Guide · Home care
Window and Portable Air Conditioners
A friendly, practical guide to installing, using and caring for window and portable air conditioners safely, from support brackets and filters to drips, power and storage.
Where to start
- New unit still in the box?
Ask the owner first, then work through the air conditioner checklist.
- Sparks, a smell or a leak right now?
Take a breath. See if the unit sparks, smells or leaks.
- A very hot day ahead?
The short version
A window or portable air conditioner can turn a hot night into a comfortable one when it is installed safely.
Ask the owner before installing, support the unit securely, and plug it straight into the wall.
Clean the filter often, make sure water drips outside, and vent portable units outdoors.
Never block an escape window, and share sparks, smells or leaks in writing right away.
Rules about AC units differ from place to place, so we’d gently encourage a quick look at the rules where your home is. If you ever have questions, we would love to help.
Four simple rules
- 1Ask before installing
Check the lease and ask the owner before putting a unit in any window.
- 2Support it securely
Window units need a sturdy install, so they can never fall out or in.
- 3Plug straight into the wall
Never use an extension cord or power strip unless the maker allows it.
- 4Clean the filter
A clean filter cools better, costs less to run and keeps the air fresher.
Air conditioner checklist
From the guide’s own checklist. Tick each one as you go. Your ticks stay on this device. These are examples; your home may need others.
All done. Your room is set up for a cool, calm summer.
If the unit sparks, smells or leaks right now
- Take a breath. Turn the unit off.
- If you see sparks, smoke or fire, or smell burning, get everyone out and call 911. Unplug the unit or turn off the breaker only if you can do it safely.
- If water is leaking inside, soak it up and move belongings away from it.
- If the unit feels loose in the window, keep people away from the area below it, inside and out.
- Take photos and a short video of the problem.
- Call the owner right away, and follow up in writing.
You did exactly the right thing.
Staying well in the heat
- Check on family members, older adults and neighbors.
- If your home has no air conditioning, find a cooling center.
- Please don’t rely on a fan as your main way to stay cool on a very hot day.
- Close blinds on sunny windows during the hottest part of the day to help any air conditioner keep up.
- Know the signs of heat stroke, like a very high body temperature, red, hot and dry skin, a rapid pulse, dizziness or confusion. If you think someone has heat stroke, call 911 or get them to a hospital right away.
Drink water, rest somewhere cool and check on others during heat waves.
Guides that go well with this one
How much do you remember?
4 quick questions from this guide, with a one line why for each. Totally optional, no sign in, and your answers are never saved.
Go deeper with The Perfect Efficient Home
A plain, honest guide for residents and owners who want to waste less energy and water and keep bills easier to live with, without giving up comfort.
Keep the full guide handy
The PDF has everything: everyday habits, what to do when something goes wrong, common myths, helpful resources and plenty of real-world tips. Print it, save it or share it with anyone who could use it.
Download the PDFMore guides
This guide shares general information to help you, and is not legal, electrical or fire-code advice. Please follow the maker’s instructions and ask the owner before installing. Bunklow does not install or repair air conditioners.