HVAC: Keeping Your Cool In the SummerHVAC: Keeping Your Cool In the Summer

Portable air conditioners are a great and convenient replacement for central air conditioning during hot summer months. However, having the device will not do any homeowner much good if they fail to maintain the unit as regularly as possible. Proper care of the AC increases its service life and also optimizes the performance of the device. Here are some handy tips to troubleshoot common problems of portable air conditioning in residential homes.  

Musty Smell -- When you forget cleaning and maintaining portable AC units, you might experience foul odor problems. When dirt and debris accumulate in the unit, the AC will start to smell and become a health hazard. The cause of the smell is the accumulation of molds and mildew, which lead to bacterial growth in the air conditioning unit. In the absence of proper care of drains, coils, and filters, the AC can be infested with fungi and other bacteria, which reduces the performance of the appliance. You need to disassemble the unit and clean all parts at least once a month. You can purchase commercial sprays from local stores to kill bacteria and fungi that are responsible for the musty smell.

Inhibited Air Flow -- ACs work by removing moisture from the air. The air circulates into the unit through a filter, which removes any particulate matter. Over time, the screen can be clogged thereby restraining the amount of air that flows into the AC. Therefore, read the owner manual to understand how to dismantle the unit and clean the filters. You can use a damp cloth to clean all exterior parts, especially air vents. Airflow can also be curtailed by the buildup of frost in the AC's evaporator coils. Sometimes, moisture might be trapped in the portable air conditioner and eventually freeze hence preventing the free flow of air. As such, it is recommended that you turn off the unit and allow time for the AC to defrost. Clean excess water with a dry rag and put the AC back together before turning it on. 

BTU Ratings -- The sizing of portable air conditioners is based on British thermal unit (BTU) rating. If your AC takes too long to cool a room, then you might be having a problem with the unit's BTU rating, which affects efficiency. If the AC has a low BTU than the size of the room, then it will not cool the space optimally. Similarly, if the BTU rating is very high, air will be recycled without removing humidity thereby making the room uncomfortable. Notably, an air conditioning repair specialist can estimate the amount of cooling that you need and recommend the best portable AC.