COMPARE THE MAIN COOLING ROUTES
Compare the Main Ways to Cool Your Room
There is no single cooling system that is right for every room. Cool Bedroom specialises in bedroom cooling, but these same routes can also suit living rooms, home offices and other spaces. The best option depends on the room, your property, budget, noise sensitivity and whether permanent alterations or an outdoor unit are practical.
Compare the three main options below before choosing a product or approaching an installer.
Compare the Options at a Glance
The main differences are installation, indoor noise, outdoor requirements and upfront cost.
Installation and Property Changes
- Portable: No permanent installation is normally required, but a suitable window or door is needed for the exhaust hose.
- Monobloc: Requires professional installation and normally two ventilation openings through an outside-facing wall.
- Split: Requires specialist installation, pipework, cabling and drainage, plus suitable indoor and outdoor positions.
Indoor Noise
- Portable: Usually the loudest option because the compressor and fan operate inside the room.
- Monobloc: Usually quieter than portable air conditioning, but the compressor remains indoors.
- Split: Usually provides the quietest indoor operation because the compressor is located outside.
Outdoor Requirements
- Portable: Needs a suitable window or door so the exhaust hose can release warm air outdoors.
- Monobloc: Does not need a separate outdoor condenser but normally requires external ventilation grilles.
- Split: Needs a suitable outdoor position with adequate airflow and access for future maintenance.
Typical Upfront Cost
- Portable: Usually the lowest-cost route because professional installation is not normally required.
- Monobloc: Costs more upfront because both the fitted unit and professional installation must be paid for.
- Split: Usually has a higher upfront cost, which varies according to the system and installation work required.
Explore the Three Main Options
FLEXIBLE ROUTE
Portable Air Conditioning
Portable air conditioning can suit renters, lower budgets or anyone unable to make permanent alterations. Warm exhaust air must be vented outdoors through a suitable window or door.
Best suited to:
Renters, lower budgets or customers unable to make permanent alterations.
Property requirement:
A suitable window or door for the exhaust hose, with the opening sealed as well as possible.
Main compromise:
More indoor noise, some floor space and generally lower efficiency than a fitted system.
NO OUTDOOR UNIT
Monobloc Air Conditioning
Monobloc air conditioning provides permanently fitted cooling without a separate outdoor condenser. The complete system remains inside the room and releases heat outdoors through wall openings.
Best suited to:
Customers wanting permanent cooling without a separate outdoor condenser.
Property requirement:
Permission for permanent alterations and a suitable outside-facing wall for the ventilation openings.
Main compromise:
The compressor remains indoors, professional installation is required and installer availability may be more limited.
QUIETEST INDOORS
Split Air Conditioning
Split air conditioning provides permanently fitted cooling through an indoor unit connected to a separate outdoor condenser. With the compressor outside, it will usually provide quieter indoor operation and efficient cooling.
Best suited to:
Customers wanting quiet, efficient and permanently fitted cooling.
Property requirement:
Permission for permanent alterations and a suitable outdoor position for the condenser.
Main compromise:
A separate outdoor unit and specialist installation are required, with a higher upfront cost than portable air conditioning.
Not Sure Which Option Is Right for You?
Room size, property type, venting options, noise sensitivity and budget can all affect which route is most suitable. Use the Cool Bedroom Finder for independent guidance before approaching a seller or installer.