How to secure window with portable ac

No matter where you live, at some point in the summer, you'll probably want air conditioning. You have three options for cooling your home -- central air conditioning, window air conditioners and portable air conditioners.

You can use portable air conditioners as stand-alone machines or they can supplement central air conditioners with cooling to specific rooms. They're much easier to move from room to room than window air conditioners. They're also a good alternative if you rent in a building that prohibits objects from protruding out of your windows. Check out the landlord-tenant laws in your state to learn more about your options as a renter. 

Read more: Best Portable AC Units of 2022

How it works

The portable air conditioner takes air from the room, cools it and delivers the cool air back into the room. It vents warm air outside through an exhaust tube you install in a window. If you haven't bought your portable air conditioner yet, read our guide about how to buy the right one.

How to install your portable air conditioner

1. Choose a location near a window and outlet

Your portable AC needs several feet of unobstructed floor space so it receives adequate airflow. You also need to have easy access to the water reservoir. While you may have a long ventilation hose, your portable air conditioner will run more effectively if it's closer to the window. This will allow more of the warm air to be vented outside instead of back into the room. If your portable air conditioner comes with a hose that lets it drain continuously, you may need to place it near a sink or tub, or use a bucket.

2. See if the portable air conditioner's adapter kit creates a good seal in the window you've chosen

The adapter kit should create a good seal in most standard windows. However, if the window is too small, you may need to trim the window adapter. If the window is too large, you may need to purchase a piece of plexiglass to fill the gap.

3. Install the adapter kit

Now that you've determined your adapter kit fits the dimensions of your window, put it in the window. You may need to screw it in place. Additionally, you could choose to seal it with duct tape. This will keep your cool air from seeping out the edges.

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4. Connect the ventilation hose

Attach your hose to the window adapter kit first. Make sure it fits well. If it's a little loose, wrap a piece of duct tape around the connection point. Then, connect the other end of the ventilation hose to the portable air conditioner. Add duct tape if needed.

5. Attach the drainage hose

If your portable air conditioner comes with a drainage hose for continuous drainage, you want to attach it to the unit and secure it to its drainage point. Whether it's draining in a sink, tub or bucket, secure the hose with tape so it doesn't become dislodged and drain on the floor.

6. Plug your portable air conditioner into the outlet

Once everything is attached, you can plug your portable AC in and turn it on.

Moving your portable AC to another room

If the windows in your house are the same size, you can simply unplug your portable AC, remove the window adapter kit and roll the device into the next room. Then you just install the window kit in the same manner as described above, plug your unit in and turn it on in the new room. But make sure you drain the water reservoir before you move your unit.

In order to cool your space, all portable air conditioners must be installed properly and exhaust hot air as they cool. This warm air is typically exhausted outside using an included window kit, but traditional windows aren't always available. 

Read on to learn more about where you can install and how to vent a portable air conditioner: 

Why Do You Need to Vent Your Portable AC?

Portable air conditioners cool your room by extracting hot air from the space. In order to cool efficiently and effectively, the hot has to exit the room. If the warm air is not vented outside, it will stay in your room, negating the cool air that is entering your space.

How to Install Your Portable AC with a Window Kit

Most portable ACs are simple to install and vent using the manufacturer-provided window kit. In just a few steps, you'll be on your way to more comfortable indoor space. Check out the following video to see how easy it is!

A standard window kit includes a window bracket, one or two vent hoses, and the vent hose adapters. The average vent hose extends 4 to 5 feet, so you need to install yours close to a window. Follow these steps to quickly set up your portable AC: 

Steps 1-3: When venting a portable air conditioner, attach any hose connectors/adapters and insert the hose (or hoses).

Steps 4-5: Extend the adjustable window kit the length of your window. If necessary, trim the window bracket to fit your window snugly. Your specific model may come with screws to keep the window kit in place. Then close your window to secure the kit in place.

Step 6: Next, connect the vent hose to the window kit. With your model properly installed and vented, you can start cooling immediately. Just plug it in and program your settings. It's that easy!

Note: Customers often ask if they have to remove their window screen to install a portable air conditioner. More often than not, you don't need to remove your screen. 

Replacing Portable Air Conditioner Window Kits

If you're looking to replace a window kit for your model, check out our Portable Air Conditioners Accessory page. It's best to get one from the AC's manufacturer, but chances are you can find one that fits your needs. 

Always confirm the replacement window kit fits your model and window before purchasing it. If you need any help, feel free to call us at 1-800-934-9194.

Sliding Window and Sliding Door Ventilation

Standard window brackets are designed to be installed horizontally at the bottom of windows, but they can be installed vertically to fit sliding windows and sliding doors. Some modifications of the window bracket in order to install air conditioners for slider windows may be required.

For sliding windows, you need to make sure that the bracket will be long enough to fit the opening. Units that feature double window brackets generally work well for sliding windows. A double bracket includes the standard window bracket plus an additional filler bracket. After setting up the bracket, if there's still an opening, you can fill it with wood, Plexiglas, insulation, or some other type of filler material.

When working with air conditioners for sliding windows, the window brackets will not be long enough to fill the vertical opening, so you'll need to fill the extra space with some other material like plywood or Plexiglas. 

Casement Windows

Since casement windows and crank windows open like doors, standard window kits will not fit them. But that hasn't stopped our resourceful customers. Many customers who have casement windows simply cover the entire window opening with Plexiglas and cut out a hole for the exhaust hose. 

Wall Ventilation

Some people prefer to exhaust hot air through a wall vent, directly outside or to another room, such as a garage or storage room. You can use a jigsaw to cut the correct size hole in the wall—but make sure there isn't any wiring or plumbing where you want to cut the hole. You can seal the edges of the hole with silicone caulk.

Industrial Portable AC Ventilation

Electronic equipment can produce a great deal of heat, but sensitive equipment must be kept cool at all times. Portable ACs are extremely popular for computer server rooms, since they can cool the warm equipment to avoid overheating and other issues. The only problem is server rooms rarely have windows and are usually away from exterior walls.

Fortunately, most office buildings have drop or panel ceilings. Many portable air conditioners, like those from KwiKool, can be configured to vent into drop ceiling spaces.

Can I Connect My Portable AC to My Dryer Vent?

In most cases, using a dryer vent to exhaust a portable air conditioner isn't recommended. Dryer vents have a 4-inch diameter, and most exhaust hoses are slightly larger in diameter. DeLonghi portable ACs, on the other hand, feature 4-inch exhaust hoses, so they would fit most dryer vents. However, if the external opening of the dryer vent contains a flap, then the unit's hot air exhaust will not be strong enough to push it open. In this case, you would need to remove the flap and replace it with a screen.

How Long are Portable AC Exhaust Hoses?

Exhaust hose lengths vary by model, but generally they are 4-7 feet in length

Can I Extend my Portable AC Vent Hose?

You should not try to extend the vent hose during portable air conditioner venting because it will result in decreased efficiency, and it could also void the warranty. 

Will Someone Be Able to Push My Window Open and Get Into My House?

Overall, your home should be secure with a portable air conditioner installed. However, the venting kit installed, you can no longer use the lock on the window. Some customers choose to get a security window lock for their portable A/C units. The locks allow you to fasten and lock your window despite the vent kit. 

How To Vent A Portable AC In An RV

The ideal way to vent a portable AC in an RV is to cut a hole in your floor and vent the air conditioner. You can install a deck plat to seal the hole when the air conditioner is not in use.

An even better option is to install a portable air conditioner that's designed specifically for use in RVs. Built with the limitations of an RV in mind, an RV portable air conditioner has added features to make installation and venting easy.

Learn More About RV Air Conditioners

In Summary

Venting your portable air conditioner is easy. Simply attach any hose connector/adapters and insert the hose. Fit the window kit to the length of your window and secure the kit in place.

Still Have Questions?

With a little creativity and ingenuity, you can make a portable air conditioner work almost anywhere in your home or office. For more information on installing and operating a portable air conditioner, visit our Knowledge Center. Or call our product experts at 1 (800) 934-9194 for a free consultation and product recommendation. Be sure to carefully read the instruction manual before installing your new portable air conditioner.

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