A portable air conditioner is a great way to stay cool during the warmer months, and we seem to be having a few more of these now. But like any appliance, it works best when used correctly and maintained. A few simple changes to how and where you use it can make a noticeable difference to both its cooling performance and energy efficiency.
Whether you've just unpacked your new air conditioner or you're looking to get more from one you've owned for a while, these tips will help you stay comfortable while making the most of every cool breeze.
Choose the Right Size A/C for the Room
One of the biggest factors affecting efficiency is choosing an air conditioner that's suitable for the size of your room.
A unit that's too small will have to work continuously to try and reach the desired temperature, using more energy in the process and still maybe never having the impact you were expecting.
On the other hand, an oversized unit may be great to cool the room very quickly but won't always remove enough humidity from the air, remember humidity is just as important as temperature for comfortable living.
For more info, read our blog: Picking the Right Size Air Conditioner for Your Room
Position It Correctly
Where you place your portable air conditioner can have a big impact on how efficiently it works.
Position the unit as close to a window as possible so the exhaust hose can vent warm air outside. Try to keep the hose as short and straight as you can, as bends and extra length can reduce performance.
Leave plenty of space around the air conditioner too. Avoid placing it behind furniture or close to curtains, as blocking the airflow makes it harder for the unit to cool the room effectively.
Keep The Room Sealed
Ideally the best solution for any air conditioner to perform most effectively, is to use it in a sealed room.
It might sound obvious, but an open window or door can quickly undo all your air conditioner's hard work.
If there is a one accessory we recommend for your setup, it would be a window vent kit. These kits fit into an open window and seal your air con exhaust securely out the window without letting any air in from outside.
Keep windows, doors and curtains closed while the air conditioner is running. This helps in preventing warm air from entering the room and helps keep the cool air inside.
If your room gets strong afternoon sunshine, closing window, blinds or curtains earlier can also reduce heat build up before it even starts.
Set a Comfortable Temperature
Lower isn't always better.
Setting your air conditioner to its coldest setting won't cool the room any faster. Instead, it simply keeps the compressor running for longer, using more electricity than necessary.
Choosing a comfortable temperature, rather than the lowest possible one, allows the unit to cycle on and off naturally, helping improve efficiency while keeping the room pleasant.
Clean the Air Filter
A clean air filter allows air to move freely through the unit.
As dust builds up, airflow becomes restricted, forcing the air conditioner to work harder to achieve the same results. Regularly cleaning the filter according to the manufacturer's instructions helps maintain cooling performance and can also improve air quality.
During periods of frequent use, it's worth checking the filter every couple of weeks.
Make Use of Extra Features
Many portable air conditioners include features designed to improve efficiency.
Sleep mode gradually adjusts the temperature overnight while reducing noise and energy use. Timer functions allow you to cool a room before you arrive without leaving the unit running all day. Most models also include a dehumidifier mode, helping remove excess moisture and making the room feel cooler even without lowering the temperature as much.
Using these features can help reduce unnecessary energy consumption while keeping your home comfortable.
Start right
Preventing heat build up is often easier than trying to remove it later.
Closing windows and curtains during the hottest part of the day, limiting heat from ovens or tumble dryers, and switching off unnecessary electrical appliances can all reduce the workload on your air conditioner.
The cooler the room is to begin with, the less effort your portable air conditioner needs to keep it comfortable.
Enjoy Cooler Days with Less Effort
Portable air conditioners are designed to provide effective cooling, but a little preparation goes a long way. Choosing the right location, keeping the filters clean and using the built in features wisely can all improve efficiency and help reduce running costs.
By following the manufacturer's care instructions and using your air conditioner in the right way, you can enjoy reliable cooling and a more comfortable home throughout the summer.
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