Where is the best placement for a portable air conditioner?

Portable air conditioners are great for cooling down specific rooms, but they need a good placement to work their best. Venting hot air and keeping things cool means choosing the right spot first. In this guide, we’ll cover where it’s okay to set up your portable AC, and a few places where it definitely doesn’t belong.

If you need any replacement parts for your appliances, you can enter your model number at AppliancePartsPros.com to order them. Most orders arrive in just two business days, and we have thousands of free guides to show you how to install your new parts.

Important: The information provided in this article may not apply to your specific appliance model. While we strive to offer helpful advice for all major brands and appliance types, variations in models and configurations can lead to differences in installation requirements. For the most accurate guidance, we strongly recommend consulting the documentation for your specific appliance model.

Best areas to place a portable air conditioner

A portable AC unit works best when placed on the floor near a window for venting and to minimize the vent hose length. Position it in the center of the room or an area with natural air flow to distribute cool air evenly. Try to choose a location near shaded windows to reduce the cooling load and save money on energy costs.

• Near a window: Portable air conditioners need to vent hot air outside, so they should be installed near a window where you can easily attach the exhaust hose without bending or kinking it.
• Well-ventilated room: Ideal for bedrooms, living rooms, or home offices, as long as there’s sufficient ventilation for the unit to work efficiently.
• Sliding doors: Portable air conditioners can also be vented through sliding glass doors using special vent kits designed for larger openings where window venting may not be practical.
• Basements with windows: casement or awning windows can still be used to install a portable AC with special adapter kits. These kits are designed to fit the vent hose into the smaller window openings.

Read more: How to get better air quality from your window air conditioner

Where you can’t place a portable air conditioner

Avoid placing it near furniture, curtains, or obstacles that could block airflow. Don’t position it too far from a window, since longer vent hoses can strain the unit. Keep the unit away from direct sunlight or unshaded windows, as this increases the cooling load.

• Rooms without windows: Portable ACs must expel hot air outside, so they cannot function properly in rooms without windows, doors, or other venting options. Without a way to vent the heat, the room will not cool down.
• Bathrooms: Excess moisture can make the AC work harder, and the humidity can lead to electrical hazards and rust over time. Consider a dehumidifier for particularly humid spaces.
• Garages or uninsulated areas: Temperature extremes in garages or poorly insulated spaces can overwork the unit, reducing efficiency and lifespan.
• Tight spaces: Avoid placing the unit in closets or corners without airflow, as it needs adequate space for ventilation.

Read more: Diy Mrcool Units: Do Your Own Heating And Air Conditioning

FAQs

Do portable air conditioners have to be vented out a window?
Yes, most portable air conditioners need to vent hot air outside, typically through a window. If a window isn’t available, you can vent through a door or wall with proper modifications.

Are portable air conditioners easy to install?
Yes, portable air conditioners are relatively easy to install. Most come with a window vent kit and only require basic setup.

Do you need a special outlet for a portable air conditioner?
Most portable air conditioners can be plugged into a standard 115-volt outlet, but larger units may require a dedicated 15-amp or 20-amp circuit.

Does a portable AC use a lot of electricity?
Portable ACs use less electricity than central ACs but can still consume a fair amount depending on their size and how often they’re used. On average, they use between 1,000 and 1,500 watts per hour.

Does a portable air conditioner have to sit on the floor?
Yes, portable air conditioners are designed to sit on the floor to allow for proper air circulation and easy venting.

Do all portable air conditioners need an exhaust hose?
Yes, most portable air conditioners need an exhaust hose to vent hot air outside. Without it, the unit won’t cool the room effectively.

Do windowless air conditioners really work?
Yes, windowless air conditioners can work, but they are less efficient than traditional window units. They typically need to vent through a door or wall, and some use water or ice to cool the air.

How often should I drain my portable AC?
How often you drain your portable AC depends on the humidity level. Some units need to be drained every few hours in very humid conditions, while others with self-evaporating systems may rarely need draining.

Read more: How to Clean Your Air Conditioner the Easy Way

Additional information

Thanks for reading! If you need some replacement parts, grab your model number and head over to AppliancePartsPros.com. We offer over two million parts and most orders arrive in two business days. If you need some help with finding the right part or placing an order, you can contact our team at 1 (877) 477-7278.

While you’re waiting for your new part to arrive, you can explore our DIY blog and watch thousands of video tutorials on our YouTube channel.

Be sure to follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram to see our latest repair guides!