Written by Maud
Edited on
25 August 2026
·
09:04
7 tips for a good portable air conditioner
If you've purchased a portable air conditioner, it's important that you use it correctly. This way, you can get rid of the heat in your house as quickly as possible. Install the air conditioner properly and keep a number of conditions in mind to ensure that the air conditioner functions optimally. In this article, we'll give you 7 tips to help you with this.
With these tips, your portable air conditioner will work properly
- Install the drain hose with a window sealing set
- Place the air conditioner in the right spot
- Cool the space before it becomes hot
- Protect the room against heat
- Don't place the air conditioner in a large space
- Place the drain hose as straight as possible
- Use as little electric devices at the same time
Tip 1: install the drain hose with a window sealing kit
Portable air conditioners always work with an exhaust hose that leads outside. To make sure a portable air conditioner functions properly, you have to mount the drain hose with a window sealing kit. This way, you keep the hot air out and you minimize the temperature loss of the air conditioner. Check the product manual to see how you can best mount the window sealing kit. You can find this on the product page of your portable air conditioner or that of the sealing kit.
Tip 2: put the air conditioner in the right place
Always place a portable air conditioner close to a window, so you can run the drain hose outside. The tube is usually about 150cm long. A sliding window or tilting window is more suitable for such a tube than a ceiling window with a hinge in the middle. Those types of windows always let in some heat, which negatively affects the cooling. Place the air conditioner about 30 to 40 centimeters from the wall and don't place anything on top of it. That way, the air conditioner ensures a proper airflow.
Tip 3: cool the room before it gets warm
Cooling a hot room consumes a lot of energy. Keep the space cool and prevent from having to cool it again and again. Turn on the air conditioner in the morning when the temperature is still low. The room will remain comfortably cool that way, and the air conditioner won't have to work as hard. This saves energy and ensures less noise while cooling. That way, it stays nice and calm in your home.
Tip 4: protect the room against heat
Block the heat from outside to keep your room cool. Sunlight heats up a room very quickly, even if it shines directly inside. Use sun blinds, curtains, or other sun protection on your windows to keep sunlight out. Make sure to close all windows and doors as well. That way, hot air remains outside and the temperature inside remains low. This allows your air conditioner to work better and more silently.
Tip 5: do not place the air conditioner in a room that's too large
Every portable air conditioner cools a maximum number of square meters. How well it works depends on the size and insulation of the room. A room with many windows and direct sunlight heats up faster than a dark room with good insulation. Are you using the air conditioner in a room that's too large? It'll remain warm and the appliance will produce more noise. That's why you should choose an air conditioner that's suitable for the number of square meters and insulation of your room. That way, you can be sure that the temperature will drop properly.
Tip 6: place the drain hose as straight as possible
The drain hose of your portable air conditioner blows hot air out of the room. Place the tube as straight as possible so the air can flow easily. Is there a bend or kink? The hot air will linger and the room won't cool as well. So make sure that the tube is short and straight for the best result.
Tip 7: limit the use of electrical devices
Electric devices in the house produce extra heat, like a vacuum blowing hot air. This results in your portable air conditioner having to work harder. It's best not to use such products on hot days.
