Determining whether or not it is ideal to run a portable air conditioning unit in your home without window access, and what this means for the unit’s functionality.
You have purchased a portable air conditioner for your home and are wondering whether it is a good idea to use it without a window.
Determining the answer to this lies in understanding how exactly a portable air conditioner is meant to be used in your home, why portable air conditioners may require window access, and what it could mean to run the unit without window access.
What are some of the home requirements to run a portable AC unit without a window?
Portable air conditioning units do not usually require a special outlet to run because their voltage will remain between the 115 – 120 watt range.
Portable units also need a good space in order for it to be able to draw in air properly, so it is best to ensure there are not many high energy appliances in the room you are preparing your portable air conditioner for.
The answer to whether a portable air conditioner can be used without a window is yes. A portable air conditioner does not need a window in order to run.
They do, however, require a form of exhaust in order to eliminate hot air in a space or room as part of the process of cooling.
Most units will come with an exhaust hose which is the component of the portable unit that requires window access, which is usually the best and ideal way for the portable unit to run.
However, there can be instances where this may not be possible, and there are ways in which one can achieve this.
One of these options include you having a wall in which you can easily install a hole to be able to run the portable air conditioners hose through. If your home or space has a drop ceiling or access to a ventilation system, this is also possible.
What are the alternative ways of running your portable air conditioner without a window?
A portable air conditioner, just like any other type of unit, requires ways in which it can go through a ventilation process. If this is not possible with a window, then there are alternatives you can explore, such as venting through a door.
One of the easiest ways of doing this is through a sliding door. Since warm air has to go somewhere, venting your portable air conditioner through a sliding door is an option as some air conditioning kits are built just for sliding doors, allowing you to vent the exhaust of your portable unit outdoors as needed.
You are also able to vent your portable AC unit through a ceiling if you have a drop ceiling in your home. This option can be a bit of a hassle so considering purchasing a ceiling vent kit could come in handy and make the job easier.
Another possible option is to vent your portable air conditioner through a wall, which is considered to be the most drastic as installing a vent in the wall of your home or space is more of a permanent solution for a portable cooling system.
What is the difference between single and dual hose models of portable air conditioning units?
The aspect of a portable air conditioner having a single or a dual hose system is what could hinder you from implementing the alternatives necessary for ventilating your unit. In a single hosed unit, there is only one exhaust hose.
It serves to draw in the air from the room, cool it and return it to the room while taking some of it away and out of the room.
For a dual hose system, the change in pressure for a room is handled by the second hose that will from time to time, pump small amounts of air into the room to help balance out the pressure.
A portable air conditioner with a dual hose is considered not to work properly in a room without a window or any access to the outside for ventilation.
Although it is possible, this portable air conditioning unit will cause you a lot more work to set up. Moreover, it will most likely not even be worth the cost or the hassle.
Therefore, before considering purchasing a portable air conditioning unit to run without window access, it will be best to weigh your options when it comes to implementing the alternatives you have.
From installing a hole in the wall to making use of a ceiling ventilation system, these alternatives are handy but require some work.