Portable air conditioners are widely sold in London every summer — easy to set up, no installation needed. But for most homeowners, a fixed wall-mounted split installation delivers better cooling, lower running costs, and less noise. This guide helps you decide which is right for you.

Portable vs Fixed Split: A Comparison

Factor	Portable unit	Fixed split system
Installation	None required	Half-day professional installation
Cost	£300-£800 to buy	£1,200-£2,200 installed — see cost guide
Cooling efficiency	Lower — loses cold air around exhaust hose	Higher — sealed refrigerant loop
Noise	Higher — compressor inside the room	Lower — compressor outdoors
Best for	Temporary use, rented flats	Permanent cooling, owned property

For London flats specifically, see our complete guide to AC in London flats. For period properties, our Victorian properties guide covers installation constraints.

When a Fixed Installation Is the Better Choice

If you own your property and plan to stay more than one summer, a fixed domestic installation recovers its cost within two to three years. We cover all London zones — Central, North, West, and South West London.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can a portable AC cool a whole flat?
Not effectively — suited to single rooms up to 25m². See our London flats AC guide for whole-flat solutions.

Are portable AC units allowed in rented flats?
Yes — no permanent installation required. For permanent cooling, freeholder consent is typically needed for a fixed system.

Ready for a Permanent Solution?

Call us for a free survey: 020 7870 2333. A wall-mounted split can typically be installed within a week. Visit our installation page for full details.

Simply Air Conditioning London — F-Gas certified installation and servicing since 2009.