How to Vent a Portable Air Conditioner

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

Why you need to vent your portable air conditioner

It's 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 a portable air conditioner, the venting kit will almost always be included.

Portable air conditioners can also be vented through a window, wall, ceiling or even a door.  Plexiglas is generally 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.

Venting a portable air conditioner in 5 easy steps

The portable air conditioner venting kit must be installed in order for the unit to work correctly in air conditioning mode.  Although portable air conditioners come in a range of different styles and sizes, the venting steps are generally the same across the board.  Here are the steps to take to vent a portable AC:
  • Decide where you want to vent your AC.  The most common location is out of a sliding window, but some customers choose to vent a portable air conditioner out of a drop ceiling or wall. 
  • 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.
  • Insert the window venting kit into the window.  Connect the exhaust hose to the window kit adapter and shut the window. Your portable air conditioner is now ready for use!

Make sure you keep the exhaust hose very straight while using the venting system.  Try not to increase the length of the exhaust hose (it can, however, be shortened). Using an extension cord with a portable air conditioner is also not recommended.  

 

Remember: venting instructions may vary from unit to unit, but 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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