For today the market of refrigerating machinery for household conditions is capable to give a variety of various climatic technics.
It begins with wall split-systems and finishing, all kinds of humidifiers and fans. But today in our review we will talk about portable AC, how to install the right air conditioner, the advantages, disadvantages and much more.
You may find it useful: How to recharge portable AC
This type of climate technology is relatively new to the market. But it has already won many positive reviews for its reliability, mobility, and efficiency. This article will talk about how to install a portable air conditioner, how it works, and its advantages over other technologies.
Check this step-by-step tutorial to get your portable AC up:
Check also: 4 Best Portable Dual Hose Air Conditioners (Comparison & Reviews)
The advantage of the portable air conditioner is that it can be installed on its own, without the help of a rather expensive team of professionals.
Of course, this does not mean that the installation or the process itself does not need certain skills. But you can be sure that you can install the portable air conditioner yourself at home. Besides, you can save money by installing it yourself.
A portable air conditioner is an air conditioning system that delivers air to a room at a certain temperature. It does not have an outdoor unit but is placed all in one housing. The unit has small wheels for mobile movement indoors.
The air conditioner has a compressor, which is a motor – it is not carried outdoors, but is located inside the room. The portable air conditioner differs from standard split-systems and has both pluses and minuses.
The portable air conditioner has standard functionality:
- Bringing the air temperature to a certain temperature
- Desiccation
- Normal ventilation
- Heating
Working principle of the portable air conditioner
To remove the warm air produced by the compressor, the air conditioner is equipped with a flexible corrugated pipe. It is routed outdoors. For obvious reasons, the warm air must be evacuated in a well-thought-out manner. Otherwise, the entire operation of the portable air conditioner will be useless.
The drain system of the portable air conditioner is discharged in several ways:
- To a special collection of condensate (it must be emptied periodically).
- It is led into a special pipe that ends in a container which must also be emptied.
In other words, the air conditioner is very like popular split systems. But there are differences, advantages, and disadvantages, we will talk about them below.
Installation of the portable air conditioner without leaks
It may seem to some that the installation of a portable air conditioner is a simple matter, but it is not so simple at first glance. Of course, the installation of a portable air conditioner does not compare to extensive work. Such as that required for split system installation, but the basic experience is required.
The feature of the portable air conditioner is that many models are sold with a mounting kit. It is designed for installation on room windows. Thus, the easiest and most logical way to install the portable air conditioner is to take warm air outdoors.
The installation kit for any model of the portable air conditioner is of the same type. The window kit for the portable air conditioner consists of the unit itself, a corrugation, a plastic outlet tip, and housing for fixing it.
Air outlet through the aperture window with a special insert.
The method is like the previous one, but more efficient. Instead of a stopper, a narrow plastic insert is used, usually supplied with the air conditioner. A corrugated pipe is connected to the segment. To put the portable air conditioner out of the window, you need to open it and place the insert in the vertical opening.
What is needed to install the portable air conditioner in a room with no housing to fix it:
- Dense plastic sheet, at least 1 inch thick. This is necessary to create a certain barrier between cool indoor air and warm outdoor air.
- A construction saw for plastic to cut through hard material. A normal metal saw is also suitable.
- Special paint tape or tape to fix the cut sheet to the window frame.
- Sealer or mounting foam to ensure water and airtight.
Check also: 11 Best Portable Air Purifiers for Smokers (Comparison & Reviews)
Mounting steps for air conditioner
A clear plan of action or a diagram must be thought through before you begin to install it. Manufacturers recommend installing an air conditioner near a window to reduce resistance to the flow of air from outside. Breakdowns in the air outlet hose should also be avoided.
Make a window insert
First, make all sizes (preferably several times), and specifically – window opening. Then it is necessary to determine the diameter of the vent.
Next, use a knife or a metal saw to cut out the insert according to the dimensions. You get a rectangle made of plastic or plexiglass. In this rectangle, you cut a hole for a corrugated duct.
Airtightness
There is no need to explain that this process is very important, as the inserted Plexiglass sheet is the only obstacle to bad weather conditions. It is best to use rubber self-adhesive tape, sealant, or mounting foam for reliable sealing.
Installing the window insert
Open the window and lock it in the open position so that it does not move. Then fix the plexiglass insert to the window frame using rubber tape or sealant.
Installation of the portable air conditioner
Once the preparatory work has been completed, you can begin to install the air conditioner itself. There is nothing complicated here – it is necessary to define a special place where it will stand or fasten.
Then insert the drain hose into the duct and the hose to the exhaust opening of the portable air conditioner. Push the other end of the pipe outside.
It must stand upright for two to three hours before the portable air conditioner can be switched on. This is the entire installation of the portable air conditioner. As you noticed, there’s nothing complicated about installation. But the smallest locksmith experience and skill are required anyway.
Lead the pipe through the hole in the wall
There is also another way to install a portable air conditioner air vent – through an opening in the wall. In terms of efficiency, the portable air conditioner is the most appropriate method.
The glass unit remains intact, no cold air enters the apartment, the opening can be sealed with different materials. But the disadvantages cross out all the advantages.
First, the dismantling of the capital wall of the house is complex by definition. Secondly, there may be third-party equipment on the facade of the building, which can be easily damaged when making a hole.
This video shows how to install a through-wall vent for a portable air conditioning unit:
Which you don’t have to do when you install a portable air conditioner:
- Feed the portable air conditioner through a homemade extension cord
- Connect the ground to the gas pipeline
- Put a portable air conditioner in the bathroom room
- No devices on the grounding wire
- Give the air conditioner space and not interfere with the movement of air around it.
- Give direct access to the power grid
- Connect the air conditioner only to a grounded socket
What’s necessary
Many tell to contact specialists to come and install the air conditioner. But if you have a desire and basic skills, it is quite possible to install the portable air conditioner with your own hands.
Advantages and disadvantages of portable air conditioner
Like any other technique, the portable air conditioner has many pros and cons. There are more advantages, of course, but let’s go into detail.
The main advantages of the portable air conditioner
Mobility of a portable air conditioner. It can be moved, carried, installed in different rooms. The warm season is over – the portable air conditioner can be turned off and removed until the next hot season.
Easy to install. As you’ve already seen, there’s nothing difficult about installing a portable air conditioner. The smallest construction knowledge and basic tools are required.
Savings. First of all, you save on installation. The split system requires large-scale installation with dust, dirt, noise, and so on. It takes quite a lot of time and money.
Check also: 9 Best Portable Evaporative Coolers (Comparison & Reviews)
Portable air conditioner disadvantages
The air conditioner must be monitored periodically, or rather the level of condensation (water) in the container. If it overflows, the portable air conditioner will automatically shut down.
A portable air conditioner is a bit noisier than a split-system, as the compressor is inside, not on the street, as at usual air conditioners. The level of noise can be compared with a kitchen extractor hood.
For the operation of the split air conditioner, it is necessary to exhaust hot air outside. This is done with the help of a corrugated pipe with a diameter of more than five inches, which goes in the set. This creates some discomfort. It is also not recommended to extend the pipe, otherwise, the capacity of the portable air conditioner will be lost.
A portable air conditioner with its properties is not inferior to wall devices, and the possibility of its own installation and compactness bribe many. When the need for cool air disappears, the air conditioner can be hidden until next summer. Besides, the choice of split-system will save money. Do not be afraid to experiment and enjoy your rest.