4. Turn Off Unnecessary Heat Sources

Eliminate any unnecessary heat sources. Unsuspecting sources, such as some light bulbs and electronic equipment, can emit heat. While it may not seem like much heat, it can still make your air conditioner work harder to keep your home cool and comfy. To prevent this, try turning off lights, televisions, computers, small kitchen appliances and other small sources of heat.

Additionally, think about your daily routine. Perhaps instead of using the oven to make dinner, you could use your microwave instead. While a complete revamp of your lifestyle is an unreasonable expectation, making small changes such as this will make a big difference when it comes to cooling your home in a more efficient manner.

Once everything is turned off, a portable air conditioner will be able to cool the room down quicker. We do recommend using a ceiling or floor fan which will help circulate the cool air quickly. The portable air conditioner and fan will work in conjunction for quick cooling. So give your kitchen a break and turn the oven off, go outside to grill and come back in to a cooled down room.

5. Keep it Clean

Regularly cleaning your portable air conditioning unit is one of the most important things you can do to keep it in proper working condition. Like most essential household appliances, the importance of proper maintenance simply cannot be stressed enough. When it comes to portable air conditioners, there are a few areas that need to be routinely checked-out and cleaned, if needed.

First and foremost, the filter in the A/C unit needs to be cleaned or changed on a regular basis. Unfortunately, the frequency in which you need to change or clean the filter depends on the air conditioning model you own.

Some units recommend cleaning or changing the filter on a weekly or monthly basis, sometimes the filters can last for a few months before needing attention. The frequency may vary based how much you use the device. In order to know how often you need to clean or change your filter, it’s recommended that you refer to the owners manual, because as stated above, it will likely vary from model to model.

• Washable Filters:

  Washable filters can be rinsed with warm water or mild detergent, and left to air dry before placing it back in the unit.

• Carbon & Antimicrobial Filters

  Carbon filters and antimicrobial filters can be disposed of and replaced. These filters are usually sold separately but can help remove smoke, odor, mold and other allergens, in addition to helping cool the area.

Second, it is wise to vacuum out any dust or debris that has accumulated within the vents. Any particles that are stuck in the vents may impede the overall air flow of your unit, which will not only lead to a degradation of its overall efficiency, but also overwork the unit which may then lead to a shortened lifespan of the appliance. To avoid this, and ensure you get the most from your portable A/C unit, we strongly recommend cleaning the vents out at least once a month during high-usage months, especially during the summer when you will likely use the unit the most.

Lastly, wiping down the casement with a damp cloth will help maintain the overall life of the portable air conditioner.