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How Much Electricity Does A Portable Air Conditioner Use Cost
How much electricity does a portable air conditioner use? What does it cost? A portable AC uses electricity. We measure this use in watts (W) or kilowatts (kW). The total electricity used over time is measured in kilowatt hours (kWh). This portable air conditioner energy consumption directly affects your electricity bill. The electricity cost of portable air conditioner depends on its portable AC wattage, how long you run it, and your local electricity rate per kWh.
Deciphering Power Use
What does it mean when we talk about a portable AC using power? We often look at watts. Watts tell us how much electricity a device uses at one moment. Think of it like how fast water flows from a tap. More watts mean more electricity is flowing.
Portable ACs have a power rating. This rating is usually shown in watts. A bigger, more powerful AC needs more watts. A smaller one needs fewer watts.
Kilowatts (kW) are just a bigger way to measure watts. One kilowatt is 1000 watts. So, a 1000-watt AC is a 1-kilowatt AC. Knowing the wattage helps you figure out the portable AC power draw. This is the amount of power it pulls from the wall when it’s running.
Fathoming Electricity Use Over Time
Electricity companies charge you for the total amount of electricity you use. They don’t charge you for watts alone. They charge you for kilowatt hours (kWh). A kilowatt hour is the amount of electricity used by a 1-kilowatt device running for one hour.
Think about our water tap example again. Watts are like how fast the water flows. Kilowatt hours are like the total amount of water you collect in a bucket after running the tap for a set time.
Using more watts means you use electricity faster. Running the device for longer means you use more electricity in total. Both make the kWh number go up. Your power bill is based on this kWh number. So, keeping track of portable AC kilowatt hours (kWh) is key to knowing your cost.
Calculating the Running Cost
Finding out how much it costs to run your portable AC is simple math. You need two main things:
- How many portable AC kilowatt hours (kWh) it uses.
- The price your electricity company charges for each kWh.
You can find your electricity rate on your power bill. It’s usually shown as cents per kWh or dollars per kWh. Let’s say your rate is 15 cents per kWh ($0.15/kWh).
To find the kWh used by your AC, you need its wattage and how many hours you run it.
Here is the simple way to figure it out:
- Find the AC’s wattage (let’s use 1000 watts as an example).
- Change watts to kilowatts: Divide watts by 1000. (1000 watts / 1000 = 1 kW).
- Multiply kilowatts by the hours you run it. (1 kW * 8 hours = 8 kWh).
- Now, find the cost: Multiply kWh used by your rate per kWh. (8 kWh * $0.15 per kWh = $1.20).
So, running a 1000-watt portable AC for 8 hours could cost you about $1.20 at that rate. This helps you see the running cost portable air conditioner.
We can write this as a formula:
Cost = (Watts * Hours Used) / 1000 * Cost per kWh
Let’s try another example. Imagine you have a smaller portable AC. It uses 800 watts. You run it for 10 hours a day. Your electricity rate is 12 cents per kWh ($0.12/kWh).
- Watts: 800 W
- Hours: 10 hours
- Rate: $0.12/kWh
Cost = (800 W * 10 hours) / 1000 * $0.12/kWh
Cost = 8000 / 1000 * $0.12
Cost = 8 kWh * $0.12
Cost = $0.96
Running that 800-watt AC for 10 hours costs about 96 cents. This shows the electricity cost of portable air conditioner can change a lot based on its size and how long it runs.
What Changes How Much Power Your AC Uses?
Many things affect the portable air conditioner energy consumption. It’s not just one number. Knowing these things helps you guess your cost better.
How Powerful is Your AC? (BTUs)
Portable ACs are rated by BTUs. BTU stands for British Thermal Unit. It is a way to measure how much heat an AC can remove from a room. A higher BTU number means the AC can cool a larger space.
- A small room might need a 6,000 BTU AC.
- A medium room might need a 10,000 BTU AC.
- A large room might need a 14,000 BTU AC.
More BTUs mean the AC is more powerful at cooling. But this power comes from using more electricity. The BTU portable AC energy usage is directly linked to its wattage. Generally, more BTUs need more watts.
- A 6,000-8,000 BTU portable AC might use 700-1000 watts.
- A 10,000-12,000 BTU portable AC might use 1000-1300 watts.
- A 14,000 BTU portable AC might use 1200-1500 watts or more.
So, a bigger AC with more BTUs will likely have higher portable AC wattage and use more power per hour.
How Well Does It Use Energy? (EER)
Air conditioners have an Energy Efficiency Ratio (EER). This number tells you how well the AC uses electricity to cool. It is the cooling output (BTUs) divided by the power input (watts).
EER = BTUs / Watts
A higher EER means the AC is more efficient. It can cool more for the same amount of electricity, or cool the same amount using less electricity. When you see energy efficiency portable AC (EER), look for a higher number.
- An AC with EER 9.0 is more efficient than one with EER 8.0.
Finding an AC with a good EER can lower your portable air conditioner energy consumption over time. Even a small difference in EER can save you money on the running cost portable air conditioner, especially if you use it often.
Most portable ACs have EER ratings between 8.0 and 10.0. Some newer or special models might be a bit higher. Window ACs often have higher EERs than portable ones (we will talk more about this later).
Room Size and Setup
The size of the room matters a lot. If your AC is too small for the room, it has to run all the time. It might not even cool the room enough. Running constantly uses a lot of electricity. This raises the portable AC kilowatt hours (kWh) used and your cost.
If the AC is too big, it might cool the room too fast. Then it turns off. It cycles on and off a lot. While it uses more power when it’s on, turning off saves some energy. But an oversized unit doesn’t always remove humidity well. It’s best to get an AC that is the right size for your room.
Also, how well your room holds cool air is important.
* Drafty windows or doors let warm air in.
* Poor insulation lets heat through walls and ceilings.
* Sunshine through windows heats the room.
All these things make the AC work harder. Working harder means using more electricity. This increases portable air conditioner energy consumption. Sealing drafts, using curtains, and making sure the exhaust hose is properly vented help the AC cool better and use less power.
How Hot It Is Outside
The hotter it is outside, the harder your AC has to work. The difference between the inside temperature you want and the outside temperature is key. A bigger difference means more work for the AC.
Imagine you want to cool your room to 70°F.
* If it’s 80°F outside, the AC works to cool down 10 degrees.
* If it’s 95°F outside, the AC works to cool down 25 degrees.
That 95°F day makes the AC use more power per hour than the 80°F day. This increases the portable AC power draw and overall portable air conditioner energy consumption.
How Long You Run It
This one is simple but important. The longer your AC runs, the more electricity it uses. Running a 1000-watt AC for 4 hours uses less power than running it for 8 hours.
- 4 hours at 1000W = 4 kWh
- 8 hours at 1000W = 8 kWh
If you only need the AC for a few hours to cool down before bed, your cost will be much lower than running it all day. Using a timer can help you limit running time. This directly impacts your portable AC kilowatt hours (kWh) and your bill.
Typical Power Numbers
Let’s look at some real numbers for portable AC wattage and portable AC power draw. Keep in mind these are averages. The exact number for your unit is on its label or in the manual.
Here is a table showing typical wattage ranges for different size portable ACs:
| BTU Range | Typical Cooling Wattage | Typical Power Draw Range |
|---|---|---|
| 6,000 – 8,000 | 700 – 1000 W | 700 – 1000 W |
| 10,000 – 12,000 | 1000 – 1300 W | 1000 – 1300 W |
| 14,000 – 15,000 | 1200 – 1500+ W | 1200 – 1800 W |
Note: Some portable ACs also have a ‘fan only’ mode or ‘dehumidify’ mode which uses much less power than cooling mode.
So, the average portable AC electricity usage when cooling is often somewhere between 800 and 1500 watts. This tells you how much power it pulls from the wall when the compressor is running.
Seeing How Much It Runs (kWh Examples)
Let’s take a 12,000 BTU portable AC as an example. It might have a portable AC wattage of around 1200 watts. We can use this to see the portable AC kilowatt hours (kWh) used for different times. Let’s use an electricity rate of $0.14 per kWh.
Remember: kWh = (Watts * Hours) / 1000
Example 1: Running for 4 Hours
- Watts: 1200 W
- Hours: 4 hours
- kWh = (1200 * 4) / 1000 = 4800 / 1000 = 4.8 kWh
- Cost = 4.8 kWh * $0.14/kWh = $0.672 (about 67 cents)
Running this AC for 4 hours costs less than a dollar.
Example 2: Running for 8 Hours (Overnight)
- Watts: 1200 W
- Hours: 8 hours
- kWh = (1200 * 8) / 1000 = 9600 / 1000 = 9.6 kWh
- Cost = 9.6 kWh * $0.14/kWh = $1.344 (about $1.34)
Running it overnight costs more, as expected.
Example 3: Running for 24 Hours (All Day and Night)
- Watts: 1200 W
- Hours: 24 hours
- kWh = (1200 * 24) / 1000 = 28800 / 1000 = 28.8 kWh
- Cost = 28.8 kWh * $0.14/kWh = $4.032 (about $4.03)
Running the AC all day and night adds up.
Daily and Monthly Cost Estimates
Now let’s look at daily and monthly costs for this 1200W unit at $0.14/kWh.
- Running 4 hours/day: Daily cost ~ $0.67. Monthly cost (30 days) = $0.67 * 30 = $20.10.
- Running 8 hours/day: Daily cost ~ $1.34. Monthly cost (30 days) = $1.34 * 30 = $40.20.
- Running 24 hours/day: Daily cost ~ $4.03. Monthly cost (30 days) = $4.03 * 30 = $120.90.
These numbers show that how much you use it is a huge factor in the running cost portable air conditioner. The electricity cost of portable air conditioner can be quite high if used constantly, especially in warmer climates.
Here’s a table to summarize the example costs for a 1200W AC at $0.14/kWh:
| Hours Run Per Day | Daily kWh Used | Daily Cost (@$0.14/kWh) | Monthly Cost (30 days) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4 | 4.8 kWh | ~$0.67 | ~$20.10 |
| 8 | 9.6 kWh | ~$1.34 | ~$40.20 |
| 12 | 14.4 kWh | ~$2.02 | ~$60.60 |
| 16 | 19.2 kWh | ~$2.69 | ~$80.70 |
| 24 | 28.8 kWh | ~$4.03 | ~$120.90 |
Keep in mind these are just examples. Your actual cost will depend on your AC’s specific portable AC wattage and your local electricity rate. Rates can be much higher than $0.14/kWh in some places. If your rate is $0.20/kWh, that 8-hour run costs $1.92 instead of $1.34.
Also, ACs don’t always run at their max wattage non-stop. The compressor turns on and off to keep the temperature steady. The numbers above show the maximum cost if the AC runs constantly. The actual average portable AC electricity usage might be lower if the room cools down quickly and the AC cycles off often. However, portable ACs often run for longer periods due to how they work (see next section).
Portable vs. Window AC Power Use
Many people wonder about the difference in energy use between portable ACs and window ACs. When comparing portable AC vs window AC energy usage, window units are generally more energy efficient for the same amount of cooling power.
Why is this? It comes down to how they are built and how they handle the hot air.
- Window ACs: These sit in the window. The front part cools the inside air. The back part, which gets hot, hangs outside the window. The heat it removes from the room is released directly outside. The AC uses outside air to cool its parts (like the condenser).
- Portable ACs: These sit inside the room. They pull in warm room air, cool it, and blow it back into the room. But they also need to cool their own parts and get rid of the heat they remove from the room. They send this hot air out through an exhaust hose, usually put in a window.
Here’s the key difference: Portable ACs use inside room air to cool their hot parts and push the hot air out through the hose. When they push air out, they create negative pressure in the room. This means air is being removed from the room. Where does the replacement air come from? It gets pulled in from anywhere it can – under doors, through small gaps around windows, and even through the exhaust hose setup if it is not perfectly sealed.
This incoming air is often warm outside air or warm air from other parts of your home. The AC then has to cool this new warm air too. This makes the portable AC work harder and longer than a window unit to cool the same space. This extra work means higher portable air conditioner energy consumption.
Because of this, portable ACs often have a lower EER rating than window ACs of the same BTU size. A 10,000 BTU window AC might have an EER of 10.5 or higher, while a 10,000 BTU portable AC might have an EER closer to 8.5 or 9.0.
This lower energy efficiency portable AC (EER) means the portable unit uses more watts (has a higher portable AC wattage) to provide the same cooling power as a more efficient window unit. Over time, this leads to higher portable AC kilowatt hours (kWh) used and a higher running cost portable air conditioner.
So, while portable ACs offer flexibility because you can move them, they generally use more electricity than window units for the same cooling job.
Ways to Use Less Electricity
Even though portable ACs can use a good amount of power, there are things you can do to lower your portable air conditioner energy consumption and save money on your bill.
- Seal Leaks: Make sure windows and doors are closed tightly. Use weather stripping or caulk to seal any small gaps that let warm outside air in. This stops the AC from having to cool air that just came in.
- Properly Vent the Exhaust Hose: This is critical for portable ACs. Make sure the hose is connected well to the unit and the window kit. Seal any gaps around the window kit using foam or tape. A poor seal lets hot air from the hose or warm outside air back into the room.
- Insulate the Exhaust Hose: The hose itself gets very hot as it carries hot air out. This heat radiates back into the room. You can buy or make an insulated cover for the hose to reduce this heat gain. This helps the AC cool more effectively.
- Use Curtains or Blinds: Keep direct sunlight out of the room during the hottest parts of the day. Sunlight brings a lot of heat into a room through windows.
- Use a Fan: A ceiling fan or portable fan helps spread the cool air around the room. It makes you feel cooler, even if the air temperature is a bit higher. You might be able to set the AC temperature a little higher and still be comfortable, saving energy.
- Set a Higher Temperature: Every degree you lower the thermostat makes the AC work harder. Try setting the temperature a few degrees higher if you can. Even going from 72°F to 75°F can save a good amount of energy.
- Use a Timer: Only run the AC when you are in the room and need it. Use the built-in timer if your AC has one. Cooling an empty room wastes electricity.
- Clean the Filter: The air filter on your portable AC can get dusty. A dirty filter blocks airflow. This makes the AC work harder to pull in air, using more energy and cooling less well. Clean or replace the filter often, as your manual suggests.
- Buy the Right Size: As we talked about, an AC that is too small or too big for the room is less efficient. Check the BTU ratings and choose one right for your room size.
- Look for a Good EER: If buying a new unit, compare the EER ratings. A unit with a higher energy efficiency portable AC (EER) will cost less to run over its lifetime, even if it costs a little more to buy.
- Reduce Heat Sources: Turn off lights, computers, or other electronics when not using them. These things give off heat and make the room warmer, forcing the AC to work harder.
By doing these things, you can lower the portable AC power draw needed to keep your room cool and reduce your electricity cost of portable air conditioner.
Putting It All Together: A Cost Walkthrough
Let’s walk through figuring out the potential cost for a specific scenario.
Imagine you want to cool your bedroom at night. The room is medium-sized. You look at portable ACs and pick one that is 10,000 BTUs. You find its energy label or manual. It says the cooling portable AC wattage is 1100 watts. You plan to run it for about 9 hours each night while you sleep. Your electricity rate is $0.16 per kWh.
Let’s find the running cost portable air conditioner for one night and for a month.
Step 1: Find the wattage.
The AC uses 1100 watts when cooling.
Step 2: Decide how many hours you will use it.
You plan to use it for 9 hours each night.
Step 3: Find your electricity rate.
Your rate is $0.16 per kWh.
Step 4: Calculate kWh used per night.
Formula: kWh = (Watts * Hours) / 1000
kWh = (1100 watts * 9 hours) / 1000
kWh = 9900 / 1000
kWh = 9.9 kWh
This is the portable AC kilowatt hours (kWh) used in one night.
Step 5: Calculate the cost per night.
Formula: Cost = kWh * Rate per kWh
Cost per night = 9.9 kWh * $0.16/kWh
Cost per night = $1.584 (about $1.58)
So, it could cost about $1.58 to run this AC for 9 hours.
Step 6: Calculate the monthly cost.
Let’s say you run it for 30 nights in a month.
Monthly cost = Cost per night * Number of nights
Monthly cost = $1.584 * 30
Monthly cost = $47.52
So, the electricity cost of portable air conditioner for one month could be around $47.52 based on these numbers.
This walkthrough shows how to use the information you have about the AC’s portable AC wattage and your usage habits to estimate the portable air conditioner energy consumption and resulting bill.
Remember, this is an estimate. The actual average portable AC electricity usage might be a little lower if the AC cycles off sometimes. But it’s a good way to get an idea of the potential cost.
Frequently Asked Questions
h4: Is a portable AC very expensive to run?
It can be, yes. Portable ACs generally use more electricity than window ACs to cool the same space. The cost depends on the AC’s power (wattage), how efficient it is (EER), how long you run it, and your electricity rate. Using it for many hours a day, especially a large unit, can add noticeably to your electricity bill. But using it smartly and making your room more energy efficient can help lower the cost.
h4: Do smaller portable ACs use less power?
Yes, usually. Portable ACs with lower BTU ratings (like 6,000 or 8,000 BTU) are made for smaller rooms. They have lower portable AC wattage ratings than larger units (like 12,000 or 14,000 BTU). So, they use less power per hour. However, they also cool less area. You need to match the AC size to the room size for the best efficiency. Using a small AC in a large room means it will run constantly and might not cool the room well, wasting energy.
h4: Does the exhaust hose matter for energy use?
Yes, a lot. The exhaust hose sends hot air out of the room. If the hose is not connected well, or if the seal in the window is not good, hot air can leak back in. Also, the hose itself gets hot. This heat can warm the room air back up. Both issues make the AC work much harder. This means higher portable air conditioner energy consumption and cost. Making sure the hose is sealed well and maybe even insulating it can save energy.
h4: How do I find my electricity rate per kWh?
Your electricity rate is usually printed on your monthly electricity bill. Look for a section showing your usage in kWh and the cost per kWh. If you can’t find it there, check your electricity company’s website or call their customer service. Rates can change based on the time of year, time of day, or how much power you use, so the average rate over a month is often the best number to use for estimates.
h4: How does EER affect cost?
EER stands for Energy Efficiency Ratio. A higher EER number means the AC uses electricity more wisely to cool. For two ACs with the same cooling power (BTUs), the one with the higher EER will have lower portable AC wattage and will use fewer portable AC kilowatt hours (kWh) over time. This saves you money on the electricity cost of portable air conditioner. When comparing units, look for the EER.
In Summary
Portable air conditioners offer a easy way to cool a room. But it’s wise to know about their power use. The portable air conditioner energy consumption depends on the unit’s portable AC wattage or portable AC power draw, its energy efficiency portable AC (EER), its BTU size, how hot it is, and how long you run it.
You can figure out the electricity cost of portable air conditioner by finding out its wattage, how many hours you use it, and your power rate per portable AC kilowatt hours (kWh).
While portable ACs might use more energy than window units (portable AC vs window AC energy usage), using tips like sealing leaks, proper venting, and setting a smart temperature can help keep the running cost portable air conditioner lower. Knowing the average portable AC electricity usage and the factors that change it puts you in control of your comfort and your energy bill.