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Summer savior: discover the secrets to amplify your portable air conditioner’s cooling capacity

Rob is a seasoned home improvement writer with over 15 years of experience researching and recommending products for the home. Prior to starting Nurturing Homeaid, he wrote extensively for This Old House magazine and has been featured as a home expert on several TV and radio programs. An avid DIY-er,...

What To Know

  • If you have a window air conditioner, you can use a towel to block the gap between the unit and the window frame.
  • Adding ice to the water reservoir of your air conditioner can help to lower the temperature of the air it produces.
  • Remember, a little bit of maintenance and a few simple adjustments can make a big difference in the cooling power of your air conditioner.

Portable air conditioners are a lifesaver during those sweltering summer months, but sometimes they just don’t seem to be cutting it. If you’re wondering how to make your portable air conditioner colder, you’re in the right place. Here are some tips to help you beat the heat and stay cool all summer long.

1. Clean the Air Filter

A dirty air filter can restrict airflow and reduce the cooling capacity of your air conditioner. Clean the filter every two to four weeks, or more often if you have pets or live in a dusty area.

2. Clear Obstructions

Make sure there are no obstructions blocking the intake or exhaust vents of your air conditioner. This includes furniture, curtains, or even other appliances.

3. Use a Fan

A fan can help to circulate the cool air from your air conditioner throughout the room. Place the fan in front of the air conditioner and point it towards the area you want to cool.

4. Close Off Unused Rooms

If you’re not using a room, close the door to keep the cool air from escaping. This will help to concentrate the cooling power in the rooms you’re using.

5. Use a Dehumidifier

A dehumidifier can help to remove moisture from the air, which can make it feel cooler. Run a dehumidifier in the same room as your air conditioner to help it work more efficiently.

6. Seal Up Leaks

Any leaks in your windows or doors can let hot air in and cool air out. Seal up any gaps with weatherstripping or caulk to keep the cool air in.

7. Use a Towel

If you have a window air conditioner, you can use a towel to block the gap between the unit and the window frame. This will help to prevent hot air from leaking in.

8. Reflect Sunlight

If your air conditioner is in a sunny window, use curtains or blinds to block out the sunlight. This will help to keep the room cooler.

9. Set the Thermostat Correctly

Don’t set the thermostat too low. The ideal temperature for summer is between 72 and 78 degrees Fahrenheit. Setting the thermostat lower will not make the room cool down faster, but it will use more energy.

10. Use Ice

Adding ice to the water reservoir of your air conditioner can help to lower the temperature of the air it produces. Just be sure to drain the reservoir and clean it regularly to prevent mold growth.

11. Call a Professional

If you’ve tried all of these tips and your air conditioner is still not cold enough, it may be time to call a professional. There may be an underlying issue that needs to be addressed.

Wrap Up: Cool Comfort at Your Fingertips

By following these tips, you can make your portable air conditioner colder and enjoy a more comfortable summer. Remember, a little bit of maintenance and a few simple adjustments can make a big difference in the cooling power of your air conditioner. So stay cool and beat the heat!

What People Want to Know

Q: How often should I clean the air filter in my portable air conditioner?
A: Clean the air filter every two to four weeks, or more often if you have pets or live in a dusty area.

Q: Can I use a fan to make my portable air conditioner colder?
A: Yes, a fan can help to circulate the cool air from your air conditioner throughout the room. Place the fan in front of the air conditioner and point it towards the area you want to cool.

Q: What is the ideal temperature for summer?
A: The ideal temperature for summer is between 72 and 78 degrees Fahrenheit. Setting the thermostat lower will not make the room cool down faster, but it will use more energy.

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Rob Sanders

Rob is a seasoned home improvement writer with over 15 years of experience researching and recommending products for the home. Prior to starting Nurturing Homeaid, he wrote extensively for This Old House magazine and has been featured as a home expert on several TV and radio programs. An avid DIY-er, Rob takes pride in testing out the latest tools and gadgets to see how they can make home projects easier. When it comes to heating systems, he's evaluated over 50 different furnace and boiler models over the years. Rob founded Nurturing Homeaid with his business partner Jim in 2020 to provide homeowners with genuine product recommendations they can trust. In his free time, Rob enjoys remodeling old homes with his family and traveling to visit architectural landmarks across the country. He holds a bachelor's degree in Journalism from Syracuse University.
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