A portable air conditioner provides localized cooling for spaces where traditional ACs aren’t possible. They don’t require permanent installation and have wheels for easy portability between rooms. While convenient, if not properly maintained, portable ACs can develop problems.
When airflow is obstructed due to clogged vents or dirty filters, portable ACs have to work harder to provide adequate cooling. This leads to higher energy bills, potential breakdowns, and shortened product lifespan. Mold and mildew can also grow inside, circulating harmful spores into your home.
That’s why regular maintenance is crucial. By spending a small amount of time on routine care, your portable AC will provide reliable cooling and remain efficient, clean, and mold-free for many years.
Cleaning the Unit
To keep your portable air conditioner hygienic and working efficiently, it’s important to clean all of its parts thoroughly. This includes wiping down the body, cleaning the air filter, and removing built-up debris.
Cleaning the Exterior
- Wipe down all exterior surfaces at the beginning and end of each cooling season.
- Use a soft, damp cloth to gently remove dirt and dust. Avoid getting moisture into any openings.
- For tough stains, use a mild soap and water solution. Wring excess water from the cloth before wiping.
- Rinse surfaces with a damp cloth and thoroughly dry.
- Never use harsh chemicals, volatile liquids, scrub brushes, or abrasive tools. These can damage the finish and internal parts.
Cleaning Air Filters
- Portable air conditioners have air intake filters that capture dust and allergens. If they become clogged, airflow is obstructed.
- Check your manual for how to access and remove the filter(s). It may be behind the front intake grille or side panels.
- Check filters at least once per month during cooling season. Clean if visibly dirty.
- Rinse foam/mesh filters under warm water until debris is removed. Or use a vacuum brush attachment to remove loose dirt.
- Allow filters to air dry completely before replacing to prevent mold growth. Don’t operate the unit without filters installed.
- Consider replacing filters every 6-12 months, or more often if you have pets or live in a dusty environment. Check with your manufacturer for replacement recommendations.
Tip: Set reminders on your phone’s calendar to clean filters monthly.
Remove Debris
Over time, debris can collect below and behind the air conditioner’s vents. Carefully use a small vacuum nozzle or brush to remove this buildup a few times per year. Avoid damaging any parts or disturbing wiring while cleaning.
Draining Collected Moisture
Portable air conditioners cool rooms by collecting hot air, cooling it down using refrigerants, and then venting the cool air back into your room. This process produces a lot of condensation water that gets collected in an internal tank. If you don’t drain this moisture, it can lead to mold, mildew, and overflow issues.
Drainage Options
There are a few different options for draining a portable air conditioner:
- Manually: Emptying the collected water tank periodically
- Continuous drainage hose: Uses a drain hose to remove moisture as it collects
- Self-evaporating: Exhausts water out through the ventilation ducts
The best drainage method for you depends on how your AC was designed and where it’s located.
How to Drain Manually
If your portable AC doesn’t have auto-drainage, you’ll need to manually empty the water tank to prevent overflow.
- Locate the water tank cap behind the front or side panel
- Place a shallow pan under the opening to catch spills
- Remove the cap carefully
- Empty all water into a sink, tub, pan or outside
- Replace the cap tightly
The collection tank may have a float switch or full indicator light when it reaches capacity. Drain this immediately before it overflows.
Tip: Drain tanks every 4-8 hours of use during humid weather. Drain daily if moisture collects rapidly.
Using a Continuous Drain Hose
Some portable ACs allow you to attach a drainage hose to remove water continuously:
- Locate the drainage port, usually on the back of the unit
- Attach the provided drain hose accessory
- Route the hose to a suitable drainage area, like a floor drain or outside
- Place a pan under the end of the hose to catch drips
- Slope the hose downward so water can drain out via gravity
Ensure there are no kinks or rises in the line that block drainage. Keep the end of the hose above the drainage vessel so it can properly ventilate.
Self-Evaporating Models
Some ACs utilize a condensate evaporating system. An internal compressor or fan exhausts water out of the ventilation ducts automatically. This moisture is dispersed into the outdoor air.
Self-evaporating portable ACs require no manual draining. However, periodically check that the evaporation system is working properly and water isn’t collecting internally.
Proper Ventilation
In addition to cooling your room’s air, portable ACs also exhaust heat outdoors. This is done through a flexible air duct vented out a window or wall. Proper ventilation is crucial for a portable AC unit to operate efficiently.
Ventilation Tips
- Install the vent duct tightly with minimal bends or kinks
- Make sure outdoor air can flow freely into the room through gaps under doors or open windows
- Don’t extend ducts beyond the included length or block the outdoor vent opening
- Use mounting accessories to securely install ventilation ducts
- During the cooler part of the day, open windows or turn off the unit to bring in fresh outdoor air
Poor ventilation places strain on your portable AC, causing it to use more energy while providing less cooling. Ensure air flows freely out the exhaust duct at all times when running your unit.
Warning: Don’t ever operate your portable air conditioner without proper ventilation in place. Doing so can be dangerous due to carbon monoxide poisoning risks.
Additional Maintenance Tips
- At the start of each cooling season, thoroughly clean all components and test your portable AC before extended use.
- Periodically inspect components like hoses, wiring and condenser coils for leaks, cracks or debris buildup.
- Have a professional service the refrigeration system every 2-3 years. Recharge refrigerants if low.
- Replace air filters regularly. Use high-quality filters for cleaner air and lower energy bills.
- Keep the portable AC protected from harsh weather in covered storage during winter or when not in use for extended periods.
Proper Storage
When portable ACs aren’t being used for months at a time, proper storage keeps them protected and prevents costly damage.
- Drain water lines fully and allow components to dry before storage
- Replace cover panels and repack accessories
- Store upright in a sheltered area away from weather elements
- Cover the entire unit or wrap in a tarp/plastic sheeting
- Ensure the storage space stays between 32-125 °F
Before using a stored portable AC:
- Inspect all components for pest damage, leaks, blockages
- Test functions like airflow, cooling, drainage
- Thoroughly clean exterior and interior
Conclusion
While portable air conditioners provide excellent versatility for supplemental cooling, they require diligent maintenance and care. By regularly cleaning your portable AC and properly draining moisture, ventilation, and storage, the system will function efficiently for many years. Be sure to follow all manufacturer guidelines for maintenance activities and intervals. Investing a small amount of time into routine care ensures excellent performance season after season.