We know that you will agree if we say that the convenience of a portable air conditioner is undeniably excellent. For sure, you want to understand its functions better. And one thing you might be curious about is the length of its exhaust hose. In this post, we will share with you our findings on portable air conditioner exhaust hose lengths.
Portable air conditioners usually have a standard exhaust hose length between five to eight feet long. Manufacturers consider this as the most appropriate length of an exhaust hose.
We suggest that you read until the end of this article to know more about a portable air conditioner's venting process, advantages, hose maintenance, and some frequently asked questions.
Having The Right Exhaust Hose Length
A portable air conditioner will work most efficiently when installed with a proper hose length. Extending the hose might be unsafe since it can cause some damage and disorganization. In addition, it can invalidate the air conditioner's warranty.
To get the air conditioner's maximum efficiency, you need to follow the manufacturer's instructions as much as possible. But if you want to extend the hose length of your portable air conditioner, you can always ask for a professional's advice.
Why Should You Refrain From Extending The Hose
Manufacturers and professionals strictly advise homeowners not to extend the exhaust hose of portable air conditioners. One of the main reasons is that the exhaust hose installed is the right and suitable length for your air conditioning unit to function well.
Modifying or making any changes to the exhaust hose can damage the air conditioning unit. Moreover, it will indeed cause trouble when it comes to its cooling process or overall efficiency.
As much as possible, the exhaust hose should be at its shortest possible length, although you can stretch it out to its maximum length. Most professionals require it to receive optimum cooling, energy-saving, and efficiency. In addition, keeping it shortest will help hold back excess moisture and mold build-up inside the hose.
Checking the air conditioner's exhaust hose from time to time is a must. It ensures that the hose does not have bends that can lead to cracks and fissures that affect the unit's performance.
Is It Okay To Use A Portable Air Conditioner Without An Exhaust Hose?
If you are a person with a bit of patience when installing something, maybe you are wondering if you can use your air conditioning unit without the exhaust hose. The answer is no. A portable air conditioner can not correctly operate without its exhaust hose. You can never cool a room without it.
We all know that air conditioning units work by removing the unwanted heat inside our rooms. And the air conditioner will need the exhaust hose to release the heat outside or where the vent is directed.
Check this Exhaust Tube on Amazon.
Importance of Venting A Portable Air Conditioner
Portable air conditioners collect the hot air inside a room, and you need to vent that hot air out. It will not cool a room effectively if the heat inside is not thrown outside. And you shouldn't have to worry since the venting and window kits are usually included with the portable air conditioning unit at no extra cost.
How To Vent An Air Conditioner
Although portable air conditioners don't require permanent installation, they must be appropriately vented to operate correctly.
Reminder: Always check the manufacturer's guidelines or instructions before starting the installation process.
Venting Through A Window
- Put and place the air conditioning unit relatively close to your window.
- Connect the exhaust connector to your air conditioning unit.
- You will now need to fit the exhaust hose into the connector.
- Lock the window kit to the venting adapter.
- Glide the window kit across the window and then close it.
- Attach the exhaust hose to the adapter of the venting window kit.
Be informed that these are just a general guidelines for venting. There are still portable air conditioners that require additional steps or different procedures.
Venting Through Sliding Doors or Windows
To facilitate ventilation, you will need to establish window brackets in both cases. Sliding doors are a bit difficult to install because the bracket needs to fit in the opening that has been put for the vent.
However, you can always fill in the gap that will appear after the installation process using Plexiglass or wood.
Check this Clear Plexiglas on Amazon.
Venting Through Casement Windows
Even if casement windows open like doors, you can still use them for venting. But you won't be able to use a standard window kit for this type of window, just like you usually need with regular windows.
You will need to remove one of its window panes and substitute it with a layer of Plexiglas. After that, you will have to create a hole the same size as the exhaust hose for it to fit. And, voila! You made venting in a casement window possible.
Venting Through A Wall
You got it right. You can still vent even without windows!
This venting style is typical for many homeowners. And most of them prefer this one. You can utilize this method to vent your portable air conditioning unit outside or even your laundry room, storage room, or garage.
To make a vent on a wall, all you have to do is cut a hole that is the same size as the portable air conditioner's exhaust hose. Do this gently and carefully as much as possible. You don't want to damage your whole wall, for sure.
If the installation is finished, you can wrap or cover the gap of the hole with silicone caulk. Using caulk will make the exhaust hose stay put.
Venting Through A Dryer Vent
Homeowners should not practice this method if possible. Most manufacturers don't recommend this, as well. But we think you should at least know this specific venting process, especially since some people are successful in implementing such a technique.
The main reason why it should not be practiced is that most dryer vents are smaller in diameter than a portable air conditioner's exhaust hose.
As a result, the air might not filter out, unlike using a traditional vent. Consistent testing of the dryer vent is needed in order to check the safety of using your portable air conditioner.
Nevertheless, you can still use a dryer vent as long as you can properly attach the exhaust hose of your portable air conditioner to it.
Venting Through a Drop-Ceiling
This method involves modifying or adding a drop ceiling into a ventilation surface. Most computer server rooms use this venting technique because they are usually not furnished with windows.
To do the venting of your air conditioning unit through a drop ceiling, you need to cut a hole in its panel that is the same size as the exhaust hose. Lastly, add a silicone caulk around its joints to secure and close some gaps, and it is the end of the installation.
Advantages of Using Portable Air Conditioners
- One of the most common benefits of a portable air conditioning unit is that it is compact and can move quickly from one place to another.
- You will not have to hire a professional since you can install it even yourself. All you need to do is prepare the window for the exhaust hose, although it will take a bit of your time.
- If you are renting or about to rent a house, it is easy and hassle-free to bring your air conditioning unit with you. It is most advantageous if you cannot install a more permanent air conditioner.
- If you want to cool your small unit like offices and family room, a portable air conditioner is always on the go.
- This type of air conditioner offers plenty of helpful features to escalate your comfort and energy-saving—a programmable timer, for instance.
- Portable air conditioners can help get rid of developing mildew and allergens since they can also act as dehumidifiers.
In Conclusion
Every existing thing has its sizes and measurements that need to be acknowledged. For instance, a portable air conditioner made with a certain length of an exhaust hose.
We should strictly follow the manufacturer's instructions as much as possible. It is not only for our air conditioner to function well. But also for us to achieve the most outstanding comfort that it might give.
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