Portable air conditioners are both convenient and easy to setup. You don't need any special duct work, wiring or drainage lines installed, but you must properly vent the unit before using it. Portable air conditioners extract hot air from the room or space and this air must be pushed out of the unit in order for the cooling process to begin. Venting a portable air conditioner is not difficult if you have the right instructions.
.Setting Up the Portable Air Conditioning Unit
Unpack the unit and spread out any accessories that are part of the device. You should see a vent hose, exhaust connector and a window adapter kit. Those three parts are what you need to vent your portable air conditioning unit. Place the unit close to a window that has an outlet under it. Next, slide the exhaust connector over the discharge opening on the back of the unit. Then connect the vent hose to the exhaust connector.
Venting the Portable Air Conditioning Unit
Open the window by the air conditioning unit and fit the window adapter kit into the window. You may have to extend the length of the window kit and/or cut the unit with a utility knife to fit your widow. You want the window kit to fit tightly in the window. Then connect the vent hose to the window kit adapter and shut the window. Fill any cracks present around the window kit and window with caulking. Finally, go outside and install a "bird blocker" screen over the vent so nothing can get into the vent hose.
Using the Portable Air Conditioning Unit
Make sure the vent house is straight and no creases or bends are present. Plug the portable air conditioner unit's power cord into a wall outlet and turn on the unit. Do not use an extension cord to power the unit. Set the temperature setting to about 65 degrees F so the room can start cooling. Most units have a water drip pan that is easily removed and emptied. Generally when the water drip pan becomes full, the unit will shut off and give a warning code on the display present on the unit. See the instruction manual that came with the portable air conditioning unit for more information on the display.