How to Install a Portable Air Conditioner (2024)

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In this how-to video, This Old House plumbing and heating contractor Richard Trethewey offers a quick and easy way to cool off a room.

In this video, This Old House plumbing and heating expert Richard Trethewey explains how to get air conditioning where window units aren’t practical.

Steps for Installing a Portable Air Conditioner

  1. If there’s no existing wall vent, use a jigsaw to cut a 4-inch-diameter hole through an exterior wall.
  2. Apply silicone caulk to the rear flange on wall vent.
  3. From outside, slide wall vent through hole in wall; secure with stainless steel screws.
  4. Twist and lock the flexible duct to the exhaust port on rear of air conditioner unit.
  5. Connect the duct end to the wall vent and seal with foil duct tape.
  6. Plug air conditioner unit into an electrical outlet.
  7. Turn on unit, then set thermostat and, if desired, the automatic timer.

Tools

How to Install a Portable Air Conditioner (2024)

FAQs

How to Install a Portable Air Conditioner? ›

While portable ACs can be vented through a door, wall, or ceiling, they are most frequently vented through windows. Although it isn't unsafe to run your portable AC without venting, it is counterproductive.

Do all portable air conditioners have to be vented out a window? ›

While portable ACs can be vented through a door, wall, or ceiling, they are most frequently vented through windows. Although it isn't unsafe to run your portable AC without venting, it is counterproductive.

How to properly install a portable AC? ›

  1. Remove the unit from packing.
  2. Put the unit in upright condition.
  3. Connect its flexible hose .
  4. Put one end of flexible hose outside the room through a window.
  5. Close all doors and windows of room.
  6. Plug in power cord of the portable air conditioner.
  7. Switch on from panel on AC and set required temperature.
Feb 25, 2023

Does a portable air conditioner have to sit on the floor? ›

Your portable air conditioner should sit on the floor a few feet away from obstructions, such as furniture or curtains, to ensure adequate air flow and easy access to the drip pan or water reservoir.

Where is the best place to put a portable air conditioner in your house? ›

Ideally, the portable air conditioner should be placed near an electrical outlet and an outside window for venting and draining. The exhaust hose can vary in length, and we advise you to keep it as short and straight as possible.

What happens if you don't vent a portable AC outside? ›

What Happens If You Don't Use the Exhaust Hose on a Portable Air-Conditioner? If you don't use the exhaust hose on a portable air-conditioner, your unit will not function properly. It will not cool your room; without a portable-air-conditioner exhaust-hose, your unit simply wastes electricity, at best.

Can you use a portable air conditioner in a room with no windows? ›

FAQs. Q: Can You Use a Portable Air Conditioner Without a Window? A: Yes, it is possible to use a portable air conditioner without a window, but it may require some extra effort and may not be ideal.

Why do portable air conditioners have two drains? ›

Models With Two Drain Plugs

The upper drain plug is provided to allow automatic draining when the appliance is set for Dehumidify Mode or Dry Mode in high humidity areas. The lower drain plug is typically used for Cooling or Heating Mode, or for draining the tank for storage.

How to vent a portable air conditioner in a room with no windows? ›

One effective way to vent a portable air conditioner without a window is by using a sliding door vent kit. This kit comes with all the necessary components to vent the hot air outside through the sliding door opening.

Does putting a fan in front of a portable air conditioner help? ›

A fan cannot provide the cold air that an air conditioner does. Just like an A/C cannot provide the circulation of a fan. Positioning your fan so that it is near the A/C vent helps distribute cold air faster and more efficiently than the A/C alone could.

Where not to install an air conditioner? ›

Optimum placement includes a wall facing north or south; east and west walls are best to avoid, if possible, since they receive more sun exposure throughout summer months, which makes your air conditioner work harder and end up costing you more in energy fees.

What is the best temperature for portable air conditioner? ›

According to the Department of Energy1, 78° Fahrenheit is the sweet spot for air conditioners to balance energy savings and comfort when people are at home and need cooling.

How do you vent out a portable air conditioner? ›

Using a portable AC window hose is not just the only way to vent your unit. You can use a hose to connect the unit to another opening through which the unit's exhaust can exit your room. These other choices include ventilating through doors, walls, or drop ceilings.

How do you vent a portable air conditioner without a window? ›

One effective way to vent a portable air conditioner without a window is by using a sliding door vent kit. This kit comes with all the necessary components to vent the hot air outside through the sliding door opening.

Do ventless portable air conditioners work? ›

Do portable ventless air conditioners work? Yes, but they don't feel the same as an AC-cooled room. You'll feel cool, moist air, opposite from an HVAC system that dries the air as it cools.

Do portable air conditioners pull air from the outside? ›

Single hose portable air conditioners work by pulling stagnant air from inside the room. The motor inside the unit then cools the air for circulation throughout the space. The unit also takes the excess warm air and moisture and funnels it through the hose and out the window.

Can I vent my portable AC into another room? ›

Yes, a portable air conditioner can be vented inside. However, the unit's exhaust should be ducted into another room to ensure that the temperature of the room you are cooling will not be affected. There are many proper ways to vent, all of which require an exhaust pipe for portable-air-conditioner usage.

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