Using a portable air conditioner with a regular window unit is not a typical setup, as they serve the same purpose of cooling a room. If you're considering using both at the same time, it would likely be inefficient and counterproductive. However, if you have specific reasons for wanting to use both, here's a general outline of how you could potentially set it up:
Choose the right location: Place the regular window unit in one part of the room and the portable air conditioner in another, ensuring they are not working against each other.
Isolate the areas: If possible, use room dividers or close doors to separate the two areas that each unit will cool. This will help prevent mixing of the cooled air from the two devices.
Set different temperature settings: Adjust the temperature settings on each unit to desired levels for the specific areas they are cooling. This step is crucial to prevent the units from working against each other and wasting energy.
Use a fan: Consider using a fan to help circulate the cooled air within each area. This can improve the efficiency of both units and help maintain a more even temperature.
Monitor energy consumption: Keep an eye on the energy consumption of both units. Running two air conditioners simultaneously can be costly, so it's essential to be aware of the increased energy usage.
Despite these guidelines, it's worth noting that using both a regular window unit and a portable air conditioner simultaneously is not an ideal solution and is likely to be inefficient compared to using one of the units alone. If you find that one of the units is not sufficient to cool the entire room, it might be better to invest in a more powerful air conditioner or explore other cooling options like central air conditioning or a ductless mini-split system.
Moreover, using multiple cooling devices at once might overload the electrical circuit, so it's essential to check that your electrical setup can handle the load. Always prioritize energy efficiency and consider alternative solutions before attempting to combine different cooling units.