You may need to drain the unit anywhere from once a day to once a week or more. Check the water collection tray or removable bucket regularly, and empty it when it's full or nearing capacity. Many models also have a full-tank indicator light or alarm to alert you when it's time to drain.
In most cases, your portable air conditioner will not need to be drained. Edgestar, Avallon and Koldfront portable air conditioners use a condensation exhaust system to expel water vapor collected during the dehumidifying/cooling process. This moisture is released through the exhaust hose along with hot exhaust air.
If this service isn't done regularly, you could potentially experience an AC drain line clogged. A clogged AC drain line symptoms include: Musty, moldy smell near your indoor unit or in air from the registers/vents. Standing water near the indoor unit.
However, if you allow the clog to persist, things can turn for the worse. Water damage becomes a real threat, and mold growth in your home becomes a concerning possibility, negatively impacting indoor air quality.
The unit should not leak when full. It has a moisture collection tank inside the unit that needs to be emptied occasionally. The unit will show STOP in the display when the tank needs to be emptied. The unit will not run again until the tank is emptied.
The unit is designed to collect the moisture from the air in the room. If the room has a high humidity level, the unit will work harder to cool the air thus collecting more water.
Most portable units have water reservoirs that help dehumidify the room. These reservoirs need to be emptied periodically, although some come with optional hookups for a drainage hose. Other models evaporate much of the moisture and direct the exhaust through the air duct.
Generally, portable air conditioners can run continuously for 8 to 12 hours, depending on the factors mentioned above. However, it is essential to give your unit some rest to prevent overheating and ensure its longevity. Experts recommend turning off the unit for 15-20 minutes every 3-4 hours of continuous operation.
Models With Two Drain Plugs
The upper drain plug is provided to allow automatic draining when the appliance is set for Dehumidify Mode or Dry Mode in high humidity areas. The lower drain plug is typically used for Cooling or Heating Mode, or for draining the tank for storage.
Here's how long some of the most common types of AC last:
Portable AC — 5-10 years. Residential single whole-home AC unit — 15 years. Central air-source heat pumps — 15 years (and up to 20–25 years if well-maintained and in a well insulated home) Ductless mini-split AC systems (heat pumps) — 20 years.
The three biggest drawbacks of a portable system are: They have extremely low energy efficiency: If we take the sample of an 8,000 BTU (250 square feet of cooling power) portable unit with a standard EER, we can expect the unit to consume between 900 and 1100 watts. That's like a microwave running 24/7.
No, most portable air conditioners do not require water to function. They typically use a refrigeration cycle, similar to traditional air conditioners, to cool the air.
Check that the outlet/intake is free from blockage by furniture or any other objects that could be in their way. In rooms with large or multiple windows, sunlight streaming in can decrease the portable AC's cooling effectiveness. Cover windows with curtains or blinds to solve this issue.
Most air conditioners, whether portable or stationary, have a cut-off time. You can't constantly run them all day without risking damage to the unit.
How Much Does a Portable Air Conditioner Cost to Run? On average, a portable AC can cost approximately 17 cents per hour. This is based on the average electricity rate of 14 cents/kWh and the average consumption of 1.2 kWh/hour(2). 1.2 kWh/hour X 14 cents/kWh = 17 cents/hour.
If your portable AC unit lacks an automatic shutdown feature, or if it malfunctions, failing to drain the collected water can cause an overflow. This can lead to water damage to the unit itself, your flooring, furniture, and other nearby items.
Part of the cooling process is removing humidity from the room. When first installed or after the unit has not been used in awhile, it is normal for the tank to fill up quickly and require more frequent emptying. Even once an hour can be normal.
In an exceptionally hot, humid climate, your vented portable air conditioner might fill up once a day. But in drier climates, you may only need to empty the reservoir once a week or less. Not all vented portable air conditioners require draining. Check the user manual to confirm if your model collects water or not.
These factors include the size and power of the AC unit, the temperature and humidity levels in the room, and the energy efficiency of the unit. Generally, portable AC units are designed to operate for extended periods of time, with some models claiming to be able to run continuously for up to 24 hours.
Freon (which is really just a particular brand of refrigerant) lasts forever. It's not like gas in car; it does not get “used up.” You see, your air conditioner's refrigerant system is a “closed/sealed system,” meaning that it does not allow refrigerant to escape in any way.
If you do not vent your portable AC properly, it simply will not be able to remove the hot air from the building, leaving you with a stuffy, warm room. Unless the air can move from the inside out, you will not feel the benefit of your portable AC unit.
Mold often forms in portable air conditioners due to the combination of moisture, warmth, and a lack of airflow—ideal conditions for mold growth. As the AC cools the air, it also collects moisture, which can accumulate in the unit if it's not drained or cleaned regularly.
Models with Dehumidification Mode have two drains. The upper drain plug is provided to allow automatic draining when there is a full tank, like in Dehumidification Mode or Cooling Mode in high humidity areas. This connection is threaded to allow connection to a garden hose fitting.