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How to maintain your portable air conditioner

Man in an office turning on a portable air conditioner

When we get into those hot summer months, it isn't enough to just stay cool when you're inside. Sometimes you want to get out and take advantage of vacations and pool days, or you want the stay cool in every part of your home. This is where a portable air conditioner can come in handy. When you have a portable AC, you can take the cool air with you, no matter where you are.

Of course, if you're taking a portable air conditioner everywhere with you, there's a lot of potential for it to get damaged. From drops to spills to cracks and more, you'll want to be protected in case something happens. When you subscribe to Mulberry Unlimited, you'll get coverage for your portable air conditioner and all your online purchases under the same product protection plan. That means you're covered in case of all types of damage, so you can have the peace of mind to take your portable AC anywhere you want to go.

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How can you maintain your portable air conditioner to keep it running smoothly?

Let's take a look at a few ways you can keep your portable air conditioner in the best shape possible, so it's ready to use whenever you need it.

Check the filter and replace it if needed

The air conditioner filter is one of the things that most often goes neglected, especially with portable units. Typically, these filters should be replaced every 90 days, so it's generally recommended you just replace the filter rather than clean it.

That said, it's important to follow the manufacturer's directions regarding the filter for your specific unit, as they can differ.

Drain the water using the drain pump and hose

Condensation collects in portable air conditioners, so it's important to empty the internal container regularly. Although newer models can go for longer periods of time without emptying, it's still an important thing to stay on top of.

You can also keep the drain pump and hose clean with a solution of equal parts vinegar and water. Just be sure to rinse the pump and hose out with water when you're done, then run the portable air conditioner on fan-only mode for about 30-45 minutes to get rid of any lingering moisture and odor.

Keep your unit free of excess moisture

Excess moisture in your portable air conditioner unit can cause mold and other issues that not only prevent it from running efficiently, but can also harm your health. To remove excess moisture from your portable air conditioner unit, simply run it in fan-only mode for about 30 minutes, and that should dry it out.

Clean regularly

Keeping your portable air conditioner unit clean both externally and internally can help ensure it functions the way it's supposed to. To clean the outside of your unit, switch it off, and use a soft, damp cloth to clean the surface. Be careful not to use harsh chemicals.

To clean the inside of your portable AC, you can add a few drops of essential oils or a scented disinfectant when you clean the drain pumps and hose, which will help eliminate odors.

What are the best portable AC's?

These days, portable AC's come in a range of different sizes, with options for customization and more. Let's take a look at some of the best.

Hisense portable AC

While a Hisense portable air conditioner is on the more expensive side at $299, it's easily one of the best options on the market. It has three modes—cooling, fan, or dehumidifier—so you have plenty of ways to adjust the unit for your comfort. Plus, the drain-free design means you never have to worry about condensation build up that can slow your unit down.

Toshiba portable AC

When it comes to a Toshiba portable air conditioner, you know you're getting a quality product that is durable and reliable. Although Toshiba AC's are the most expensive on our list, with many units going around the $300 range, sometimes it's worth paying a premium for something you know will be ready whenever you need it. They even have models you can control via remote, so you can stay cool without ever leaving the couch.

Chillwell portable AC

The Chillwell portable AC is a conveniently-sized personal cooling unit that is ideal for a smaller space like a bedroom or home office. It has a USB-rechargeable battery that lasts for up to 4 hours, which makes it easy to use straight out of the box.

Although the Chillwell portable AC reviews are somewhat mixed, it's convenience and easy portability are the top reasons it makes our list. And at only $89.99 on Amazon, it's also relatively cheap compared to other options.

Arctos portable AC

Like the Chillwell portable AC, the Arctos portable AC is a small, compact unit suited to cooling smaller spaces. It can run for up to 10 hours on a single tank, which could be great for getting you through hot summer nights. Although the Arctos portable AC reviews are mixed, at just $31 you can't go wrong giving it a try.

Protect the things you use most with Mulberry Unlimited

When you subscribe to Mulberry Unlimited, you'll get coverage for your portable air conditioner, as well as all your online purchases, under the same product protection plan. That means you're covered in case of drops, cracks, spills, malfunctions, and more, so you never have to be without the things you use and rely on most.

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Justin Smith

About the author

Justin Smith has written about everything from stock market investing to electric vehicles, most recently for SuperMoney, Mulberry and EverLaw. Apart from optimizing the latest blog content and hunting for the perfect keywords, he also enjoys going on long runs.

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