How to Vent Your Portable Air Conditioner

1. Why is it important to vent portable air conditioners?

It is necessary to vent portable air conditioners because they extract hot air. If you want your air conditioning system to cool the room effectively, you need to let the hot air vent to the outside. When you purchase portable air conditioners, you get window and venting kits along with them at no extra cost. Portable air conditioners can also be vented through a window, wall, ceiling or even a door! Generally, Plexiglas is used for venting portable air conditioning systems through casement windows. First, you need to cut the Plexiglas to the size of the window. Then vent the hole by cutting out a 5" hole and setting this over the open window. With this, the portable air conditioning unit will vent the hot air to the outside. Also, Plexiglas will allow the same amount of light to pass through the window as regular glass.

2. What is a portable air conditioner?

Portable air conditioners are air conditioning units that can be transferred from one room to another. They are self-contained systems that do not require any permanent installation. However, portable air conditioners do require venting via a window or wall. Once you have positioned the portable air conditioner where you would like it, you must set the exhaust hose through an opening to the outside so that it will be able to vent the hot air out.

3. What are the steps to vent a portable air conditioner?

The portable air conditioner venting kit must be installed in order for the unit to work correctly in air conditioning mode. The venting kit should not be used while the unit is heating (in some units) or fanning. Here are the typical steps from a venting kit installation:

• Select the location for the vent.

• Slide the exhaust connector over the discharge opening on the back of the portable air conditioner.

• Connect the exhaust hose to the exhaust connector.

• Fit the opening by adjusting the length of the window kit. If required, also mark the kit and cut it down to fit the opening properly.

• Connect the venting window kit adapter to the window kit.
  Set the window venting kit into the window and connect the exhaust hose to the window kit adapter and shut the window. You can now use the portable air conditioner.

Make sure you keep the exhaust hose very straight while using the venting system. It is not advised to increase the length of the exhaust hose, but it can be shortened. It is not recommended to use an extension cord with your portable air conditioner.

How a portable air conditioner is vented will vary from unit to unit. The most important thing to remember is to follow the instructions provided with your air conditioner. By venting the unit properly and following the care instructions provided, your portable air conditioner will last you for many years.

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