They're a LOT more expensive for the BTUs you get vs. a standard window unit. They're cumbersome to drag around, so they really aren't that "portable" when it comes right down to it. And they take up floor space. Another consideration is the power requirements. A 12,000 BTU AC will probably consume most of a standard 30 amp receptical circuit. Meaning that if you have it plugged in, you'd better not plan on running anything else off that circuit or you'll probably blow a circuit breaker. Some 12K units will even require a 20 amp circuit. For apartment dwellers, a couple of smaller lightweight 5K units that can be strategically placed in certain zones often makes more sense than a portable. It'll be cheaper, for sure. You can usually find a small 5k unit for under $150. You'll have less electrical load, especially if you only run them one at a time when you are in the specific zone. Yes, you'll have to pull them out and store them when cooling season is over, but you'd have to figure out storage for a portable too.

mike_home, Thanks for the info. I will consider a heat pump. This year the state of new jersey now requires all ac installers to receive training and state licenses in ac installation. In my research it has been stated quite a few times, the ac will work only as well as it was installed. Lennox has premier installers and only a very few of the other brand installers are NATE trained. But the majority are still not ac trained licensed installers. The majority are plumbers and electricians. My concern is the duct work and the refrigerate not being done to specifications. Many hvac contractors offer only one year labor. Unfortunately a number of homeowners found themselves shelving out more money 2,3,4, years later, just for labor. The installer is as important as the ac with 10 year limited warranties. I can accept an annual maintenance contract, but want the ac to work as smoothly as the Luxaire had for 35 years.

I couldn't get to open but prob bc of my phone. The single head units are a lot more efficient then the muti head units. Not sure from your setup but you could possibly also use fans to help push the air through the house.

Why spend the money on a piece of copper you're not going to use? Red or black or any other color you want as long as it's not gray, white, or green. You have to cover all the exposed white (a stripe is not enough). You could use a 60A unfused, you could us a 30A fused, you could do what you were proposing. All are fine here. Whatever is easiest or cheapest. I was just pointing out that you were not constrained.