How to Set Up a Portable Air Conditioner That Works

Place the portable air conditioner near a grounded outlet. Certain models may also need to be placed near a window for exhaust purposes. Do not plug the air conditioner into an extension outlet.

Place the portable air conditioner on a sturdy, level surface. This is especially important if your air conditioner does not vent outside. Tilting can cause water to spill out from underneath your air conditioner, which creates a dangerous electrical hazard.

Set the portable air conditioner in a space that allows 20 inches of clearance around the entire appliance. Never place items in front of a running portable air conditioner.

Remove the discharge hose from the back of the portable air conditioner, if necessary. Pull the round adapters out from the space on the air conditioner's backside, next to the discharge hose. Extend the discharge hose and twist one adapter on each end.

Slide one adapter back onto the portable air conditioner and push the other end onto the supplied window kit. Open your window, and place a supplied foam seal on the window's bottom frame and the bottom sash's bottom edge.

Insert the window kit into the window opening, against the foam seals. Push the bottom sash down as far as possible to hold the kit in place. Place another foam seal in the gap where the bottom sash overlaps the top sash.