How Long Can I Run a Portable Air Conditioner?

If you live in an area prone to intensely hot summer seasons, you know that the only way to get by is by having high quality air conditioning. Central units and window units are by far the most popular air conditioning solutions for homes throughout the United States, but they are not always available and can malfunction from time to time. Ordering parts for these machines can sometimes take weeks leaving homeowners to resort to alternative AC solutions. Portable AC units have become an excellent way to temporarily relieve your heat woes. But you may be asking the question “How long can I run a portable air conditioner?” Read on to find out.

Location Matters

When you have a large central AC unit, you do not really think about where it’s positioned. Generally, these units are placed in the back of the home out of the view of the public and provide adequate air conditioning to the entire home. However, when using a portable air conditioner, location is key. You will want to position the unit at a window so proper ventilation can be provided and you will want to ensure that it has plenty of space around the unit without dust and debris becoming a problem. Dust can make the unit lag in its cooling ability. You may also want to check temperatures throughout the room and place it in a place that does not get too much sunlight as heat from the sun can cause the unit to turn on and off too much.

The Right Power Source is Essential

Your portable AC unit might have different power requirements, but most run off of a 120V plug. Ensure that the plug is in good working order and maintains a surge protector. Although portable air conditioners are safe to use in any home, you do not want the compressor clicking on and off when plugged into a corrupted power source.

Filters Require Regular Changes

With a central AC unit, you can change the filter out once every 30 days and some require 90 day filters. Portable AC units are much different. You will want to check your filter and clean it out every few days to ensure the unit maintains quality air. The filters can be disposable, but most often they are plastic and are required to have the dust rinsed out or bumped out to maintain proper air flow. If you do have to rinse out the filter of your unit, do not replace the filter or plug in the unit until the filter is 100% dry. You do not want moisture entering the unit.

How Long Should I Run It?

Generally speaking, your portable air conditioning system should not be run more than about 20 minutes at a time. Setting the thermostat on the machine can help manage when it turns on and off, but if you’re trying to cool a larger than recommended space, you may want to employ more than one AC unit to help manage your cooling needs. Position each AC unit at a window for proper ventilation across the room from each other so they can work together to help cool the room effectively.

Portable air conditioning units are great for a temporary solution to your AC needs. If your larger unit goes out or you need to manage temperatures in a small area of your home, they can provide high quality air even in the hottest of temperatures. While using these units, keep these tips in mind to ensure it maintains proper temperature and runs as long as you need it to.