Quick & Easy Tips for Installing a Portable Air Conditioner

Now that spring is creeping up on us and you’re preparing to set up your portable air conditioner (PAC), let’s look at some ways to help make sure your unit runs as efficiently as possible to keep a nice, cool breeze going all season long.

Read your user manual!
While reading your manual is the logical place to start, many people skip this step. Brands have informed us that this is the source of many mistakes and the reason damage occurs. For a PAC, warnings like not to extend the exhaust hose are often ignored. However, the hose length is scientifically determined to push out the warm condensed air efficiently, and extensions can lead to heat buildup in the hose or the unit, causing malfunctions. So, read the manual to ensure proper setup! 

• Make sure you’re using your PAC in a room that has good ventilation between the unit and any walls, furniture, or other objects. The size of the room should correspond to the room area recommendations from the manufacturer. You can refer to a chart like the one below:

If your room has high ceilings, lots of sunlight, or bad insulation, get a larger BTU unit than recommended.

• Weatherstrip windows and doors to prevent hot air from leaking into the room. You can use insulating foam tape or caulk to plug any troublesome gaps and holes. Find more info on weatherstripping in our previous article.
• Reduce the use of any heat-producing appliances like water kettles. That way, your unit won’t be fighting to offset the heat these appliances create.

• To fit a vertical sliding window, insert the window bracket (usually included with your unit) onto the windowsill, extending the bracket to the length of the windowpane and lowering the window onto the bracket.
• To fit a horizontal sliding window, position the window bracket vertically with the exhaust hose opening at the bottom, sliding the window to seal the gap.

• If you have a casement window that pushes outward, you can use a seal kit like the HOOMEE Universal Window Seal, which seals around the window and zips around the exhaust hose to prevent hot air from returning into the room.
• You might want to install your portable air conditioner onto a sliding door instead of a window. In this case, you can purchase a special sliding door kit from brands like Honeywell which extends the length of the door.

• Cover windows with curtains or blinds to keep the ambient temperature low. It’ll save your PAC from doing extra work and help your space cool down more quickly.
• Keep doors and windows closed when using the air conditioning or dehumidifying functions to prevent cool air from escaping through any openings. If you’re using the unit with the fan function only, you can open a window to improve air circulation.

Sit back and enjoy!
With these simple tips for installing your portable air conditioner, your unit can operate with increased efficiency, keeping you happy and cool during the upcoming seasons.