General

A portable air conditioner provides an adequate cooling system solution for almost any room and can be put to use in the office or home. So is it cheaper to use a portable air conditioner? In this article, we’ll take a look at portable air conditioners and how they are beneficial for your needs at a lower price point.

What is a portable air conditioner?

A portable air conditioner is an air conditioner that transfers heat from an area with a pipe or hose connected through a vent such as a window. Portable air conditioners can be either single-hose or double-hose components and usually don’t require any external units.

Uncomplicated cooling system

The advantage of a portable air conditioner is how easy it is to use. Portable units do not require an external capacitor unit; alternatively, you connect to your own window with a window and hose bracket/sash. Installation is quick and easy, leaving you with an instant cooling solution that can be easily performed in any additional location. This type of equipment is perfect for kiosks, shops, stalls, as well as small offices.

In open-plan, offices a portable air conditioner is great for cooling spots or perhaps more neighboring places that need a cooling system. Smaller off-ice rooms are also cooled efficiently, and even portable methods can also be a great emergency solution should the built-in facility neglect.

Main features and functionality of the portable air conditioner

• Dehumidification mode that helps to combat excessively humid air.
• Automatic restart designed to maintain operating settings in the event of a power failure.
• Protection against voltage surges prevents fire and structure breakdowns.
• Sleep mode in the product selects the minimum operating speed and smoothly adjusts the operating parameters.
• Auto mode allows units to independently determine the required temperature indicators depending on the existing microclimate.
• Self-diagnosis mode means the device instantly informs users about emerging failures or malfunctions.

What should I look out for when buying a portable air conditioner?

You should always do your research before buying a portable air conditioner and check a few criteria in advance so that you are not disappointed. The first thing you should ask yourself is: Where do I want to use the portable air conditioning? Popular locations are usually your home or office space as well as the caravan or mobile home.

In your own apartment or office, particular attention should be paid to the volume of the room so that the mobile air conditioning system can do what is required. In a caravan or mobile home, the space is generally small enough that the portable AC unit does not have to work too hard to cool the entire space.

Portable air conditioners are cheaper than traditional split systems and also require less installation and service costs. You can clean the filters and drain the condensate yourself without calling a specialist.  The main advantage of using a portable air conditioner is its ease of installation. A person without any technical skills can handle this task. Above all, however, power consumption is a factor that you should not underestimate. Just make sure that you are using your portable AC to cool a smaller space such as 1-2 rooms, and you will end saving money in the long run.

If you have been using your window air conditioner regularly over several hot summers, you may have noticed that it’s giving off a musty or moldy odor when you turn it on. This is probably due to the fact that it has not been cleaned properly in a while. If so, your AC unit may have a build-up of black sludge on the inside that creates an odor and prevents condensation from draining. It might be time to remove the device for a good clean to remove any build-up of dust, dirt, and mold. So are you wondering how to clean mold inside window air conditioner? We’ll answer that question below.

Dangers of mold in your air conditioner

If mold grows in your home, spores can be released from the mold and can be inhaled easily. Mold can cause nasal congestion, throat irritation, coughing, wheezing, eye irritation, and skin irritation. People with mold allergies can have more serious reactions, and people with weakened immune systems or chronic lung diseases such as obstructive pulmonary disease can get serious infections in the lungs when exposed to mold.

Mold growing in an air conditioner is not necessarily more dangerous than mold elsewhere in your home. However, the function of an air conditioner is to distribute cool air throughout the room. If they’re infected with mold, they will effectively spread mold spores throughout the room or throughout the house. If the concentration of mold spores is high enough, you will have a mold problem everywhere and not just in one place. This means that you could inhale mold spores in every room — even when you sleep. 

How mold grows in air conditioners

Mold spores exist just about everywhere. Unfortunately, it’s impossible to get rid of all the mold spores in your home, and even if you do they will keep popping up every time you open a door or window. When spores turn into mold, more spores are released, and these higher concentrations of spores cause mold-related health problems. So the main thing you want to do is prevent the growth of mold.

Mold needs moisture and organic food to grow. Moisture can come from high humidity, leaks, or spills that have not been properly cleaned up. Condenser and evaporator coils are the main contributors to condensation and therefore can lead to water leakage if not properly drained. The food source can be a surface on which mold grows such as wood, carpet, or organic particles found in the dust if sufficient.

When to clean the air conditioner

Modern air conditioners have a fairly powerful filtration system, but despite this, they can clog over time, which in turn leads to an increase in electricity consumption, a decrease in the service life, and possible breakdown of the device. For preventive purposes, cleaning should be done every year before use, which is usually in the spring. It also doesn’t hurt to clean the AC unit after the operating season at the beginning of autumn.

How to clean your windows air conditioner

Remove the frame from the device

Make sure the device is turned off and the power cord is unplugged. Remove the front panel and the slats that hold the device to the window, then remove all the screws that secure the outer shell to the inside of the device. You need to slide the inner frame gently, making sure it doesn’t get caught in any of the inner parts. The screws are small so keep them in a safe place such as an envelope or a small box.

Brush the aluminum slats

Get a soft bristle brush to remove dust and dirt from the aluminum slats. You can find inexpensive brushes made specifically for cleaning the slats of the window units online or at a hardware store. Wear work gloves when cleaning the slats to prevent cuts.

Spray the coils and fan with condensed air

You can get a can of condensed air online or at a hardware store. Spray the fins and the area around the coils on the front and back of the unit. This removes dust around the fan and motor that are in the center of the device.

Vacuum and clean the bowl

Use a vacuum cleaner with a hose connector to remove traces of the tray or soil inside the unit. Then spray on a household cleaner, rub it in, and wipe it off with a damp cloth. Hand dry with a clean towel and leave to air for a few hours before reassembling.

Keep the air conditioner indoors during the cooler seasons

When you’re not using the device, you should definitely keep it indoors. Take it out of the window and keep it in the attic or basement. You can cover it with foil or a plastic sheet to prevent dust and dirt from building up. If you cannot remove the device from the window, you will need to cover the outside with a tarpaulin or air conditioning cover.

There are specific reasons why people during the scorching summer months choose to purchase portable air conditioning systems over window units. Some simply do not have enough space to house a larger and semi-permanent-type unit. There are also those people whose tight budgets preclude the purchase of more traditional and expensive, portable air conditioners. By practicing proper maintenance, a consumer can be assured they will have years of trouble-free operation.

Recommended maintenance for portable air conditioner units is generally very simple. However, care should be taken to ensure that all the manufacturer’s routine care guidelines are followed carefully.

What to do when an AC unit stops working

As with the simple rules for maintenance, there are a couple of things you need to check out if your air conditioner starts malfunctioning. The following troubleshooting tips are helpful to keep in mind as necessary initial steps you can take when trying to determine why your unit is not operating correctly.

Check the interior hardware

If your air conditioner is blowing air but not cooling the room, you should try cleaning or replacing the filter. Clogs are a common problem that arises when dirt and dust accumulate on the grill and block air flow through the unit.

The evaporator coils and condenser should also be checked out and lightly scrubbed with warm, soapy water until all clogs are removed.

Also, make sure to clean the unit’s filter regularly at the manufacturer’s suggested intervals. There are some types of air conditioner with filters that can be taken out of the compartment and cleaned. A simple immersion in a solution of mild soap and water is usually quite sufficient.

Always rinse the filter well and thoroughly dry it out before returning it to the unit. Non-washable filters need to be replaced periodically according to whatever instructions are provided by the manufacturer.

Keep the exterior clean

The next task essential to any unit’s care-free service is regular cleaning of the AC unit’s exterior surface, where dust and dirt particles can accumulate. This will inevitably clog up the blades and other parts until it will not work correctly due to reduced airflow.

Exterior cleaning is simply accomplished when the unit is shut off by regular cleansing of the housing with a clean, soft cloth. The use of any harsh or abrasive chemicals should be avoided.

Keep it out of the sun

The last basic rule for care and maintenance for a portable air conditioner is to keep it out of the sun. The heat generated by the sun’s rays can change the surface color in no time at all. Therefore, keeping the exterior color in optimum condition requires placing the unit in a place permanently shaded from the sun, like in a window covered by an awning.

If the air conditioner does not turn on at all, check first to make sure that it is properly plugged in. You can also check corresponding wall outlets and corresponding circuit breakers. If these efforts fail to produce results, it’s time to call a HVAC service technician. If an air conditioner unit is on but does not blow any air could signal a severe problem with your system that needs to be evaluated by a professional.

As most of us know, many electrical appliances get damaged when they are exposed to water. It is even indicated on the manuals of these devices that users should not pour water on them. For air conditioners, it’s slightly different in that some parts need water to operate efficiently. However, this is not to say that all the parts in an air conditioner unit require water to be sprinkled on them.

To answer the question “Can I spray water on my air conditioner?” — the answer is yes, spraying water is part of the routine maintenance of your air conditioner which helps the unit function efficiently. So you can spray water on your air conditioner during maintenance — but not on all the parts. One vital area that needs constant water is the air conditioner’s condenser. Here is why spraying water on the air conditioner’s condenser is essential.

Boosts efficiency while reducing energy consumption

You probably need your air conditioner unit more when it’s hot than when it is cold. Spraying water on the condenser promotes the evaporation cooling process in the device, which reduces energy consumption. An air conditioner works by taking the hot air present inside the house and moving it outside. In this case, spraying water brings down the air temperature outside, so less of it needs to be removed, thereby increasing efficiency.

Makes your air conditioner cleaner and in better condition

Several particles and debris are left behind by the suction of air by the condenser. This issue can adversely affect the unit’s functioning. If these particles and debris continue to build up over time in the vents, then a problem is gradually developing in your air conditioner unit. To ensure that it’s not the case, spraying water on your unit when cleaning helps tremendously.

A condenser with particles stuck within equates to you no longer receiving the cooling effect of the unit. In addition, this can cause the condenser to overheat. So early prevention by conducting proper maintenance is better than waiting for the unit to break down before looking for a solution.

Increases the lifespan of the unit

The lifespan of any electrical unit depends on the maintenance practices of its owner. Your air conditioner unit is designed to last for a long time if you take good care of it. If you do not maintain the device, then do not expect it to last long. Cleaning the machine by spraying water is one way to maintain your air conditioner.

Keep in mind that it’s only the case with the condenser where water is highly needed. A well-functioning condenser translates to the same for your entire air conditioner unit, lengthening the life span of your air conditioner for years to come.

The cleaning process is not challenging, and you can easily do it by yourself or with a friend’s help. However, it’s wise to seek air conditioner servicing professionals if you’re not sure of anything. For instance, this is important if you want to sprinkle some water on the condenser and you have no idea where it is. If you spray water on the wrong parts, it’s also crucial that you call for help from qualified experts.

Portable air conditioners are a fantastic innovation that allow for flexibility in cooling your home. They have seen a surge in popularity recently, likely owing to the level of convenience they offer over standard fixed window air conditioners. However, portable air conditioners are different from normal AC units in that they may require a bit more maintenance due to their less expensive costs and moveability. But do all portable air conditioners drip water? We’ll answer this question in the article below.

What are portable air conditioners?

As their name suggests, portable air conditioners are those that can be moved as needed. You can move them around your home to cool different areas as required. There are some limits to this, as they do need to be placed near either an open window or door, given they have an exhaust that needs to vent warm air outside. Otherwise, the warm air would be pumped back into the home, making the device serve more as a heater than air conditioner, thereby defeating the purpose.

What are the benefits of portable air conditioners?

The biggest benefit is convenience. While standard fixed air conditioners are required to remain in one place, the ability to move portable versions offers you far more cooling options for your home. Being able to move it wherever you want means your cooling needs can fully suit your day-to-day lifestyle and accommodate any changes you wish to make. You can also take it with you if you choose to move to a new house.

They are reasonably quiet and very easy to operate, with most portable air conditioners offering a user-friendly design and easy to follow instructions. With most portable air conditioners, you can just plug in and start cooling your home right away.

What are the issues with portable air conditioners?

Portable air conditioners are great, but they do tend to cost more to run than standard fixed air conditioners. They need to use more electricity to produce the same cooling effect as fixed window air conditioners. The initial purchase cost of a portable unit also tends to be higher than fixed window versions. Convenience comes at a cost, and you will need to be willing to pay a little extra to have the benefits of being able to move your air conditioner.

Portable air conditioners are also better at cooling smaller areas than larger ones. A portable air conditioner will not be able to cool your entire home and works better on one room or area at a time. However, keeping in mind these units are designed to be moved, you can shift it as needed to keep your whole home cool.

Do all portable air conditioners drip water?

This is a common concern people have when considering purchasing a portable air conditioner. Historically, dripping and leaking water has been an issue with all air conditioners, even the standard fixed window ones. Air conditioners work by taking in warm air and cooling it, which inevitably causes condensation. This condensation causes water to build up, which in the past has leaked out of older unit models.

The good news is that manufacturers have realized that water dripping from units is a serious problem and have taken steps to make changes in modern portable units. While standard fixed window units do continue to drip water, this leakage happens outside, with no water being dropped into the interior of the home. Portable units use a different design to ensure this doesn’t happen.

Portable air conditioners have an internal reservoir where water from condensation is stored, and water vapor from the process is expelled via the unit’s exhaust with warm air. This is an elegant solution to an old problem and will prevent water leaking onto your floors.

It’s important to note, however, that some older units may still drip water if they’re lacking this innovative new design. It’s important to confirm this when purchasing a new unit in order to make sure it will fully meet your needs.

Solar power has become increasingly popular in recent years. Advances in technology and a growing awareness of environmental impacts of standard electricity has seen consumers becoming more conscious of their power choices. These technological leaps forward have meant that solar power has become far cheaper and that the average customer is better able to afford to take advantage of solar energy. Another huge benefit is that using solar power can make your electricity bills cheaper. So can you run an air conditioner on solar power? We’ll answer this question below.

What is solar power?

Solar power, as the name suggests, is derived from the sun. Our sun produces a near immeasurable amount of heat and energy that can be stored by special panels and converted into electricity. Previously, this kind of innovation almost felt like science fiction, but steady research has turned this marvellous theory into reality. Solar panels are placed on the roof of your home to catch the sun’s rays, storing the energy they emit. These panels are connected to special converters which take this energy and turn it into power for your home. 

How does solar power work at night?

At night, or on particularly overcast days when the sun’s rays are not beaming directly onto your solar panels, your solar energy system will make use of previously stored energy. Of course, if you experience a significant length of time where your panels see very little or none of the sun’s rays (for example, throughout winter), this stored energy will eventually run out and your home will revert to using power from the electricity grid.

Can I use solar to power my entire home?

In theory this is absolutely possible, but will ultimately depend on the power needs of your residence. For most average homes, to ensure uninterrupted power, a combination of solar power and standard electricity is required. For those considering switching to solar to take themselves off the grid, you should be aware that this is rarely a viable option. The sun may be incredibly powerful, but the technology to harness this power is still developing. Solar panels and converters have come a long way, however they are yet to be able to capture and store sufficient energy to power an entire home all year round.

Can you run an air conditioner on solar power?

Solar power can be used to run any electrical appliance. The technology that goes into making solar power possible is complicated, but as a user it’s remarkably simple. To make use of solar power within your home, once you have your solar system installed, all you need to do is run your electrical items as normal. Just plug them in and they will work, seeking to use the solar energy first and then reverting to electrical grid power once that runs out. You should experience a seamless flow of power between solar and standard electricity.

The really good news here is that because you’re more likely to use your air conditioner in summer, it means that once you have a solar system installed it will probably run almost entirely on solar power. This is because the sun is out far more during summer, which means your panels will be catching more rays, and therefore your converter will be creating more solar power.

Air conditioners can sometimes be costly to run on electricity, so if you reside in a particularly warm climate that gets a lot of sun, you would be very well placed to look into solar technology for your home.

If you live in a place that gets warm at some point during the year, you probably use an air conditioner to try and stay cool. Many people also enjoy using a humidifier during the winter when the air gets incredibly dry and you find your lips and skin cracking within the first few brutal weeks of the cold.

Many are unaware that an air conditioner can do just as much damage as the dry winter air. When the air conditioner is running for lengthy periods, the water that’s in the air will accumulate into drops that are discharged out of the room. This reduces the indoor humidity by a lot because air conditioners accelerate the rate of water evaporation. 

Can you use an AC unit and humidifier at the same time?

So you may be asking yourself, “Can I use humidifier with air conditioner?” Actually, yes — a humidifier can be very beneficial and effective if you’re living somewhere that requires constant air conditioning for some time. If you’re experiencing allergy-like symptoms inside your home such as a dry and itchy throat or dry skin, this means that the air is too dry, likely as a result of the air conditioner. 

Reasons to use a humidifier in summer

Humidifiers have many benefits during the summertime, such as alleviating allergy symptoms that you may be struggling with from pollen in the air. This is because it hydrates your body, which is useful in fighting the symptoms. If your body has cool mist to absorb, it will be energized and will be able to clear up congestion easier. Humidifiers can also kill germs and other contaminants so you stay healthy. 

Additionally, in the summer the hot sun might be drying out your skin — which humidifiers can combat. It will keep your body at a stable temperature while also clearing out your pores and preventing wrinkles. The skincare benefits from a humidifier during the summer will keep your skin looking hydrated and happy.

Even better, running both a humidifier and an air conditioner at the same time can save you money. This is because when the humidifier puts moisture back into the air, your air conditioner is now cooling wet air. This creates cooler air inside your home, which in turn allows you to turn up the temperature for your air conditioning and save money. 

What to keep in mind about using a humidifier

There are a few things to watch out for when using a humidifier. Make sure that you’re placing the humidifier in an optimal spot away from children and outlets. You should also be wary of what you place it on since it’s creating condensation and can ruin certain wood surfaces. The spot needs to be safe and waterproof to prevent any damage or danger. 

You also want to only fill it with cool or room temperature water because hot water has more minerals in it which will cause a build-up inside the humidifier. Not only is it gross to have a buildup of bacteria in the humidifier, but it will also deteriorate the condition of the vapor going into the air.

It’s also super important to clean the humidifier often, especially if you find yourself using it almost every day. You should be sure to empty and wash out the humidifier before every use because adding more water to previously stagnant water will just increase the number of bacteria. 

Finally, pay attention to the humidity levels in your house. If you’re running it too often without needing to, it can cause a buildup of mold and mildew inside your house. The ideal humidity level in your home is around 40%, and anything more than that will start to cause condensation on the walls, so pay attention to that.

Conclusion

Running a humidifier and air conditioner at the same time can be very beneficial to your skin, body, and AC bill. Just make sure you are doing it correctly so that you don’t run into the common mistakes many make when it comes to utilizing a humidifier and AC unit at the same time.