that are Energy Star rated.
• Portable air conditioners usually come equipped with a drip tray which gathers the excess moisture absorbed from the air. In this case, you will need to frequently empty the tray or it could damage your floor or the unit itself.
• Non window units tend to be rather cheap compared to other air conditioners, especially compared to central air or split systems. You can find a unit as low as $100. Of course you may be lacking in features and BTU but it is possible.
• The features of such units can vary greatly, depending on the make and model. Many common features include multiple cooling and fan speeds, multiple air flow, remote operation, and timers. There are also many other features available. Some of those features can help you to save energy which in the long run, will save you money.
• When you own a portable air conditioner or even a through-the-wall air conditioner, there is maintenance and cleaning required. There are filters that will need to be cleaned or replaced, vents that will need to be kept dust free, and other pieces and parts that will need to be cared for in order to keep your unit in good condition.
Don’t let the facts of non window air conditioners frighten you. Although they may not be completely windowless, they are a great solution for most rooms when central air conditioning just isn’t an option. They are cheaper and come with many great features as well as some higher cooling capacities. It is important however, to make sure you have a way to vent the warm air outside. Otherwise, you will be wasting energy and possibly creating mold in your home.