You may have the best portable air conditioner (AC) in the whole world but if you do not have a few tricks under your belt when operating the air conditioner, it may not be as effective as you want.
As air conditioners become more technologically advanced they are becoming more efficient and can keep you very comfortable even in the harshest hot weather. A lot of factors influence the efficiency of your air conditioner, and this has some bearing on your total energy costs. Here are some tips and tricks that you can use to maximize the effectiveness of your portable air conditioner.
Correct Size – Choosing the Right Portable AC by Room Size!
If you have a large space to cool down you will do well to have a large AC because a small one just won’t do. Having a small AC in a big space is similar to having a large one in a small space – both options result in the inefficient use of the unit. Consider your space and see if your AC is the right fit.
Strategic Location – Best Placement to get the Right Performance
If you want your portable AC to function at its full capacity, you have to put it in the right spot and some spots are best avoided.
You need to leave a clearance of 12-18inches between the wall and your AC unit to allow air to move freely through the machine’s air vents. If you do not leave this space, your unit will work harder to circulate air resulting in decreased efficiency.
Heat is not agreeable with your air conditioning unit and if you place it close to any appliances it will be counterproductive as the appliances radiate lots of energy which takes the form of heat. Good examples of appliances to avoid include televisions, computers, stereos, and various kitchen appliances.
Where possible, your portable AC should be kept away from direct sunlight and humidity. If your AC unit is constantly exposed to the heat of the sun it will always work extra hard and this may cut its lifespan. High humidity will create a lot of condensation which will increase the frequency of draining and cleaning which may make the AC malfunction.
The Right Ventilation – Very Important Aspect
Ventilation is extremely important when it comes to portable AC units. If you want to maximize the lifespan of your unit and you want to ensure optimal operation, you need to keep in mind that ventilation will play an important role. Proper ventilation moves hot air out of the compressor and out of the room and this ensures that the AC does not overheat and it does its job of cooling your space.
You should make sure to vent your AC unit with the window vent kit that comes with the unit for it to work properly. It is also important to ensure that the hoses are connected properly to the AC unit and the window kit and that they are kept as straight as possible. Although exhaust hoses are extendable they should be kept as short as possible to maximize cooling.
Correct Timing
Normally, during the hot season, you are aware of when the temperature gets uncomfortable. To aid your AC unit to work efficiently, you should turn it on just before the temperature becomes unbearable. If you wait too long until your space becomes too hot then it will take longer for your AC unit to reach the required temperature and it will have to work harder.
If you have a small oscillating fan, you can place it close to the AC unit to help circulate more cool air in your space. These small fans are now cheap and they are also energy efficient. They are a great way to lighten the load for your AC unit.
Thermostat Monitoring – Good to Have
If you want to keep the use of your AC unit economic you should keep an eye on its built-in thermostat. The thermostat will help you assess the temperature you actually need to maintain to stay comfortable. This will mean setting the unit at the optimal temperature that provides comfort and saves on energy.
Very low temperatures will increase the AC unit’s energy usage but they won’t cool the room down quicker, therefore, train yourself to keep an eye on the thermostat. You should also get used to using the timer to avoid running the AC when unnecessary.
Know Your Air Conditioner
Just like with managing the thermostat, it’s vital to keep in mind that your AC unit is capable of multi-function operation. Most AC units can dehumidify the air and this is a nifty function when there is too much moisture in the air. Some units have a heater function which means you will also be covered during the colder months. Do you know what your AC unit can do?
Close-off Spaces
Portable AC units work well in enclosed spaces, therefore, if you have an open plan space you should consider getting a bigger one or closing doors to reduce space. If your space is too open, the AC unit will have to work harder to cool the entire space and this will increase the amount of time it will take for the AC to be effective.
Remember your Filter
An AC filter has to be changed regularly to ensure proper operation, cooling, and the maintenance of the indoor air quality. How regularly you change the filter will depend on how much you use the AC but you should make it a habit to inspect the filter every 6 to 8 weeks. If you live in dusty areas or in a home where there are people prone to allergies you should look to clean or replace the filter more regularly.
If you skip the filter cleaning or change for a long period it will become dirty and may get clogged. This will potentially reduce the air
intake, making it harder for the AC to maintain the required temperature and may compromise indoor air quality.
Cleaning
The whole AC unit needs to be kept clean as much as the filters. Cleaning your AC unit will help to keep it working well and the best part is that it’s easy to do. A simple clean is necessary every 4 to 6 weeks, and a deep one every year. You can also opt for a professional clean when you deem it fit.
Proper Storage
If you do not use your AC unit all the time you should store it properly to ensure that it continues working well over its lifespan. Make sure to drain the unit and to turn on to fan mode to dry the unit completely before storing. Also clean the unit, then wrap it and store in a dry place.
Enjoy Your Air Conditioner
If you buy an air conditioner brand that is durable, saves energy, and works well, and you couple it with these tips and tricks, you should be able to get the best portable air conditioner experience and some great value for your money.