During the summer months, a portable air conditioner can create an oasis of comfort in your home. However, for it to work at its best, simply plugging it in and pressing a button isn't enough. Where you place it plays a crucial role. In this article, we'll advise you on where (not) to place your portable air conditioner to ensure your home is truly comfortable.
Does the placement of the air conditioner matter?
More than you might think. The correct placement of your air conditioner in the apartment affects:
- how quickly the room cools down,
- electricity consumption,
- how noisy the operation will be,
- and how long the device will last.
A portable air conditioner is designed to be easily portable, but that doesn't mean you can place it anywhere. Besides electricity, it also needs other conditions to operate efficiently.
So, where should you place a portable air conditioner?
1. Sufficient Space
A portable air conditioner needs to "breathe." The back draws in warm air, and the front blows out cooled air. When the unit is pushed against a wall, cabinet, or into a corner, air cannot flow freely, and cooling is much less efficient. Leave at least 30 cm of clear space around the air conditioner on all sides.
2. As close as possible to a window or exhaust vent
Hot air from the air conditioner must be expelled from the room. The shortest and most direct path out is always best. If you run the hose across the entire room or bend it several times, the performance drops, and the unit unnecessarily overheats.
3. A flat and stable floor is essential
The air conditioner must stand level. If it's tilted or placed on a carpet, it can be noisier, less stable, or even lead to uneven refrigerant flow. Tiles, floating floors, or sturdy vinyl are ideal.
4. Away from obstacles and sensitive electronics
The stream of cold air should not be directed straight at people, pets, or sensitive electronics (e.g., television, computer). Point the exhaust into an open space, preferably towards the center of the room.
Most Common Mistakes When Placing a Portable Air Conditioner
Even though a portable air conditioner is simple to use, some mistakes unnecessarily reduce its performance. Here are the most common ones:
1. The exhaust hose is too long, bent, or kinked
The hose serves to discharge hot air from the room. If it is too long, kinked, or bent several times, the airflow slows down, the device overheats, and the cooling performance decreases.
Solution: Use the shortest possible hose, route it straight without bends, and seal the outlet well.
2. The hot air exhaust leads into an unventilated room
A portable air conditioner expels hot air through a hose that should lead outside the apartment. If you lead the hose into a hallway or an adjacent room, the hot air returns, and the air conditioner essentially just circulates heat.
Solution: The hot air outlet must be directed outside the apartment – ideally through a window or balcony door with a sealing kit.
Tip: A window sealing kit prevents heat leakage and increases efficiency. Portable air conditioners Salente SummerICE9 and Salente SummerICE12 include it as part of the package.
3. The air conditioner is in direct sunlight or near another heat source
When the air conditioner is exposed to direct sunlight or is near a hot appliance (oven, computer), both energy consumption and the time required to cool the room increase.
Solution: Place the air conditioner in the shade, away from direct sunlight and away from heat-emitting appliances.
Tips for Maximum Performance
Do you want to get the most out of your portable air conditioner? Follow these proven tips:
- Draw curtains or blinds. Direct sunlight heats up both the room and the appliance.
- Close doors. Air condition only one room, not the whole apartment.
- Pre-cool. Turn on the air conditioner before temperatures in the apartment exceed 28 °C.
- Pay attention to maintenance. Regularly clean the air filters. Condensate automatically evaporates during normal cooling, but in high humidity or dehumidifying mode, it may be necessary to drain the water.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where to place an air conditioner in the bedroom?
Place the air conditioner so that the cold air does not blow directly onto the bed. A stream of cold air overnight can cause headaches or an uncomfortable cold.
Do I need to clean my portable air conditioner?
Yes, and regularly. A portable air conditioner draws in dust, pollen, hair, or grease along with the air. If dirt accumulates on the filters, performance worsens, energy consumption increases, and there is a risk of odors or mold. Find more about air conditioner maintenance in our article Portable Air Conditioner Maintenance.
How many m² can a portable air conditioner cool?
A portable air conditioner typically cools a room of 12 to 35 m², depending on the power of the specific model. Generally:
- 2.5 kW power → suitable for rooms up to 20 m²
- 3.5 kW power → can handle up to 25 m²
- more than 4 kW → also suitable for rooms over 30 m²
