How to Use a Portable Air Conditioner

When the temperature soars, it's time to turn on the air conditioner. A relatively new and popular model is the portable air conditioner. Less cumbersome than window units and much less expensive than central air conditioning units, a portable air conditioner allows you the freedom to easily move the unit to whichever room you want to cool.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Window panel kit (connector, exhaust hose, panels, wall adapter)
• Measuring tape

1. Select the room you wish to cool. Purchase a portable air conditioner with enough cooling power to cool the area. Most units come with a window kit that includes panels, a connector, exhaust hose and adapter.

2. Wheel the portable air conditioner into the room and place near a window or door. Attach the exhaust connector to the opening on back of the air conditioner. Slip one end of the flexible exhaust hose onto the connector.

3. Measure the window or door opening where you will be venting the portable air conditioner. Adjust the panels accordingly to fit the opening. Make sure one of the panels you use has a vent hole.

4. Slide the other end of the exhaust hose into the vent hole in the panel. Place the panels into the window or door. Close the window or door as much as possible.

5. Choose to operate the air conditioner in Auto Mode or Cool Mode. In Auto Mode, the unit will turn on when the temperature in the room is higher than 73 degrees; in Cool Mode, you must set the desired temperature by pressing "TEMP UP" or "TEMP DOWN."

Tips & Warnings

• Keep the exhaust hose as straight as possible.
• Install the vent permanently by drilling a hole through the wall and installing the wall adapter, which can be covered with a plastic wall cover during winter months when the air conditioner is not in use.
• Drain condensation water periodically from beneath the unit by removing the drain cap and rubber plug, attaching the drain hose to the drain port and allowing the water to flow into the drain pan.
• Check and clean air filter on a portable air conditioner at least once per month. Wash a dirty filter in warm water and dry thoroughly before reinserting into the unit.
• Do not use an extension cord for a portable air conditioner. Place the unit close enough to an electrical outlet for the cord to reach.