4 common portable air conditioner mistakes that are making your appliance unsafe, less energy efficient and at greater risk of fire

Given that portable air conditioners are pretty much sold out everywhere, I think it’s fair to say that many of those reading this article will have a new shiny appliance at home, keeping them cool during the UK’s ‘third heatwave’.

The best portable air conditioners have proved their worth this summer, if sales are anything to go by (and Meaco’s bestseller has just come back into stock, FYI). These powerful cooling appliances are brilliant at making sweltering temperatures bearable, but if you don't use them the right way, they can not only be unsafe but also pose a fire risk.

As with any electrical appliance, there are a few safety concerns to be aware of when using your appliance. Here are four portable air conditioner mistakes safety experts have spotted this summer.

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1. Plugging your appliance into an extension lead or overhead socket

First of all, if your air conditioner is currently plugged in via an extension cord, then you’ll need to unplug it. Portable air conditioners are powerful appliances, and extension cords are not designed for them.

‘This is one of the most dangerous mistakes you can make. Portable air conditioners draw significant power, and extension cords and multi-outlet adapters are not designed to handle that load,’ adds Anton Neike, Energy Expert and CEO at Taupia.

‘Using one can cause the cord to overheat, melt, or spark, and in the worst cases, even start a fire.’

2. Using it in a wet room or bathroom

Just as you shouldn’t use a dehumidifier in a bathroom, you definitely shouldn’t use your AC in one either. It’s quite simple. Water and electricity don’t tend to mix well.

‘One of the biggest mistakes is assuming that because an air conditioning unit is portable, it can be used anywhere in the home. Portable does not mean suitable for every room,’ says James Roberts, Director of Sanctuary Bathrooms and qualified plumber.

‘A standard portable air conditioner should not be used in any bathroom or other wet, steamy room as a quick cooling fix. Bathrooms combine water, steam, and electricity, which is why they have stricter electrical safety considerations than bedrooms or living rooms, and most portable AC units are designed for dry living spaces, not splash zones, wet floors, or heavy condensation.’

3. Leaving your air conditioner unattended

If you have errands to run this week, you’d be forgiven for wanting to return to a cool home, especially seeing as temperatures are soaring outside. But leaving your appliance unattended is another big no-no.

‘Portable air conditioners should never be left running in an empty home. Electrical cooling equipment, if poorly maintained, can overheat and cause a fire when used continuously for long periods,’ says Anton.

‘Always turn the unit off and unplug it before leaving the house. It’s also wise to check your model against any active product recalls, as shorter compressor power cords can lead to arcing and fire.’

4. Placing it too close to curtains, towels, bedding or furniture

Where you position your portable air conditioner is really important. You don’t want to block airflow, so it’s important to avoid areas of clutter or even your curtains.

‘Portable AC units need clear airflow around the vents. If the air inlet or outlet is blocked by curtains, towels, bedding, walls or furniture, the unit will be less effective and may have to work harder than it should,’ says James.

‘It should be placed on a stable, level surface with enough space around it for air to circulate properly.’

Beat the heat

While most portable air conditioners are sold out, here are a few in-stock and well-reviewed cooling appliances that can help beat the heat.

Portable air conditioners are brilliant but do need to be used safely. So, do take these four mistakes into consideration when you use yours.