How Much Electricity Does A Portable Air Conditioner Use?
Many people wonder, “How much electricity does a portable air conditioner use?” The short answer is, it depends. A portable air conditioner usually uses between 500 to 1,500 watts of power. This means its portable AC power consumption can range from moderate to high. The exact amount depends on its cooling power, called BTUs. It also depends on how big your room is and how hot it gets. Knowing its portable air conditioner wattage helps you guess the power it will use. We will look at how many watts does a portable AC use and portable AC electricity cost in this article. We will also see how much portable air conditioner kWh per hour it uses.
Getting How Power Use Works
To know how much power your portable AC uses, you need to know some basic terms. These terms help you read power labels. They also help you guess your bill.
What are Watts, Kilowatts, and kWh?
- Watts (W): This is the unit for power. It tells you how much electricity an appliance uses at one moment. A light bulb might use 60 watts. A toaster might use 1,000 watts. When we talk about how many watts does a portable AC use, we mean its power needs. Most portable ACs list their power in watts.
- Kilowatts (kW): One kilowatt is 1,000 watts. We use kilowatts for larger appliances. Your portable AC’s power use is often easier to talk about in kilowatts. If your AC uses 1,000 watts, it uses 1 kW.
- Kilowatt-hour (kWh): This is how electric companies charge you. It measures how much power you use over time. One kWh means you used 1,000 watts for one hour. Your electric bill shows your cost per kWh. So, portable air conditioner kWh per hour tells you how much electricity it uses each hour.
Let’s say your portable AC uses 1,000 watts. If you run it for one hour, it uses 1 kWh. If you run it for 10 hours, it uses 10 kWh. This is how electric companies figure out your bill.
Reading Your Portable AC’s Labels
Your portable AC has a label. This label shows you important details. It tells you its power needs. Look for the “rated power” or “input power” in watts. This is a good guide for its portable AC power consumption.
You will also see a BTU number. BTU stands for British Thermal Unit. It measures cooling power. A higher BTU number means more cooling power. It also means the unit will use more electricity. A 10,000 BTU unit cools better than an 8,000 BTU unit. But the 10,000 BTU unit will use more BTU portable AC energy usage.
- BTU (British Thermal Unit): This is a measure of heat. For ACs, it tells you how much heat the unit can remove from a room in one hour.
- Small rooms (150-250 sq ft) need 8,000-10,000 BTUs.
- Medium rooms (250-400 sq ft) need 10,000-12,000 BTUs.
- Large rooms (400-550 sq ft) need 12,000-14,000 BTUs.
The higher the BTU, the more power it needs. This is why BTU portable AC energy usage goes up with higher BTUs.
What Affects How Much Power a Portable AC Uses?
Many things change how much electricity your portable AC uses. Knowing these things helps you save money.
BTU Rating (Cooling Power)
As we said, the BTU rating is key. A portable AC with more cooling power (higher BTUs) uses more watts. This means more electricity.
- An 8,000 BTU unit might use 800 watts.
- A 12,000 BTU unit might use 1,200 watts.
- A 14,000 BTU unit might use 1,400 watts.
So, choose the right BTU for your room. Do not get one that is too big. This will waste energy.
How Hot It Is Outside
On very hot days, your AC works harder. It needs more power to cool the air. On milder days, it cycles less. It uses less power. This is simple: the harder it works, the more electricity it uses.
Room Size and Insulation
A portable AC must work hard to cool a large room. It works even harder if the room has poor insulation. Poor insulation means heat leaks in. The AC has to keep running to fight this heat.
* Too small for the room: It runs all the time. It never cools the room enough. It uses a lot of power.
* Too big for the room: It cools the room too fast. It turns off, then on again quickly. This start-stop action can waste energy. It might also leave your room feeling damp.
Proper insulation keeps cool air in. It keeps hot air out. This helps your AC work less. It saves electricity.
Your Temp Setting
The lower you set the temperature, the more power your AC uses. If you set it to 68°F (20°C), it works much harder than at 75°F (24°C). Each degree lower means more work. Try to set your AC to a comfortable, but not too cold, temperature. Most people find 75°F to 78°F (24°C to 26°C) comfortable.
How Often You Use It
This is clear. If you run your portable AC for 10 hours a day, it uses more electricity than if you run it for 5 hours. The longer it runs, the higher your portable AC electricity cost will be.
AC Model and Age
Older portable ACs are often less efficient. They use more power to do the same job. Newer models often have better technology. They are designed to use less electricity. An energy efficient portable air conditioner will save you money over time. Look for energy ratings when you buy.
Extra Features
Some portable ACs have extra features. These include Wi-Fi, smart controls, or special modes. These features usually use very little extra power. But they can add a tiny bit to your average portable AC power draw. The main power use comes from the compressor and fan.
Average Portable AC Power Draw
Let’s look at some typical numbers. This helps you get a real idea of portable air conditioner wattage. We will also see the average portable AC power draw.
Most portable AC units range from 8,000 to 14,000 BTUs. Here’s a general idea of how many watts they use:
| BTU Rating (Cooling Power) | Average Wattage (W) | Kilowatts (kW) |
|---|---|---|
| 8,000 BTU | 800-950 W | 0.8-0.95 kW |
| 10,000 BTU | 950-1,100 W | 0.95-1.1 kW |
| 12,000 BTU | 1,100-1,300 W | 1.1-1.3 kW |
| 14,000 BTU | 1,300-1,500 W | 1.3-1.5 kW |
This table shows how many watts does a portable AC use based on its BTU rating. For example, a 10,000 BTU unit typically uses around 1,000 watts. This means it uses 1 kW. So, its portable air conditioner kWh per hour would be 1 kWh.
Let’s see some daily electricity use examples:
Table: Portable AC Wattage and Daily kWh Use Example
| BTU Rating | Average Wattage (W) | KWh Used Per Hour | Hours Used Per Day | Daily KWh Use |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 8,000 BTU | 900 W | 0.9 kWh | 8 hours | 7.2 kWh |
| 10,000 BTU | 1,000 W | 1.0 kWh | 8 hours | 8.0 kWh |
| 12,000 BTU | 1,200 W | 1.2 kWh | 8 hours | 9.6 kWh |
| 14,000 BTU | 1,400 W | 1.4 kWh | 8 hours | 11.2 kWh |
This table helps you see the average portable AC power draw for different sizes over an 8-hour period.
Figuring Out Your Portable AC Electricity Cost
Now let’s turn the electricity use into money. This helps you figure out your portable air conditioner running costs.
The Simple Math
To find your cost, you need three things:
1. The wattage of your AC unit.
2. How many hours you use it.
3. The cost of electricity per kWh in your area. This is on your electric bill. It might be $0.15 per kWh, for example.
Here is the formula:
(Watts of AC × Hours Used) ÷ 1,000 × Cost per kWh = Total Cost
Remember, you divide by 1,000 to change watts to kilowatts.
Example Calculations
Let’s use an example. We will say your electricity costs $0.15 per kWh.
Example 1: A Small Portable AC
- AC: 8,000 BTU unit
- Wattage: 900 watts (0.9 kW)
- Usage: 8 hours a day
Calculation:
* Electricity used per day: 0.9 kW × 8 hours = 7.2 kWh
* Daily cost: 7.2 kWh × $0.15/kWh = $1.08
If you run it for 30 days in a month:
* Monthly cost: $1.08/day × 30 days = $32.40
Example 2: A Medium Portable AC
- AC: 12,000 BTU unit
- Wattage: 1,200 watts (1.2 kW)
- Usage: 10 hours a day
Calculation:
* Electricity used per day: 1.2 kW × 10 hours = 12 kWh
* Daily cost: 12 kWh × $0.15/kWh = $1.80
If you run it for 30 days in a month:
* Monthly cost: $1.80/day × 30 days = $54.00
Example 3: A Large Portable AC in a Hot Climate
- AC: 14,000 BTU unit
- Wattage: 1,400 watts (1.4 kW)
- Usage: 12 hours a day (very hot summer)
- Electricity Cost: $0.20/kWh (higher rate)
Calculation:
* Electricity used per day: 1.4 kW × 12 hours = 16.8 kWh
* Daily cost: 16.8 kWh × $0.20/kWh = $3.36
If you run it for 30 days in a month:
* Monthly cost: $3.36/day × 30 days = $100.80
These examples show how your portable AC electricity cost can change. The cost depends on the unit size, how much you use it, and your local electricity rates. These are your portable air conditioner running costs.
Portable AC vs. Window Unit Electricity Use
Many people choose between a portable AC and a window unit. It is good to know how their electricity use compares. Generally, portable AC vs window unit electricity shows that window units are more energy-efficient.
Here’s why:
- Design: A window unit sits mostly outside the room. The parts that make heat (like the compressor) are outside. They vent heat directly out. A portable AC is inside the room. It makes heat when it works. It has to push this heat out through a hose. This hose can get hot itself. This heat can warm the room slightly. This makes the AC work harder.
- Sealing: Window units fit snugly in a window frame. This seals the room well. Portable ACs need a vent kit for their hose. This kit often does not seal as well. Gaps can let hot air back into the room. This makes the AC work harder and use more power.
- BTU Efficiency: For the same BTU rating, a window unit often uses less electricity. It can cool a space better for its power use. This means its BTU portable AC energy usage is lower per BTU.
Let’s compare the portable air conditioner wattage for common sizes:
Table: Portable AC vs. Window AC Power Use Comparison
| Unit Type | BTU Rating | Average Wattage (W) | KWh Used Per Hour |
|---|---|---|---|
| Portable | 8,000 BTU | 900 W | 0.9 kWh |
| Window | 8,000 BTU | 700 W | 0.7 kWh |
| Portable | 12,000 BTU | 1,200 W | 1.2 kWh |
| Window | 12,000 BTU | 1,000 W | 1.0 kWh |
As you can see, a window unit typically uses 100-200 watts less per hour for the same cooling power. This difference adds up. Over a summer, the portable AC vs window unit electricity cost can be quite large. Window units usually have lower portable air conditioner running costs for the same cooling.
Making Your Portable AC Use Less Power
You can take steps to lower your portable AC electricity cost. Being smart about how you use your unit can save you money. It also helps the AC cool better.
Pick the Right Size
Do not get an AC that is too big or too small.
* Too small: It runs all the time but never cools well. This wastes power.
* Too big: It cools too fast. It turns off, then on again quickly. This can leave the air damp. It also uses more power starting and stopping.
Measure your room. Then check the BTU chart from earlier. Match the BTU to your room size. This is key for good energy efficient portable air conditioner use.
Seal It Up
Portable ACs need to vent hot air outside. They do this with a hose through a window or wall.
* Seal the window kit: Make sure the window kit fits tightly. No gaps should let hot air in. Use foam strips or tape if needed.
* Close doors and windows: Keep the room closed when the AC is running. Do not cool rooms you are not using.
* Block drafts: Check for gaps around doors and windows. Use weather stripping or door snakes.
Stopping hot air from coming in helps your AC work less. This means lower portable AC power consumption.
Set the Right Temp
Do not set the temperature too low. Most people are comfortable at 75°F to 78°F (24°C to 26°C). Each degree lower makes the AC work harder. This uses more electricity. Try to raise the temperature a few degrees. You might not even notice the change. Your bill will.
Use a Timer
Many portable ACs have a timer. Use it.
* Set the AC to turn on before you get home.
* Set it to turn off after you go to bed.
* Do not let it run all day if you are not home.
This saves hours of needless portable AC electricity cost.
Keep It Clean
Dirt and dust can make your AC work harder.
* Clean the air filter: Check it every two weeks. Clean it often. A dirty filter blocks air flow. This makes the AC use more power. It also cools less well.
* Clean coils: Once a year, clean the coils if you can. Look at your manual for how. This keeps the unit running well.
A clean AC is an energy efficient portable air conditioner.
Give It Help
Other things can help your AC do its job.
* Use fans: A ceiling fan or box fan can help spread cool air around. This makes the room feel cooler. You can then set your AC a bit higher. This saves energy.
* Close blinds and curtains: Block sunlight during the hottest part of the day. This stops heat from coming through windows. Your AC will not have to fight as much heat.
Insulate Your Room
Good insulation keeps heat out. It keeps cool air in.
* Seal cracks: Find and seal any cracks in walls or around outlets.
* Add insulation: If possible, add more insulation to walls or the attic. This is a bigger job. But it can save a lot of energy over time.
Get an Energy-Efficient Model
When buying a new portable AC, look for its energy efficiency rating.
* EER (Energy Efficiency Ratio): A higher EER means the unit is more efficient. It means more cooling per watt.
* SEER (Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio): This is for central ACs but some portable units may list a similar seasonal rating.
* Energy Star: Look for the Energy Star label. This means the unit meets strict energy-saving rules. An energy efficient portable air conditioner with a high EER will save you money. It will have lower portable air conditioner running costs.
The Cost Over Time: Portable Air Conditioner Running Costs
The daily costs of running a portable AC might seem small. But they add up fast over a long, hot summer. If you run a 10,000 BTU unit for 8 hours a day at $0.15/kWh, it costs about $1.20 per day. Over 90 days of summer, that’s $108.00. This is just for one unit.
If you have higher electricity rates or run your unit more often, your portable AC electricity cost goes up. Being aware of your portable AC power consumption and taking steps to lower it can save you hundreds of dollars each summer. Small changes in how you use your AC can make a big difference in your portable air conditioner running costs.
Frequently Asked Questions About Portable AC Power
Can a portable AC run on a generator?
Yes, most portable ACs can run on a generator. But you need to check the AC’s wattage. Make sure your generator can supply enough power. A 12,000 BTU AC might need 1,200 watts. Your generator needs to give at least that much power. It also needs extra starting power. Check your AC’s label for its exact wattage. Check your generator’s manual for its power output.
Do portable ACs use a lot of electricity?
They use a fair amount. Compared to a fan, yes, they use a lot more. Compared to a central air conditioner for a whole house, they use less. But a portable AC cools only one room. So, for the area it cools, its portable AC power consumption can be high. This is especially true if it is not the right size or not used well.
Is it okay to run a portable AC all night?
Yes, it is usually okay to run a portable AC all night. Many people do this for comfort. But remember, running it longer means more portable AC electricity cost. Use a timer if you can. Set it to turn off after a few hours once you are asleep. This saves power.
What is a good EER for a portable AC?
EER stands for Energy Efficiency Ratio. A higher EER number means the AC uses less electricity to cool. For portable ACs, an EER of 9 or higher is good. An EER of 10 or 11 is excellent. Look for models with an EER of 9.0 or more if you want an energy efficient portable air conditioner.
Can a portable AC trip a breaker?
Yes, it can. Portable ACs use a lot of power when they start. This is called “surge” or “start-up” wattage. It is higher than their running wattage. If you plug a large portable AC into an electrical circuit that already has many other devices, it can trip the breaker. Most household circuits are 15 amps. A 12,000 BTU AC might draw around 10-12 amps when running. It can draw much more when it starts. If your breaker trips, move some other items to a different circuit. Or try a smaller AC unit.
My name is Carlos Gadd, and I am the creator of AirPurityGuide.com.. With a passion for footwear, I share my experiences, insights, and expertise about shoes. Through my blog, I aim to guide readers in making informed decisions, finding the perfect pair, and enhancing their footwear knowledge. Join me on this journey to explore everything about shoes!