How to Vent a Portable Air Conditioner

Beating the heat in a room or building without a central cooling system is a lot easier once you know how to vent a portable air conditioner. Portable air conditioners operate using the same technology as conventional air conditioners but are designed for mobility. They may be lightweight or have wheels and generally run off of 110 volt electrical lines. Portable air conditioners are generally used in situations without extensive refrigerant plumbing and ductwork. The exhaust heat is usually discharged through an opening in the back of the unit. If this heat is allowed to escape back into the refrigerated room then the air conditioner will be ineffective. Portable air conditioners are most readily vented through windows but can be vented through walls, floors, or ceilings where necessary.

Step 1 – Determine Location of Exhaust Opening

As mentioned previously, the easiest and most logical location for a portable air conditioner exhaust opening is through a window. However, if the room does not have windows, you must consider other options. To effectively cool the room, you may have to cut a vent hole in the wall, floor, or ceiling.

Step 2 – Determine Configuration of Exhaust Opening

For horizontal or vertical sliding track windows, venting portable air conditioning exhaust is almost effortless. The unit should’ve included a window venting kit at no extra cost at the time of purchase. If the original kit has been lost or damaged, a replacement can be ordered from the manufacturer. The kit will contain a sheet of plastic with a hole in it, a long corrugated tube, and adapters to make airtight seals between the exhaust system components. If you have hinged or casement windows the conventional kit may not work. You will have to place a large sheet of plexiglass in the opening or cover it with plastic visqueen curtains. The same is also true if you plan to cut the opening through an exterior wall.

Step 3 – Measure and Cut to Size

Whether you are using plastic sheeting, plexiglass, or the window kit, you will need to measure the intended vent opening and cut your material to the appropriate dimensions. You can cut the exhaust hose shorter but do not make it longer.

Step 4 – Attach Exhaust Hose, Set Kit in Window

Connect the venting adapter to the window kit and set the kit in the window opening. Slide the window closed as far as possible to wedge the kit into place. Connect one end of the exhaust hose to the kit and the other to the discharge opening at the back of the portable air conditioner. You can test for airtightness with soapy water; bubbles will form at the site of leaks.