What Procom Portable Air Conditioners Are and How to Use Them

Procom makes portable air conditioning units designed for single rooms and small spaces

Procom is a brand that manufactures portable air conditioners — the kind you roll into a room on wheels, plug into a standard outlet, and vent through a window. They are not central systems and do not require professional installation. A Procom unit sits on your floor, draws warm air from the room, cools it, and pushes cold air back out while venting hot air outside through a hose that fits into a window frame or sliding glass door.

The brand makes several models with different cooling capacities, measured in BTU (British Thermal Units). A smaller unit might be rated for 8,000 BTU and work in a bedroom or office; a larger one might reach 14,000 BTU for a living room or larger space. The right size depends on the square footage of the room you want to cool and how much heat it gets from sun exposure or other sources.

Procom units typically include a remote control, a window venting kit, and wheels for moving the machine. Most run on a standard 115-volt household outlet, though some larger models may need a dedicated circuit. They produce noise — usually between 50 and 70 decibels depending on the model — and they use electricity continuously while running, so your power bill will increase during cooling season.

Key Takeaways

• Procom portable air conditioners cool a single room without requiring installation or ductwork, and they can be moved to different rooms as needed.
• The cooling power you need depends on room size and sun exposure; a 10,000 BTU unit works for most bedrooms, while larger living spaces may need 12,000 to 14,000 BTU.
• All Procom units produce condensation that must be drained either into a bucket you empty regularly or through a continuous drain line to a floor drain or window.
• The window venting hose is essential for the unit to work; without it, the hot air has nowhere to go and the machine cannot cool the room.
• Procom units run on standard household power but draw significant current, so running one continuously will increase your electricity costs.

How to set up a Procom portable air conditioner

Unpack the unit and place it on a level floor in the room you want to cool. Position it near a window or door where you can run the venting hose outside. Attach the window venting kit — this is usually a frame or bracket that fits into the window opening and holds the hose in place. The hose should be as short and straight as possible; long, kinked hoses reduce cooling performance.

Plug the unit into a standard outlet. Do not use an extension cord or power strip unless absolutely necessary, and never run the unit on a circuit that is already powering other high-draw appliances like a microwave or space heater. Check the manual for your specific model to see whether it needs a dedicated 15-amp or 20-amp circuit.

Set up the drainage system before you turn the unit on. Most Procom models have a condensation tank inside that collects water as the air is cooled. You can either empty this tank by hand every few hours (the frequency depends on humidity and room temperature), or you can attach a continuous drain hose that runs to a floor drain, sink, or window. If you choose manual draining, the unit will shut off automatically when the tank is full to prevent water damage.

Operating your Procom unit and adjusting settings

Turn on the unit using the power button on the front panel or the remote control. Set your desired temperature — the thermostat will cycle the compressor on and off to maintain that temperature. Most models have a fan-only mode if you want air circulation without cooling, and a dry mode that removes humidity without cooling as much.

The fan speed can usually be adjusted to low, medium, or high. Higher speeds cool faster but produce more noise. Many users find that medium speed provides a good balance between cooling and noise, especially at night. If you are using the unit in a bedroom, consider running it on low or medium speed a few hours before bed so the room is cool when you want to sleep, then switching to fan-only mode to maintain temperature without the compressor noise.

Check the drainage system regularly. If you are using a manual tank, empty it before it fills completely — the unit will stop cooling if the tank reaches capacity. If you are using a continuous drain line, make sure it stays clear and does not kink or clog. A blocked drain line can cause water to back up inside the unit and damage the compressor.

Cleaning and maintaining your Procom air conditioner

The air filter is the most important maintenance item. Procom units have a reusable filter that traps dust and debris. Check it every two weeks during the cooling season. If it looks clogged with dust, remove it and rinse it under running water, or vacuum it gently with a brush attachment. A dirty filter reduces cooling performance and makes the compressor work harder, which uses more electricity and can shorten the unit's life.

Wipe down the exterior casing with a dry cloth to remove dust. Do not spray water or cleaning solution directly on the unit. If the venting hose has accumulated dust on the outside, you can wipe it with a damp cloth, but make sure it dries completely before the next use.

At the end of the cooling season, drain any remaining water from the condensation tank and let it dry completely. Store the unit in a cool, dry place — not in a damp basement or garage where moisture can accumulate inside. If you live in a humid climate, you may want to run the unit in dry mode for a few hours before storing it to remove internal moisture.

Choosing the right Procom model for your space

Procom makes units in several sizes. A 8,000 BTU model works for rooms up to about 350 square feet; a 10,000 BTU model handles up to 450 square feet; a 12,000 BTU model covers up to 550 square feet; and a 14,000 BTU model works for spaces up to 700 square feet. These are rough guidelines — a room that gets strong afternoon sun will need a larger unit than the square footage alone suggests, and a room with good shade will need less cooling power.

Consider the noise level if you plan to run the unit while sleeping or working. Smaller units are generally quieter than larger ones. If noise is a concern, look for a model with a low-speed fan setting and a sleep mode that reduces compressor cycling at night.

Check the power requirements. Most Procom units run on standard 115-volt household current, but larger models may draw 15 or 20 amps continuously. If your home has older wiring or if the outlet you plan to use is on a circuit with other appliances, you may need an electrician to verify the circuit can handle the load.

Common issues and how to troubleshoot them

If the unit is not cooling, first check that the venting hose is properly connected to the window kit and that the window is closed around it. If hot air is leaking back into the room, the seal is broken and cooling will be ineffective. Next, check the air filter — a clogged filter reduces cooling significantly. Finally, make sure the room temperature setting is lower than the current room temperature; the unit will not cool if the thermostat is set higher than the air temperature.

If water is leaking from the unit, the condensation tank may be full or the continuous drain line may be clogged. Empty the tank or clear the drain line. If water continues to leak after you have done this, the internal drain pan may be cracked, which requires service.

If the unit is running but the room is not getting cold, the unit may be undersized for the space. Close doors to smaller rooms to concentrate cooling in one area, or consider upgrading to a larger model. Closing blinds and curtains during the day also reduces the heat load on the room and improves cooling performance.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to vent a Procom air conditioner outside?

Yes. The unit pulls hot air from the room and vents it outside through a hose. Without the hose connected to a window or door, the hot air stays in the room and the unit cannot cool effectively. The venting hose is not optional — it is essential for the machine to work.

Can I run a Procom unit on an extension cord?

Not recommended. Procom units draw significant electrical current, and extension cords can overheat if they are undersized for the load. Plug the unit directly into a wall outlet. If the outlet is too far away, have an electrician install a new outlet closer to where you want the unit, rather than using an extension cord.

How often do I need to empty the water tank?

This depends on humidity and room temperature. In very humid conditions, the tank may fill every few hours. In drier conditions, it might take a full day. Check the tank every few hours when you first start using the unit so you learn the pattern for your climate. A continuous drain line eliminates manual emptying if you have access to a floor drain or window.

Will a Procom air conditioner work in a room with no windows?

No. The unit needs a window or door opening to vent the hot air outside. Without an opening, you cannot install the venting hose, and the machine will not cool the room. Rooms with sliding glass doors, casement windows, or double-hung windows all work; rooms with only fixed windows or no windows at all are not suitable for a portable air conditioner.

How much does it cost to run a Procom air conditioner?

Operating cost depends on the unit size, how often you run it, and your local electricity rate. A 10,000 BTU unit running continuously uses roughly 1 to 1.5 kilowatts per hour. At an average electricity rate of 12 cents per kilowatt-hour, continuous operation costs about 1.20 to 1.80 dollars per day. Running it 8 hours a day would cost roughly 10 to 15 dollars per month during cooling season.