If your portable air conditioner shuts off at 61 degrees Fahrenheit (16 degrees Celsius) and you want to cool an area below that temperature, there are a few inexpensive methods you can try to enhance the cooling effect:
Use fans: Place fans strategically around the room to improve air circulation. Fans help distribute the cool air from the portable air conditioner more effectively, making the room feel cooler overall.
Close off the space: Make sure all doors and windows in the room are closed to prevent warm air from entering and cool air from escaping. This helps maintain a lower temperature in the enclosed area.
Insulate the room: Check for any drafts or air leaks in the room. Use weatherstripping or draft stoppers to seal gaps around windows, doors, and other openings. Insulating the room helps retain the cooled air and prevents warm air infiltration.
Reflective barriers: Use reflective material, such as aluminum foil or reflective window film, to cover windows that receive direct sunlight. This can help reduce the amount of heat entering the room and keep it cooler.
Limit heat-generating appliances: Minimize the use of appliances that generate heat, such as ovens, stoves, or clothes dryers, during the hottest parts of the day. These appliances can increase the overall temperature in the room and make it harder for the portable air conditioner to cool effectively.
Cool with water: Utilize evaporative cooling methods. Place a bowl of ice or a damp towel in front of a fan to create a DIY evaporative cooler. As the water evaporates, it can help lower the surrounding air temperature.
It's important to note that while these methods can help make the area feel cooler, they may not significantly lower the temperature beyond the capabilities of your portable air conditioner. If you require a consistently lower temperature, you may need to consider investing in a more powerful air conditioning unit or exploring other cooling options like a window air conditioner or central air conditioning.