Maintenance of Portable Air Conditioning

The maintenance required for a portable air conditioner to run properly and efficiently for years to come is minimal but crucial to the lifespan of this type of cooling equipment. Several important factors are to be addressed. First, attention to the correct installation is essential to the care of the equipment. When it is purchased or shipped, take care in unpacking it. A portable air conditioner is shipped with a fragile plastic accordion support frame to hold it in place. These pull out and are supposed to facilitate portability from room to room by accommodating any standard window opening. If the window opening and these braces are not sufficient the portable unit will rattle and vibrate during operation. Any movement or instability during operation will harm the interior structure of the machinery. This vibration will decrease its effectiveness and diminish its longevity.

Once it is determined that the install of the unit is adequate and has provided the best support possible, pull out the manual and check the repair and service contact information. Place those numbers or addresses on or near the unit, so advice or a tune-up is only a moment away. At the slightest sign of an inability to cool, a malfunction, too much condensation forming near or on the unit or an increase in any noise during operation or shut down, call the service desk to troubleshoot the symptom. Often a call will provide answers and help avoid costly repair bills. Often the problem can be solved over the phone, with a few simple troubleshooting actions.

Recently, a particular refrigerant that has been in use over many decades has been discontinued, so double check what type of refrigerant is used in the AC prior to purchase. If it is the discontinued product, it is doubtful it needs to be replaced but it is worth avoiding purchasing one with that refrigerant product. Most portable air conditioning units never leak unless they have been severely damaged from a plunge of a story or more. Nor will the coolant lose its efficacy over time. Removing the unit from the window and thoroughly eliminating all dust and grime from the grill should be a yearly spring ritual. According to the experts, tipping or jostling the appliance is also advised to relax the fluid inside. The above maintenance tricks and tips and do's and don'ts will extend the lifetime of most portable air conditioners.