If you are shopping for a portable air conditioner, you'll need to consider where you'll place the unit. Incorrect placement can lead to inefficient cooling, poor drainage, and energy inefficiency, among other issues. Here are some of the things to consider when determining your AC's placement.
1. Venting Considerations
Your portable AC needs to get the hot air out of the house for it to cool the house. A typical AC comes with a hose or two hoses for venting purposes. You must place the AC in a where you will be able to vent it with ease. Below are some tips for considering adequate venting:
- Place the AC next to a window where you can pass the venting hose through the window.
- Place the AC next to a wall so that you can cut a hole through the wall and vent the AC through the hole. Ensure the wall doesn't have hidden installations, such as electrical wiring or plumbing.
- Place the AC somewhere you can vent it in the ceiling if the room is windowless.
- Don't extend the venting hose because that will reduce the AC's effectiveness.
- Ensure the venting hose is always straight. Twisting or bending the hose reduces its effectiveness diameter and hence the cooling.
Know the venting options for the models you are interested in so you can choose a unit that will work in the space you have.
2. Air Circulation
A portable AC thrives in places with proper air circulation. The AC needs to get stale air out of the house and circulate cool air in the house. The unit won't be able to do this if something is restricting its airflow. If you want to encourage proper air circulation, leave some space between the unit and the wall, don't hide the AC behind curtains or another house décor, and don't sandwich the AC between a piece of furniture and the wall. Poor air circulation not only leads to poor cooling, but it also overworks the AC and increases the risk of overheating and frequent breakdowns.
3. Weather Considerations
Lastly, you should also be aware of the effect of weather on your portable AC when choosing a place for it. Specifically, you should watch out for direct sunlight and high humidity. Direct sunlight will heat the AC and the air around it, leading to impaired cooling. As previously mentioned, the AC also extracts moisture from the air, so high humidity also overworks it. Thus, avoid direct sunlight or areas with above-average humidity in the house.
For more information, contact local air conditioning installation services.
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