An inefficient and malfunctioning portable air conditioner can be a serious concern when the temperature rises during the summer months. Most of the common problems you may face with a portable air conditioner can be fixed relatively quickly and easily.
However, there will come a time when you will need help from an HVAC (heating, venting, and air conditioning) specialist to remedy the situation. These professionals have expert knowledge of the technology and design of air purification, air conditioning, and heating systems. Their main role is to repair portable air conditioners and to help people get the most value out of their air purifiers, air conditioners, and heating units.
A faulty portable AC would cause you to be very uncomfortable in a humid and hot setting, but you may also have to bear a higher electricity cost. When a portable AC system is not running as it should, it will be drawing lots of power to make up for its inefficiency.
So who repairs portable air conditioners? In this article, we will shed light on the most common portable AC issues you will encounter and how to repair them.
The Portable Air Conditioner Is Not Starting
This could be caused by a lack of power going to the AC. You should check the air conditioner’s specific power outlet. Check if there is power in the socket, check the AC’s power cord to see if it’s damaged, and check the circuit breaker to see if it’s functioning well. You can try another outlet to see if the unit will start.
If there are no problems with any of these components mentioned, then something is wrong with your portable AC unit, which can be as simple as a blown internal fuse. In this case, you’d want to contact an air conditioner specialist.
Portable Air Conditioner Has Suddenly Stopped Working
If your AC’s timer is active, the unit might suddenly shut down. Deactivate the timer and try restarting your AC unit again and see if it stops again. Many portable AC units’ versions shut down when the user’s temperature choice is achieved and the room is cooler than the outside or ambient temperature.
When the room temperature rises too or is higher than the outside or ambient temperature, the system will work again.
Lack of Airflow from the Air Conditioner
Limited or lack of airflow can often be the result of a dirty or clogged filter. First, clean the filter to get rid of any dirt or dust that has been trapped inside it by using a brush or a vacuum. If the air conditioner’s filter is washable (check the manufacturer’s manual to find out), use running water to rinse it and air dry before reinstalling.
Portable AC Is not Cooling Enough
This is a very common portable air conditioner issue. Similar to the last problem and its solution, check the filter to see if it’s dirty or clogged. If it is, clean it. Then look for any air intake blockages and remove them. Check the exhaust hose to see if there is any obstruction in there. An overly long exhaust hose could also be an issue. If it’s too long, then it will not vent hot air efficiently. Ensure that the exhaust hose is as short as possible.
Check if windows or doors have been left open and ensure that the air conditioner’s fan speed is high or at its highest. At times gaps or vents in windows and doors can let the cool air escape, making it feel like the portable air conditioner does not provide enough cooling.
Musty Smell in Air Conditioner
One of the easiest portable air conditioner problems to fix is a musty smell. This odor often indicates the growth of mildew or mold. Mold spores find the air conditioner an ideal breeding ground when the air conditioner retains water. If you;re able to get rid of it, the smell will disappear.
Inspect the drain line and drain pan, filter, and evaporator coils for any discolorations. If discovered, wear a mask, and clean all reachable areas with a cleaner made specifically for mold and mildew.
If your AC unit still has problems, or you’re just not interested in tinkering with it yourself, look up a local air conditioning specialist in your area to come help you figure out and fix the problem. They’re the experts who can help you get your portable air conditioner up and running again.
