Dual Hose Portable Air Conditioner vs Single Hose

There is a growing demand for portable air conditioners. A significant reason for that is because of their small size and mobility.

Portable air conditioners are primarily available in two designs – single hose and dual hose air conditioners. This article explains everything you need to know about dual hose portable air conditioner vs. single hose.

It is crucial to clearly understand their characteristics, mechanisms, and advantages before selecting the best portable air conditioner.

It is essential to compare the designs with their advantages and disadvantages to help make the appropriate decision.

Let us zoom in to look at the critical part of the two devices, namely the hose.


What Is the Function of the Hose?

In each portable air conditioner, the vent draws in air to the system. This air is then refreshed and released to the front room.

The heat produced by the device discharges through another vent or tube. That usually occurs at the back of the air conditioner.

To release the heat, the hose must be attached to a window or wall. Each opening needs to have a connection to the outside. The elimination of the heat produced by the air conditioner helps the cooling process.

Like all other air conditioning systems, these two designs come with a compressor. The compressor helps remove heat from the main room. The system generates heat through the exhaust hose or tube.


Dual Hose Portable Air Conditioner vs Single Hose

Let’s have an insightful overview of the comparison between the single hose and dual hose portable air conditioner:


Single Hose Air Conditioner

1. Working Mechanism:

In this system, the compressor pumps hot air through the external exhaust. That produces a negative air pressure as a result. That is because the single hose design pulls cooled air from the room to cool the system.

In addition to the wastage of already cooled air, the room’s lack of air also causes negative pressure. Warm air flows from outside through the holes and cracks in walls or doors, following the concept of heat transfer.

2. Working Efficiency:

In single hose systems, the negative pressure has an adverse effect on the air conditioner. It makes it difficult to operate and limits the overall productivity of the air conditioner.

It also takes the machine longer to lower the room temperature.

3. Energy Consumption and Cost:

Despite the lower performance, single hose systems use less energy and electricity.

That is why single hose air conditioners cost much less and are suitable for smaller rooms. Using it in a larger space would not be as efficient since it takes longer to cool the room.

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Dual Hose Air Conditioner

The dual hose air conditioner has two hoses that adjust and set the correct temperature inside your rooms, as evident by the name.

1. Working Mechanism:

In dual hose air conditioners, the system bypasses the negative pressure problem by its hoses.

In other words, as one shaft exhausts the heat outside, the secondary shaft draws cold air from the outside. This simultaneous action prevents the formation of negative pressure in the room.

2. Working Efficiency:

The reliability of the unit is improved in dual hose air conditioners.

That is because the negative pressure is not involved anymore. That allows the unit to cool the room more efficiently and at a much faster rate.

If you are looking for a system that provides the highest cooling power, we recommend going for a portable dual hose air conditioner.

3. Energy Consumption and Cost:

Dual hose systems use more electricity since there are two internal fans.

A dual-hose air conditioner will cost you more than a single-hose air conditioner. If you live on a tight-strung budget, a single hose air conditioner can be a more stable option for you.

The high efficiency of the dual hose air conditioner makes it easier to cool big rooms faster. These air-cooling systems are quicker and provide improved efficiency compared to their single-hose counterparts

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Installation Process of Single and Double Hose Systems

The installation process of dual hose portable air conditioner vs. single hose is almost the same.

Installing a portable air cooling system is an easy process, both for single or dual hose systems. A ventilation kit is provided for both units and must be mounted.

Here is a step-by-step overview of the installation process for these two air conditioning systems.

  1. First of all, you must establish a suitable position for the unit.
  2. Then mount the unit to the exhaust connector and the connector to the exhaust hose.
  3. You have to measure the window width and cut the plastic in the ventilation package to the correct measurement.
  4. Place the plastic on the window and close the sash to match perfectly.
  5. Then connect the exhaust shaft end to the plastic vent adaptor provided in the kit.
  6. Next, mount the adaptor to the plastic part.
  7. Use the duct tapes to protect all ends of the exhaust hose.
  8. Your ventilation system is now in place and ready to operate.

Maintenance of Air Conditioning Systems

Portable units need to be managed daily to ensure efficient service. Given below are some tips you should keep in mind to maintain your air conditioning systems:

  • Drain the condensed water gathered manually or use a condensate pump to remove the water. 
  • More modern versions with auto-evaporative water drainage technology are also available.
  • You should clean the filters every two or three weeks.
  • Wash and rinse the filter vigorously in warm water with mild detergents if washable.
  • Before you replace the unit, remember to dry it thoroughly.
  • Some systems have a carbon filter that needs to be managed following the unit instructions.
  • Turn off the unit and clean the outside with a smooth, damp cloth from time-to-time.
  • Keep the unit hidden from sunlight to prevent color damage of the unit.

Pros and Cons of Single Hose & Dual Hose Systems

For a quick recap of the comparison between the single hose and dual hose portable air conditioners, take a look below:

Portable Air Conditioning System Pros Cons
Single Hose System
  • Highly portable and efficient
  • Suitable for smaller rooms
  • Highly cost-effective
  • Low electricity consumption
  • Warm air seeps into the room because of negative pressure
  • The same air circulates in the room
  • Not suitable for bigger rooms
Dual Hose System
  • Fast and more efficient
  • No negative pressure problem
  • Suitable for big rooms
  • Consumes more electricity
  • More expensive
  • May cause noise

The Bottom Line

There is no sure proof that one system is superior to the other. It depends on you to give preference to either one according to your needs.

If you desire a compelling performance, then a portable double-hose air conditioner is the best option.

On the other hand, if you are looking for a small room cooling system and your budget is tight, then a single hose system is an efficient choice.

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