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Air Conditioners Help Centre 

Whether you already own an air conditioner, or are considering purchasing one, you'll find everything you'll need to know in our air conditioners help centre. 

Air Conditioner Owners FAQs

My air conditioner has a leak, how can I fix it?

There are a few possible causes why your air conditioner might be leaking, such as the unit not being completely level or a build-up of dust or dirt causing a blockage. 

If you've checked both of these and are still experiencing a leak, there could be potential physical damage to the unit. Please contact our customer service team so they can look into this further for you. 

My air conditioner is very noisy, how can I make it quieter?

There are a number of reasons why your air conditioner might be more noisy than normal.

  1. The filters are dirty and restricting air flow making the unit more noisy than normal - please clean them.
  2. When popping the filters back on, make sure they are fully in place.
  3. Make sure that the air outlet and inlets are not blocked.
  4. Ensure that the unit is being used on a flat and even surface, with at least 50 cm of free space around it to allow for adequate air flow.
  5. If the Air Conditioner is being used on a hard floor, if possible, move it to a carpeted floor or place it on a rubber or carpet mat. Hard floors will reverberate the operating noise.

    If you've checked all these things and are still experiencing an issue, please contact our customer service team so they can look into this further for you. 
What can I do to make my air conditioner smell better?

Air Conditioners don’t contain any odour covering or odour producing components, all smells from within the unit are ones which have been absorbed from the surrounding environment when turned on. If these odours get absorbed by the filter the air conditioner will produce these smells each time it is turned on for a while. 

In order to remove any smells that have been absorbed, place the air conditioner in a room on its own with the windows open and the internal door closed. Set the unit into Fan Mode and run it for 24 hours to allow for fresh air to pass through the air conditioner. You may need to repeat this process several times to fully clear the smell. 

You can also try using a cleaning spray aiming it at the back with the filter removed (scented spray is fine, but it must not contain bleach). Use the spray sparingly and a little at a time.  

How do I know which size air conditioner I need?

We have the recommended room size in m² on each air conditioner product page. This can be used to help determine which model is suitable for your space. If your room has additional heat sources or higher heat gain, it may be worth choosing a larger model. 

Our air conditioner quiz can also help you find which air conditioner unit is best for your space.

If you're still unsure, please contact our customer service team and they will be happy to advise you further.  

How do I install my flexible window kit?

Our flexible window kit is easy to install, just follow the steps below or view our step-by-step video. 

  1. First apply the velcro adhesive tape around the window frame
  2. Attach the fabric window seal to the velcro on the window frame
  3. Zip the fabric most of the way, leaving a small opening for the duct
  4. Connect the duct to your unit and feed it through the opening in the fabric
  5. Zip the fabric tightly around the duct to create a secure seal

If there is any excess material from the window kit, this can be neatly trimmed to size if required.

Once set up correctly, this will help prevent warm air from re-entering the room and allow your unit to operate efficiently.

How can I make my air conditioner more efficient?

The key to improving air conditioner efficiency is to reduce the amount of heat entering the room and help the unit remove heat as effectively as possible:

  1. Try to limit heat entering the room, for example by reducing direct sunlight and keeping windows and doors closed where possible.
  2. Pre-cool the room before it becomes particularly warm, rather than waiting until the room has already reached a high temperature.
  3. Keep the air filters clean and make sure there is sufficient space around the unit for good airflow.
  4. Position the exhaust duct as straight and as short as reasonably possible. The duct can become warm during operation, so minimising its length and bends can help reduce heat being transferred back into the room.
  5. Use a fan elsewhere in the room to help circulate the cooled air and distribute the cooler air more evenly.
  6. Make sure the window or other exhaust outlet is sealed as well as possible to prevent warm air from entering the room.
My air conditioner has been in storage for a while, what should I do before using it again?

If your air conditioner has been in storage for a while, we suggest following the steps below before using it again: 

  1. Check if the filters need cleaning 
  2. Use any cleaning spray on the coils (scented is fine, no bleach) 
  3. Let the unit sit for at least 1 hour
  4. Run on Fan Mode for 1 hour
How do I change my air conditioner between farenheit & celsius?

To change the temperature measurement between farenheit and celsius, hold the Mode button down on your control panel. 

How often should I clean my air conditioner?

We recommend keeping your air conditioner clean and free from dust and debris as part of regular maintenance. The dust filter, particularly around the air intake, should be checked and cleaned approximately every two weeks, or more frequently if the unit is used heavily or in a dusty environment.

What's the best way to clean my air conditioner?

The best way to clean your air conditioner is to use a vacuum cleaner to gently remove dust from the filters and air intake areas. The exterior of the unit can be wiped with a soft, dry or slightly damp cloth.

Do not use abrasive cleaners or spray water directly onto the unit. Always switch off and unplug the air conditioner before cleaning.

How do I set my air conditioner up on the Meaco app?
  1. Plug the air conditioner into the mains and press the power button. 
  2. The Wi-Fi indicator will flash - if there is no connection after 3 minutes the LED will turn off.  If you need to connect your Wi-Fi later, hold the timer button for 5 seconds and the Wi-Fi  indicator will start flashing again. 
  3. In the Meaco app, press the + button in the top right hand corner and then ‘Add device’. 
  4. The app will search for nearby devices and your air conditioner will appear, click ‘Add’. 
  5. Once the air conditioner is successfully connected to Wi-Fi, the Wi-Fi symbol will stop flashing. 
  6. To disconnect the air conditioner from the Meaco app, hold the timer button for 5 seconds and  the Wi-Fi indicator will turn off. 
How do I add my air conditioner to my Meaco app if I already have another product added?
  1. Plug the air conditioner into the mains and press the power button. 
  2. The Wi-Fi indicator will flash - if there is no connection after 3 minutes the LED will turn off.  If you need to connect your Wi-Fi later, hold the timer button for 5 seconds and the Wi-Fi  indicator will start flashing again. 
  3. In the Meaco app, select the ‘routine’ tab, press the + button and then select ‘Add device’.
  4. The app will search for nearby devices and your air conditioner will appear, click ‘Add’. 
  5. Once the air conditioner is successfully connected to Wi-Fi, the Wi-Fi symbol will stop flashing. 
  6. To disconnect the air conditioner from the Meaco app, hold the timer button for 5 seconds and  the Wi-Fi indicator will turn off. 
How do the controls work on my air conditioner?

Detailed instructions on how to use your air conditioner and the controls are available in the models instruction manual. 

Is there anything I need to do when I first receive my air conditioner?

When you first receive your air conditioner, it is important you follow the steps below carefully: 

  1. Check your air conditioner and its box and packaging for any transport damage. In case of damage, inform the sender immediately. 
  2. Leave the air conditioner to stand for 24 hours before turning it on. This will allow any refrigerant that may have moved during transit to settle. 
  3. When using the air conditioner make sure it is placed on a level surface with at least 50 cm of free space around it to allow for adequate air flow. 
  4. Do not operate the air conditioner near walls, curtains or other objects that may block the air outlet or air inlet. 
  5. Keep the packaging for the air conditioner in a safe place in order to be able to dispatch the air conditioner safely if it requires a service. In order to save space, you can simply cut through the adhesive tape using a knife and fold the cardboard box.
How should I maintain my air conditioner to make sure it's as efficient as possible?

To ensure your air conditioner is always performing at its best, it’s important to regularly clean it. 

  1. Clean the exterior with a soft, dry cloth. If the air conditioner is extremely dirty, use a slightly damp  cloth. Never spray the device with water.
  2. Clean the dust filters a minimum of every 2 weeks with the end of a hoover or soapy water no hotter than 40°C. Rinse and dry completely before inserting back into the air conditioner.

Air Conditioner Instruction Manuals

If you own a Meaco air conditioner, our instruction manuals are a great place to start when it comes to set up, using and caring for your product. 

General Air Conditioner FAQs

What is air conditoning?

Air conditioning is the name given to the removal of heat from the air, leaving the air cooler and more comfortable. You can fit permanent air conditioning systems, or use a portable air conditioner, which is more affordable and cost-effective to run.

How do I know which size air conditioner I need?

We have the recommended room size in m² on each air conditioner product page. This can be used to help determine which model is suitable for your space. If your room has additional heat sources or higher heat gain, it may be worth choosing a larger model. 

Our air conditioner quiz can also help you find which air conditioner unit is best for your space.

If you're still unsure, please contact our customer service team and they will be happy to advise you further.  

How easy is a portable air conditioner to use?

Very easy. A portable air conditioner needs no professional installation. Take it out of the box, plug it in and it’s ready to go.

The one thing you’ll need to do is vent the warm air outside. Every portable air conditioner comes with an exhaust hose (duct) and a window kit. You fit the hose to the back of the unit and run the other end through a slightly open window or door, sealing the gap with the kit. This usually takes about 10 minutes the first time.

After that, you set the temperature, mode and fan speed using the control panel, the remote or, on some models, the Meaco app. Most units also have a timer, so you can cool a bedroom before bed or have a room ready when you get home. Shop our portable air conditioner range here.

Top tips: close internal doors, draw curtains on sunny windows, and switch the unit on before the room gets hot. It’s much easier to keep a room cool than to cool down a room that is already hot.

Which home air conditioner is best?

The best air conditioner is the one that matches your room. The most important figure is the cooling power, measured in BTU (British Thermal Units).

  • Small rooms such as bedrooms and home offices usually suit 7,000–9,000 BTU.
  • Medium rooms such as larger bedrooms and living rooms usually suit 10,000–12,000 BTU.
  • Large or very sunny rooms such as open-plan spaces and conservatories usually need 14,000-16,000 BTU or more.

If a unit is too small, it will run constantly and struggle to keep up. If it’s too big, you’ll pay more than you need to.

Once you know the size you need, think about where and how you’ll use it. For a bedroom, look for a quiet sleep mode. Smart control is useful if you want to switch the unit on before you get home. Some models also heat, which makes them useful all year round.

Not sure which size you need? Take our air conditioner quiz. 

How much does an AC unit cost in the UK?

There are two costs to think about: buying the unit and running it.

Buying: portable air conditioners typically cost from around £250 to £700, depending on cooling power and features. Our MeacoCool range starts from £399. 

Running: a portable air conditioner usually uses between 900 watts and 1300 watts while it’s actively cooling. The price cap electricity unit rate from October 2026 is 26.32p per kWh, so costs start from 26p per hour.

In practice, many people pay less than this. Once the room reaches your chosen temperature, the compressor cycles on and off instead of running at full power. Your actual cost will depend on your tariff, the room and how warm the weather is.

How much does it cost to install an AC?

There are no installation costs for our air conditioning units. They are fully portable, so you just put them in a suitable place in your room and plug them in to get started. 

What is inverter technology?

Our new Cirro units use inverter technology to keep your room comfortable while potentially using less energy. Unlike traditional air conditioners that switch on and off at full power, an inverter unit adjusts its power smoothly to maintain your chosen temperature. Once the room reaches your set temperature, the system reduces its output and continues to run gently in the background.

Why this matters:

  • Uses less energy by maintaining your desired temperature efficiently
  • Provides more consistent comfort with fewer temperature swings
  • Operates more quietly due to smoother compressor performance
  • Reaches your desired temperature faster (when correctly sized for the room)

In simple terms, an inverter air conditioner works a bit like cruise control in a car, instead of constantly speeding up and slowing down, it adjusts smoothly to keep conditions just right.

As with any portable air conditioner, you will always achieve the best performance when the unit is correctly sized for the room. Factors such as room size, sunlight exposure, heat within the property, number of occupants, and general room activity can all influence performance. 

Is it cheaper to use fans or air conditioning?

Fans are much cheaper to run. A good fan costs around 1p per hour, an air conditioner typically costs from 26p per hour.

However, fans and air conditioners do different jobs. A fan moves air around to create a cooling breeze on your skin, but it doesn’t lower the room temperature. An air conditioner actually removes heat and humidity from the room, which is why it feels so much more effective during a heatwave or in a stuffy bedroom.