Portable Air Conditioning

November 10, 2019by HOMEMAKERS0 comments

Air conditioners have been around for a really long time and today it is still a very exclusive piece of equipment to have in your home – mainly due to the fact that these units (especially installed air conditioners) are very expensive and so is electricity. People are also moving around all the time, which means that they might not want to install such an expensive device, only to leave it behind when they have to pack up and leave. Having said that, South Africa does have some of the hottest summers around and experts predict that this summer is going to be the hottest we’ve experienced in quite a while. In this article we focus on portable air conditioning systems, which can be moved around to your leisure, is often more environmentally friendly and less expensive. Hope you find this information useful, especially if you are considering in investing in such a unit this summer.

Portable air conditioner maintenance

In order for your portable air conditioning system to last as long as possible, it is essential to give it the proper care and maintenance needed:

1. Drainage: Most portable air conditioning units also acts as a dehumidifier as it removes water from the air, which is then also used to assist in the cooling process. Portable Air Conditioners will collect condensate in buckets which need to be emptied often as it normally can not be connected to pipes that will drain this water automatically.

2. Cleaning inside: Portable air conditioners will usually have some sort of air filter to eliminate airborne particles, and some advanced units may even come with built-in air purifiers complete with carbon filters and ionizers. For effective particle abatement and optimal cooling efficiency, regularly clean or replace the filters in your portable air conditioner. This should occur on a bi-weekly or monthly basis, depending on use.   If your portable air conditioner has a washable filter, slide the filter out, immerse it in warm water with a mild detergent, rinse thoroughly, and let it dry before replacing it back into the unit.

3. Cleaning outside: A clean portable air conditioner will result in increased air volume, so the actual housing of the unit should be cleaned every few weeks. Wipe the surface of the unit with a soft, damp cloth when the unit is turned off. Try to keep the portable air conditioner away from direct sunlight because this can change the colour of the unit’s surface.

4. When you put it away: An air conditioner is often not something you would use the whole year round, as some do not come with a heating option as well. Ensure that you store your air conditioner properly in order for it to be in good working condition when you want to use it again the following season. Prepare your unit for storage by draining all the water from the water tank and switching it to fan mode. After you have allowed the unit to dry properly for several hours, unplug it, clean the filter, wrap the cord around the cord hooks, pack the unit in its original carton box and store in a safe, stable and dry location.