As we welcome the new year, it's the perfect time to focus on creating a more comfortable and energy-efficient home environment. 

In this blog post, we'll share three surprising tips to make your portable air conditioner work smarter, not harder, so you can enjoy the benefits of cool, fresh air without breaking the bank on your energy bills this summer.

Tip 1: Optimise Your Unit's Placement

The location of your portable AC unit can have a significant impact on its efficiency. Many people simply place their unit in the corner of a room and call it a day, but there's a bit more to it than that.

Ideally, you want to position your portable AC in a spot that allows for maximum airflow and circulation. Avoid placing it directly against a wall or in a tight corner, as this can restrict the unit's ability to draw in warm air and expel cool air effectively.

Instead, try to position the unit more towards the centre of the room, or at least a metre or two away from any walls or furniture. This will allow the cool air to circulate more freely and reach all corners of the space. You may even want to experiment with different placements to see which setup works best for your specific room layout.

Another important consideration is the proximity to windows and doors. Placing your portable AC near an open window or door can cause the cool air to escape, forcing the unit to work harder to maintain the desired temperature. Try to keep your portable AC away from any potential sources of warm air infiltration.

Tip 2: Leverage the Power of Fans

While portable air conditioners are designed to cool a room on their own, adding a few strategically placed fans can significantly enhance their efficiency.

By using fans to circulate the cool air produced by your portable AC, you can help distribute the chilled air more evenly throughout the room. This can allow you to run your portable AC at a slightly higher temperature setting, which can translate to lower energy consumption.

Consider placing a fan near the air outlet of your portable AC unit to help push the cool air further into the room. You can also use oscillating fans to create a gentle breeze that helps the cool air reach all corners of the space.

Just be sure not to position the fans too close to the portable AC, as this can disrupt the unit's airflow and reduce its overall effectiveness.

Tip 3: Maintain Your Unit Regularly

Like any appliance, your portable air conditioner requires regular maintenance to operate at its best. Neglecting this important task can lead to decreased efficiency, higher energy bills, and even premature wear and tear on the unit.

One of the most critical maintenance tasks is to keep the air filters clean. Over time, these filters can become clogged with dust, pet hair, and other debris, which can restrict airflow and force the unit to work harder to cool the room.

Make it a habit to check and clean the air filters on your portable AC at least once a month, or more frequently if you have pets or live in a particularly dusty environment. A simple rinse under running water or a gentle vacuum can help keep the filters in top shape.

Additionally, be sure to keep the exterior of your portable AC unit clean and free of any obstructions. Wipe down the surfaces regularly with a damp cloth to remove any accumulated dirt or grime.

By following these three tips, you can help your portable air conditioner run more efficiently, saving you money on your energy bills and ensuring your home stays cool and comfortable all year round. 

If you ever need any assistance or have questions about your NWT portable AC, the team at NWT Australia is always here to help.

Here's to a cooler, more comfortable you in 2026!

- The NWT Australia team.