Blog: How Do Portable Air Conditioners Work?

18 May 2022

We are experiencing heat waves more frequently these years. It would be unbearable if we didn't have any air conditioning systems at home. As they become more necessary, it is important to understand how air conditioning work so that we know how to properly use and maintain them.

A few crucial processes taking place inside an air conditioner are responsible for keeping you cool. They could be explained in a few simple words: The refrigerant absorbs the heat from the air, causing changes in the pressure and temperature of the refrigerant as it warms up, turns into a gas, loses the heat, and cools back down to a liquid state. This cycle repeats continuously to produce cold air and maintain a comfortable temperature in the room.

What is a portable air conditioner?

A portable air conditioner is a self-contained cooling unit designed to provide localised cooling in a small space. It's a versatile and relatively easy-to-install solution for cooling spaces that may not have built-in air conditioning or where central air conditioning is impractical.

There are several benefits to using portable air conditioners, including easy installation, no permanent modification and high mobility. When selecting a portable air conditioner, it's important to consider the size of the room you intend to cool.

How do portable air conditioners work?

Portable AC Diagram

They cool indoor air by circulating it through a closed system. Hot air is first drawn over the evaporator coils from the room. Since the condenser coils are colder than the room, condensation can form on them. This takes the moisture out of the air.

As the warm air travels and passes over the cold evaporator coil, the latent heat is transferred to the refrigerant liquid at high pressure. This process cools the air so it can be blown back into the room to create a comfortable temperature. The liquid refrigerant that is contained within the unit is converted into a low-pressure gas.

The low-pressure gas then goes into the compressor. The compressor turns the low-pressure gas into a high-pressure gas, which increases its temperature. By making the gas hotter, the heat in the condenser coils, which are usually made of copper tubing with aluminium fins, dissipates more quickly. A ventilation hose outside then exhausts this heat. Depending on the models, the moisture collected earlier may be either vented outside altogether or drained manually.

Afterwards, an expansion valve lowers the pressure of the gas, reducing the refrigerant's temperature and turning the gas back to a liquid to be cycled through the system again. As the cycle goes on again, the air con continuously absorbs heat and blows air to cool a room.

Where should a portable air conditioner be used?

A portable air conditioner can be used in both domestic and commercial settings, such as homes, offices, bars or restaurants. For optimal efficiency, it's essential to keep all exterior windows and doors closed.

Yet, a single window or vent should remain open to allow the discharge of warm air through the exhaust duct or hose. Since air conditioners lower humidity levels, they prove highly suitable for spaces containing delicate equipment like computers and data servers, as well as for preserving documents and artwork.

Portable air conditioners are designed for indoor use in enclosed rooms. An evaporative cooler is a better climate control solution for open spaces or well-ventilated areas due to its mechanism.

How to install a portable air conditioner

To properly install your portable air conditioner, follow these steps:

Choose a location near a plug socket and window to ensure good airflow and access to the water tank if needed.
Confirm if the window adapter kit fits your window. Modify it with some foam or plexiglass if necessary for a snug fit.
Install the adapter kit in the window, screwing it in and sealing the edges with duct tape for a tight seal.
Connect the ventilation hose to the window, ensuring a secure fit with duct tape if required.
If applicable, attach the drainage hose to the unit and secure it to the drainage point.
Plug in the air conditioner to complete the installation and enjoy the cool air!

Quality portable air conditioning units available online

We have a wide range of portable air con available to buy online. They come in different sizes, strengths, and features. Some are sizable and built tough for spaces like factories, garages and workshops. Smaller units are perfect for offices or homes.

These units often come with features such as adjustable temperature settings, remote control operation and built-in timers for added convenience. Typical functions include cooling, air filtering, dehumidification, ventilation and sometimes heating.

Whether you need a portable air conditioner for your home or office, we have options that will meet your requirements.

Our experts' top picks

The wifi-enabled portable air conditioners allow you to control and monitor the temperature remotely through your smartphone or other smart devices. This feature provides convenience and flexibility.

1. Woods Milan 7K

2kW / 6,828 BTU Cooling Output
11-15m² Cooling Area

2. Air Conditioning Centre KYR-25CO/LUX

2.6kW / 8,871 BTU Cooling Output
Approx 15-19m² Cooling Area

The DeLonghi Pinguino PAC Series is designed with a sleek and modern look that will complement any home or office decor without any compromise on performance.