How Do Portable Air Conditioners Vent?
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Why Use a Portable?
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Portable air conditioners are an option for people who do not want to or, for various reasons, cannot install a permanent air conditioning unit. They can be moved from one room to another, but must be vented through a window opening or a wall through an exhaust hose. Portable air conditioners must be vented because they extract hot air from a room, meaning it must be sent somewhere--outside is the best option -in order for the room to cool.
Venting Is Key
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Because the idea is to easily transfer warm air into cool air, most portable air conditioners are sold with window and venting kits. In many cases, the kits come with a piece of plexiglass, which will then have to be cut to match the size of the window. The vent hole is then cut in the plexiglass. The window is then shut as tightly as possible down to the plexiglass and the air conditioner vent hose is connected to the hole, allowing the hot air to be pushed to the outside. If you purchase a window venting kit separately, make sure it is for the correct type of window--casement or sliding.
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Exhaust Hose Tips
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The exhaust hose should be kept as straight as possible while the air conditioner is operating. The optimal length for an exhaust is between 5 and 7 feet. It should be about 5 inches in diameter. It should take about five minutes to install a vent hose kit.
Pitfalls
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Product reviewers say it is up to each individual consumer to determine how portable these types of air conditioners are. Many weigh in excess of 70 pounds, leaving you to lug it around or leave it where it is, once a window venting unit has been established. Moving these on carpeted floors can be cumbersome.
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