My HVAC Hobby

A portable air conditioner is a great choice for any homeowner, but especially good for apartment dwellers and those who change residences quite often. This type of unit sits on the floor and is usually on wheels, so it's easy to move it from one space to another without the hassle of trying to get it in and out of a window. Note a few tips for caring for a portable unit so you can ensure yours is always in tiptop shape and working when you need it.

Keep the vent hose straight

A portable air conditioner will have a long, wide hose out one end, and this hose will sit in a windowsill, venting warm air and exhaust to the outside of the home. Try to keep this hose as straight as possible so that condensation doesn't collect around any folds or bends in the hose. This condensation can allow mould and mildew to form and can also trickle back to the inside of the unit, causing water damage to the parts inside.

Keep the room clean

Dust and dirt can gather around the motor and blower of a portable air conditioner, causing excessive wear and tear and even heat build-up. Try to keep the room where the air conditioner is located as clean and dust-free as possible. Also, note where you place the unit, as a certain corner of the room can be especially dusty, or a nearby pet bed can be holding pet hair and dander that can also settle inside the unit. Move the air conditioner to an area with better air circulation and consider an air filter for the room, to keep the space as free from dust as possible.

Keep it powered properly

Trying to run your portable air conditioner unit without the right amount of volts and amps is like trying to start your car without enough gas in the tank; it just puts added wear and tear on all those parts as they struggle to operate without enough "juice." Note the volts and amps needed for your portable air conditioner and ensure that the plug you're using provides that, as not all household outlets will be wired sufficiently to run large amounts of electricity. Also, if the unit is consistently tripping a circuit breaker, this is a sure sign that it's trying to draw too much power from that outlet! Invest in a sturdy extension cord and use a different outlet as needed to protect the portable air conditioner and your home's wiring and electrical systems as well.