How to Get the Most from your Portable Air Conditioner

Portable air conditioners are a great alternative to traditional air conditioning units, thanks to their size, lack of installation and cost. These self-contained cooling units are perfect for small homes, apartments, dorm rooms, offices and even storage areas. In many areas, central air conditioning or a wall unit may be impractical - or just too expensive. A portable air conditioner can typically cool these areas with ease. Additionally, portable air conditioners are fully mobile, allowing you to move them from room to room as needed.

For the most part, many portable air conditioning units will work right out of the box without any permanent installation. While it is possible to set up your unit and then forget about it, there are a few easy steps you can take to make sure that you're maximizing your cooling. Not only can these tips increase your cooling power, they can also save you money by ensuring that your unit runs effectively and efficiently for many years. 

Pick the right location

For portable ACs to perform at their full capacity, you need to place them in the most beneficial spots. Avoid placing the unit near direct sources of heat, including various living room and kitchen appliances. Appliances such as big screen televisions, stereo systems and computers can also use a large amount of energy, and placing an air conditioning unit nearby can be counterproductive. A good rule of thumb is to try to keep your portable air conditioner a minimum of 10 feet from these types of appliances. You'll also want to avoid placing your portable AC in direct sunlight. Beware of sun-facing windows and open doorways, as sunlight can raise the temperature of a room by 10 to 20 degrees. Also keep power considerations in mind when placing your portable air conditioner and make sure your unit is compatible with the plug type in your wall outlet.

Properly vent the unit

Venting a portable air conditioner can be quite simple, but it is nonetheless essential to making sure your unit runs efficiently. Portable AC units need to be ventilated in order to work properly, but there are little things you can do to ensure it's venting even more effectively. Make sure the hose - or hoses - are properly connected to both the back of the unit and the included window kit. Keep the hose as straight as possible and while you can extend it if needed, keep the hose length as short as possible for maximum cooling. Above all else, be sure to read and follow the included directions carefully.

Do more than cool

Many portable air conditioners today are multifunctional and can save you time and space you'd otherwise use on other appliances. Many portable ACs can double as a heater, dehumidifier and air purifier. When deciding on the best portable air conditioner to fit your specific needs, look for multifunctional units that can provide a much better bargain for the money. By allowing the same unit to both cool and heat your home, you can be more energy efficient as well. Take advantage of the added functionality if it is available with your portable air conditioning unit.

Regularly clean the air filter

Most portable air conditioners include a washable air filter that serves to remove particles from the air. While most portable ACs don't need regular maintenance, cleaning the air filter at least once a summer can result in more efficient cooling, as well as cleaner air for your home or office. Simply wash the filter in warm water, using a mild detergent if needed. Be sure to rinse and dry them thoroughly before sliding them back into the unit. If your portable air conditioner uses a carbon filter, then you will need to replace it per the manufacturer's directions. These carbon filters should typically be replaced every few months for best results.

Store the unit properly

If you don't plan to use the portable air conditioner unit year-round, proper storage becomes imperative for extending your units life. Proper storage can also help ensure the unit continues to cool efficiently and to the best of its abilities. To store a portable AC properly, first turn off and unplug the unit. Drain all condensate water from the water container and switch the unit to fan mode for several hours. This will ensure that the interior of the unit is completely dry when you store it. Clean the filter one last time before packaging the unit in its original wrapping and then place it in a dry location in your home or office.