Summertime is the perfect time to relax by the pool, go on a road trip, or read a book outside. But sometimes, the summer heat can be too much to handle. That’s when a portable air conditioner can come in handy. Portable air conditioners are small and easy to move around, so that you can use them in any room of your house.
Plus, they work quickly and efficiently to cool down any space. However, if your portable air conditioner isn’t working as well as it should, don’t worry – there are a few things you can do to make it work better. So if you’re interested to know how to make a portable air conditioner work better, read on for some tips.
Is it Possible to Make a Portable Air Conditioner Work Better?
Making a portable air conditioner work better is about improving the unit’s Airflow. Increasing the Airflow can increase the unit’s cooling capacity and make it more efficient. There are also other ways to improve the Airflow of your portable air conditioner, such as by using a fan to circulate the air or by placing the unit in a more open area. Read on for tips on making your portable air conditioner work better.
How to Make a Portable Air Conditioner Work Better: 10 Effective Ways
1. Use a Fan to Improve Airflow
If you want to improve the Airflow of your portable air conditioner, using a fan is a great way to do it. Using a fan to help circulate the air around the room, you can ensure that the AC unit’s cool air is distributed more evenly.
This will help improve the overall cooling performance of the unit and make it more effective at keeping your space cool. If the room is particularly large, you may consider using more than one fan to help circulate the air.
2. Place the Unit in a Central Location
When setting up your portable air conditioner, it’s important to place it in a central location. This will ensure that the cool air from the unit is distributed evenly throughout the room. For example, if the unit is placed in a corner, the cool air will only flow towards one side of the room.
In addition to placing the unit in a central location, you should ensure that any furniture or other objects do not block it. The air intake and exhaust vents must be unobstructed so the unit can function properly.
3. Keep the Air Filter Clean
One of the most important things you can do to keep your portable air conditioner working properly is to keep the air filter clean. The air filter helps to remove dust, pollen, and other airborne particles from the air.
Over time, the filter can become clogged with these particles, which can reduce the Airflow and cause the unit to work less efficiently. To clean the air filter, remove it from the unit and rinse it with water. You should do this at least once a month or more often if you live in a dusty area.
4. Don’t Place the Unit in Direct Sunlight
If you want your portable air conditioner to work as efficiently as possible, it’s important to avoid placing it in direct sunlight. The sun’s rays can cause the unit to work harder than necessary, leading to higher energy bills and shortened lifespan of the AC unit. Ensure that the area you place your portable air conditioner in is well-ventilated and free from any obstruction that could impede Airflow.
5. Don’t Use an Extension Cord
Extension cords may seem easy to get around without having a dedicated outlet for your portable air conditioner, but they can do more harm than good. Extension cords are not made to handle the high power draw of an air conditioner, and using one can put undue strain on the cord, leading to a fire hazard. If you must use an extension cord, ensure it is rated for at least 15 amps and is no longer than 50 feet.
6. Close Doors and Windows
Once you have turned on your portable air conditioner, close any doors and windows in the room. You want to ensure that as much cold air as possible stays inside the room so it can do its job properly. Keeping the doors and windows closed will prevent warm air from seeping in and negating the effects of the air conditioner. If you have to open the door or window at any point, turn off the air conditioner first. Otherwise, you’ll be wasting energy and money cooling down a room that will heat up again.
7. Don’t Block Vents:
One of the most important things you can do to keep your portable air conditioner working properly is to ensure the vents are not blocked. The vents need to be clear so that the unit can vent properly. If the vents are blocked, it can cause the unit to overheat and even catch on fire. So, if you have your portable air conditioner in a tight space, make sure that you leave some room around the unit so that the vents are not blocked.
8. Keep It Level:
Another important thing to remember is to keep your portable air conditioner level. If the unit is not level, it will not work properly. The condenser and evaporator coils will not be able to function properly, and the compressor could overheat. You can use a level to make sure the unit is level, or you can put it on a table or other surface that is level.
9. Set the Thermostat Low
Set the thermostat as low as possible to get the most out of your portable air conditioner. This will help ensure that all of the air in the room is being cooled by the unit. If your unit has a dial or electronic control panel, set it to the lowest setting. You can always adjust the temperature up if the room gets too cold.
10. Use Ice Water or Frozen Water Bottles
You can also improve the effectiveness of your portable air conditioner by using ice water or frozen water bottles in conjunction with the unit. The ice will help to lower the temperature of the air around the unit, making it easier for the unit to cool the air inside. If your unit does not have a water reservoir, you can place a bowl of ice water next to the unit. The evaporating water will help to cool the air around the unit and make it easier for the unit to do its job.
Additional Tips to Make a Portable Air Conditioner Work Better
- Make sure the exhaust hose is not kinked.
- Use an exhaust hose extension if necessary.
- Do not use an air conditioner with a damaged power cord.
- If the unit is not cooling properly, check the air filter and clean it if necessary.
- Always look for any blockages around the unit that could impede Airflow.
- If possible, try to locate the air conditioner in a shaded area.
- Use a timer to turn the unit off when you leave the room.
- Invest in a quality portable air conditioner cover to protect the unit when not in use.
Is It Ok to Run a Portable Air Conditioner Continuously?
Running a portable air conditioner continuously is fine as long as the unit is rated for continuous use. However, some units are not meant to be run continuously and will overheat if used for extended periods. If your portable air conditioner has a timer, you can turn the unit on and off as needed. This will help prevent the unit from overworking and extend its lifespan.
When using a portable air conditioner, it is important to ensure that the exhaust hose is properly vented to the outside. If the exhaust hose is not vented properly, the unit will recycle the same hot air and will not be as effective. Additionally, ensure that the area around the portable air conditioner is clear of any obstructions. Obstructions can block the flow of air and reduce the unit’s efficiency.
Final Words
You can do a few things to make your portable air conditioner work better. Ensure you have proper ventilation, clean the filter regularly, and don’t put it in an enclosed space. With these tips, you’ll be able to keep cool all summer long!
By following the tips above on how to make a portable air conditioner work better, you can ensure that your portable air conditioner will work more effectively and efficiently. Do you have other tips on making a portable air conditioner work better? Please share them with us in the comments below!
