How to Install a Portable Air Conditioner
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A portable air conditioner is a smart way to keep your space cool when temperatures climb, especially when traditional options aren’t available or practical.
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Whether your building restricts window units or your central cooling system needs a little boost in certain rooms of the house, a portable AC gives you comfort where and when you need it, without the need for ductwork. All you need is a power source and a place to vent. Lightweight and easy to move from room to room, Newair’s portable ACs are also compatible with non-standard setups.
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The best part? Installation is quick and easy. In this blog we’ll walk you through:
- How portable air conditioners work
- How to install and vent a portable air conditioner in a standard window
- Tips for installing in non-standard situations, like casement windows
By the end, you’ll be ready to install your Newair portable air conditioner with confidence!
How Does a Portable Air Conditioner Work?
Before setting up your portable air conditioner, it's helpful to understand how it works.
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First, the unit pulls warm air from the room into the appliance, where it’s filtered to remove dust and other particles.
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Next, the air passes over cold evaporator coils filled with refrigerant. The refrigerant absorbs heat from the air, cooling it down. As the refrigerant collects heat, it evaporates into a low-pressure gas and then moves to the compressor. The compressor pressurizes the gas and sends it to the condenser coils, where a fan helps release the heat outside through the exhaust hose.
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At the same time, the now-cooled air is blown back into the room, lowering the indoor temperature. The portable air conditioner continues this cycle until the room reaches your desired temperature.
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Why Venting Matters: For your portable air conditioner to work properly, the warm air it removes must be vented outside. Without proper venting, that hot air stays in the room—forcing your unit to work harder and reducing its cooling efficiency. That’s why venting is the most important part of the installation process.
Featured SKU: AC-10000
How to Install a Portable Air Conditioner
Installing your Newair portable air conditioner is a breeze (pardon the pun!) because each unit comes with its own window kit for convenience.
1. Choose the Right Spot
Pick a location near both a window and an electrical outlet. You’ll need power for the unit and a way to vent hot air outside.
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Make sure the floor is level and choose a spot out of direct sunlight and away from heat sources like vents or radiators. Ideally, there should be about two feet of space around the unit to allow for proper air circulation.
2. Install the Window Kit
Next, install the adapter kit in the window according to the instructions provided with your unit. Attach one end of the exhaust hose to the air conditioner’s hose connector, and the other end to the window-side hose connector.
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Close the window to secure the kit in place. It should fit tightly without gaps. If needed, you can use duct tape to ensure a snug seal.
3. Connect and Adjust the Hose
Attach the hose connector to the exhaust air outlet on the back of the air conditioner unit. Adjust the length of the hose as needed, and avoid sharp bends or kinks that could block airflow.
4. Plug In and Start Cooling
Finally, plug in the portable air conditioner and power it on. Adjust the settings, open the louvers, and enjoy a cooler room in minutes.
- Powerful cooling with high BTUs for efficiency
- Lightweight, easy-to-move design with rolling wheels
- Self-evaporating technology to reduce emptying
- Energy-saving settings to help cut utility bills
- Air conditioning, window fan, and dehumidifier modes
- Programmable timer, thermostat, and adjustable fan speeds
- Compact size for storage when not in use
This dual unit functions as both a portable air conditioner and heater, efficiently covering up to 525 square feet of space, making it perfect for year-round comfort.
Featured SKU: AC-14100H
Popular places to use a portable air conditioner include:
- In the bedroom for better quality of sleep
- In the family or rec room for chilled-out fun
- In a home office to improve focus and productivity
- In upstairs rooms where heat tends to build up
- In a home gym or workshop to stay cool while you work out
Installing Your Portable Air Conditioner in Unique Spaces
What if your window isn’t compatible with the standard adapter kit? No worries. Here are some tips for handling unique setups.
How to Vent Through Casement Windows
Casement windows crank open outward instead of sliding up or sideways. For these, you’ll need to install a Plexiglass shield in the window opening to hold the exhaust hose in place.
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A handyman or window specialist can custom-cut the Plexiglass to fit your window and cut a hole sized for the exhaust hose. You may want to add weather stripping around the edges to keep out wind and rain. After that, just install your portable air conditioner following the standard instructions.
How to Vent Through a Fireplace
If you don’t have a suitable window, venting your portable air conditioner through an unused fireplace is an option. Since warm air naturally rises, the chimney can serve as an effective exhaust path. This is especially convenient if you have a fireplace you rarely use, allowing you to keep the setup in place from one summer to the next.
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For safety and efficiency, it’s best to hire a chimney professional. They can properly seal the opening, insulate around the exhaust hose in the flue, and ensure no other systems vent through the same chimney.
How to Vent Through the Ceiling
Sometimes venting through a ceiling is possible, whether at home or at the office. This usually involves connecting the exhaust hose to existing ductwork hidden above a dropped ceiling.
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Another option is venting into an unused attic space, provided there’s adequate airflow and no risk of heat buildup. For either option, it’s smart to get help from an HVAC professional to ensure the setup is safe, efficient, and won’t interfere with your home’s systems.
How to Vent Through the Wall
If you live in a warm climate and plan to use your portable air conditioner year-round, a permanent wall vent might be the best solution.
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This setup works well for garages, workshops, or bonus rooms where central cooling doesn’t reach. You’ll stay cool and comfortable while working, exercising, or enjoying hobbies.
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Be sure to ask your contractor about winterizing the vent if you plan to remove the hose during colder months. This helps maintain energy efficiency and keeps the space sealed when not in use.
Shop Best-Selling Portable Air Conditioners from Newair
Looking for a reliable way to beat the heat this summer? Portable ACs are an affordable alternative to central air, and Newair offers a wide range of units to suit any space—several of which are on sale now!
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Need even more ways to chill? Explore our lineup of compact appliances, from outdoor misting fans to fun summer favorites like the Luma slushie maker!
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When you choose Newair, you’re not just getting powerful cooling, you’re also getting fast shipping, a dependable warranty, and support from a US-based company you can trust.
