Summertime is a great time to relax and enjoy the weather. However, when the weather is hot and humid, it’s not so enjoyable. Many people turn to air conditioners to cool down, but what if you don’t have central air or your air conditioner isn’t up to the task? A portable air conditioner for upstairs may be the perfect solution.
I’ve been using a portable air conditioner upstairs for the past few summers and it’s been a lifesaver. Not only does it keep my upstairs cool, but it’s also very convenient. I can move it from room to room as needed and set it up in minutes.
- The benefits of a portable air conditioner for upstairs
- How to select the perfect portable air conditioner for your upstairs space
- How to install a portable air conditioner upstairs
- Moving your portable ac to another room upstairs
- What to do if your portable air conditioner isn't cooling properly and the air upstairs is still hot
The benefits of a portable air conditioner for upstairs
When the weather starts to warm up, many people find themselves struggling to keep their homes cool. If you have air conditioning, but it is not strong enough to reach the upper floors of your home, a portable air conditioner can be a great solution. Portable air conditioners are easy to set up and can be moved from room to room as needed. They also do not require any complicated installation, making them a great option for those who want to avoid the hassle and expense of having a new AC unit installed.
In addition, portable air conditioners are relatively energy-efficient, so you can keep your home cool without worrying about your energy bills skyrocketing.
How to select the perfect portable air conditioner for your upstairs space
Picking the right portable air conditioner for your upstairs space is all about knowing the size of the room and how many BTUs you need.
To calculate the size of the room, measure the length and width in feet, then multiply them together.
For example, a 10×10 room would be 100 square feet. Once you know the square footage, check how many BTUs (British Thermal Units) per hour your AC unit needs to generate for that size room.
The rule of thumb is that you need 20 BTUs for each square foot in a standard room, so a 100 square foot room would require a 2,000 BTU portable air conditioner.
However, other factors like ceiling height and the number of windows can impact how much cooling power you need, so it’s always best to err on the side of too much power rather than too little, but don’t go overboard either.
Once you know how much power you need, the next step is to decide what features are important to you.
Some portable air conditioners come with built-in dehumidifiers, for example, which can be helpful if your upstairs space is particularly humid.
Others have remote controls, which can be handy if you want to be able to adjust the temperature from another room.
Do you want a single hose or dual hose portable air conditioner?
- Single hose portable air conditioners take in air from the room, cool it, and then release the warm air outside. Dual hose units have one hose that pulls in outside air and another that exhausts the warm air from the unit, making them slightly more efficient.
- In general, single-hose portable air conditioners are best suited for smaller rooms. The reason is that if the space you wish to chill is rather large, the equipment will have to work considerably harder to keep it cool. This might result in higher energy bills and an increased chance of air conditioning repairs.
- Dual-hose portable air conditioners are better at cooling large spaces than single-hose variants for several reasons. The first reason is that dual-hose versions have a quicker and more efficient air exchange process.
- Dual-hose unit has two hoses, one functions as an exhaust hose and the other as an intake hose that will draw outside hot air that is cooled and then sent back into the room.
- The only downside is that these types of systems are more costly, and because you have to use two hoses instead of one, they aren’t as easily portable or simple to set up. However, most people would say the investment needed for the second hose is definitely worth it.
- A little warning: Something to keep in mind is that dual-hose air conditioners are usually louder than single-hose models. Keep this in consideration if you need a quiet machine, as it will definitely vary depending on the model and its specifications (which is something worth looking into before making your purchase). ( I’m always looking at the noise levels when I compare air conditioners, it’s just annoying if you try to work or have an online meeting while your air conditioner is too loud in the background.)
With a little bit of planning, it’s easy to find the perfect portable air conditioner for your upstairs space.
How to install a portable air conditioner upstairs
Many people opt for portable air conditioners because they’re easy to install and don’t require any permanent alterations to your home. If you’re looking to install a portable air conditioner upstairs, there are a few things you’ll need to do to ensure proper ventilation.
- First, position the unit near a window so that the exhaust hose can be placed outside.
- If your portable air conditioner has a hose that allows it to drain continuously, you’ll need to position it next to a sink or something else suitable for draining.
- Next, use the adapter kit, or tape or foam to seal any gaps around the window frame. It’s important to get a good seal so take your time and make sure there are no air leaks.
- Attach the hose to the window adaptor kit first. Make sure it’s a good fit. If it’s a little loose, wrap a small strip of duct tape around the join. Then, connect the ventilation hose to the portable air conditioner.
- Finally, turn on the unit and adjust the temperature until it’s comfortable. By following these simple steps, you can quickly and easily install a portable air conditioner in any room of your home.
Moving your portable ac to another room upstairs
If the windows of your home are a similar size, you can unplug your portable AC and remove the window adapter. Then roll it into the next room, install it the same way as before (outlined above), plug it in, and turn it on – making sure to empty the water reservoir first.
What to do if your portable air conditioner isn’t cooling properly and the air upstairs is still hot
There are a few things you can try if your portable air conditioner isn’t cooling properly.
- First, check the air filter and clean it if it’s dirty. A clogged air filter will restrict airflow and prevent the unit from working effectively.
- Next, make sure the exhaust hose is properly installed and that there are no kinks or bends in it. If the hose is damaged, it will need to be replaced.
- Make sure there is enough room around the unit for air to circulate. If the unit is too close to a wall or piece of furniture, it won’t be able to operate properly.
- If the temperature in the room is still too hot, try turning the unit on to its highest setting. This will max out the cooling power of the unit and should help lower the temperature in the room.
- If you have doors or windows open, the unit will have to work harder to cool the space and it may not be able to keep up. In this case, you’ll need to either close the doors and windows or get a larger unit.
- If you’ve tried all of these things and the air upstairs is still hot, it’s possible that the portable air conditioner is too small for the space.
Final thoughts
A portable air conditioner is a great way to keep your upstairs cool during the summer months. They’re easy to install and can be moved from room to room as needed. Just make sure you choose the right size unit for your space and take proper measures to ensure proper ventilation. With a little bit of planning, you can easily keep your upstairs cool and comfortable all summer long.