Portable air conditioners are convenient if you are looking to provide you home with extra cooling during the summer. However, just like large air conditioning systems, these air conditioners are susceptible to problems that would impede their operation. The following are some tips to troubleshooting problems that you may encounter with your portable air conditioner.

Your portable air conditioner is not turning on

There are several reasons why your portable air conditioner may not switch on. It should be noted though that this does not automatically mean that it has malfunctioned. One of the most overlooked reasons for this problem is not having your air conditioner plugged in. If it is plugged in, the first thing to check is whether the portable air conditioner had been set on a timer. The timer settings could be causing it to switch on and off unexpectedly or not turn on altogether. If this is not the cause of the issue, then check the air conditioner's temperature settings. If the temperature set is higher than the ambient temperature, then the unit will not be able to cool the space, making it seem like it is not working. If all these fail, then it would be prudent to seek air conditioning repairs to establish what is causing it to not function.

Your portable air conditioner has limited airflow

There are a few reasons why you may be experiencing decreased airflow from your portable air conditioner. The most common cause of this is clogged or dirty filters. Use the unit's manual to find out how to access its filters and clean them. When removing the filter, you should also clean the interior to prevent the filters from getting dirty prematurely. If the filters are clean and the unit still has decreased airflow, the problem could lie with the evaporator coils. In some cases, frost begins to accumulate on the evaporator coils and this will impede the flow of air. If this is the case, you, should desist using the unit until it has completely defrosted. Once this is done, wipe away the condensed water so that the interior can dry out. Once dry, you can use the unit as normal.

Your portable air conditioner is emitting strange odours

One of the most common reasons why strange smells may be emanating from your portable air conditioner is the development of mold and mildew. Mold will being breeding inside your portable air conditioner if the unit is retaining water. To check this, use the manual to figure how to open your unit and inspect the various areas that may be exposed to moisture such as drain lines, evaporator coils, drain pans and more. If you notice black stains in these areas, it typically indicate mold, and you should have your unit professionally cleaned to clear the infestation.