My thought was that a portable AC would be easier to switch modes. Having a window unit sitting in the middle of the room would be intrusive. But, it seems the portable ACs actually work a little differently, so aren't very good as an AC. Apparently they have a single air intake, which splits over the two sets of coils (condenser, evaporator). The hot air goes out the tube, which is meant to go outside. Thus it creates negative pressure in the room, drawing fresh air from wherever it can get in. So you get humid air from outside coming in. A normal split window unit runs outside air over the warm side, so doesn't force air inside the room.
There are dual hose portable ac units at home depot website.
You are right.. A window AC has to take all its air from inside.
Actually I meant the portable ACs. But Art_Heals said there are dual-hose ones that work like a window unit, with two separate fans and two separate air paths. That's the kind I'd get instead of a dehumidifier, if I thought I'd ever need cooling in the room as well. Dual-use. Some are even advertised as this. Looks like the cost is a good deal higher than the really compact dehumidifiers, though.
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