Help me settle a discussion. Is it better to put an aircond compressor on an exposed ledge or wall (better air circulation at night, but in full sun during the day) or on a covered balcony (cooler during the day, but somewhat restricted airflow at night).

In our case, the airconds would be running at night only (unless hazy weather necessitating closed windows).

And if the balcony has maybe 2 compressors running at the same time, will the balcony become too hot to sit comfortably?

Thanks!

Inverter or not, it still use heat exchange concept, the better the air circulation and cooler surrounding area the faster and more efficient it run. If you put two or more in a bad air circulation place even inverter will take time to cold the internal area.