
When To Vent A Portable Air Conditioner Through A Screen?
Venting a portable AC unit through a screen is not the ideal setup for it can make your air conditioner less effective. Even so, it can still work very well in a pinch depending on certain circumstances. Most consumers usually remove the screen to vent their portable AC. But there are certain situations where removing the window's screen is not an option.
If that's the case, the first thing you need to consider is the screen's type or structure. While thick screens will obstruct airflow, thin screens will maximize the airflow. It's always better to vent your air conditioner through a thin screen. As a general rule, your screen should also be clear and clean before you can vent your unit through it.
The screen will eventually have dust and debris buildup from the airflow of the air conditioner exhaust. Thus, you should check your screen at least once a week and clean it when it gets dirty.
Moreover, the screen's material is also a crucial part. In the screen venting process, it's given that the airflow will get across some sort of resistance.
With a screen made of mesh, there will be plenty of space for the passage of airflow. If the mesh doesn't have enough empty space, having the air pass through the screen is definitely not feasible. If the mesh' material is Nylon, then venting an air conditioner through it is not a good idea.
Nylon is highly susceptible to heat, which means it will only get damaged over time. Thus, you should vent your AC only if you have a steel screen.
How To Vent Your Portable Air Conditioner Through A Screen
Aside from considering the screen's material and structure, the venting process also has a great effect on the air conditioner's performance. Follow the steps below to vent your portable air conditioner through a screen of a sliding window.
Tools/Materials You'll Need
The portable air conditioner model is a big factor, but still, the way you vent will affect its effectiveness. One should also consider the screen's material and structure to make sure there's enough space for the airflow to pass.
Lastly, you need to choose a strategic venting area for the unit to perform at its full capacity—whether it's the door, window, wall, drop-ceiling, or dryer vent.
Before you go, you might as well check out our other posts related to portable air conditioners: