Are Portable Air Conditioners Expensive To Run?

You must have had days during the sweltering summers of July, counting down the minutes until you could go back to your home to your air-conditioned room.

This life-saving machine that offers you respite however doesn’t only cool down the hot air for you. It also manages to cleanse and dehumidify your surroundings. While they come in many models, a portable air conditioner is often the best fit for most as it doesn’t need to be mounted on a wall. Additionally, they can also save money on your energy bills if used smartly!

But to get an exact picture of how expensive or affordable portable air conditioners are, let’s walk through the article.

Key Takeaways

• Portable air conditioners can be relatively expensive to run, with an average monthly electricity cost of around £53 when used for about four hours a day during the summer. Their energy consumption is relatively high compared to window air conditioners due to the need for more BTUs and the heat generated during the cooling process.
• Using a portable air conditioner, you can employ several strategies to minimise costs. These include using the unit for supplemental cooling in specific rooms rather than running a central cooling system, taking advantage of the portability of the unit to move it where needed, and ensuring your house is well-insulated to maximize cooling efficiency.
• Despite the potential costs, with proper strategies and a higher BTU-rated unit used judiciously, you can enjoy the benefits of a portable air conditioner without incurring excessively high running expenses.

Cost to Run a Portable Air Conditioner

Portable air conditioners are always in high demand during peak summer, which is also when your energy bills rise considerably so.

They use about 2.7 kilowatts of energy and costs 44p to run every single hour. In simpler terms, the running costs of a portable air conditioner are equivalent to when you run a washing machine constantly for 24 hours!

So, let’s assume you are running the air conditioner for about four hours for a week straight. So, the rough idea is that it will add up to an average of £53 on your monthly electricity bill.

Quite a bit, isn’t it?

This is because it takes more BTU (British thermal unit) to cool the room instead of window air conditioners. Since it generates heat during the cooling process, it has to deal with more heat than general, thus elongating the running time.

The costs are bound to be a bit more in this case.

Now, you must be wondering- if the portable air conditioning units use so much electricity, why would one bother owning it? How can it save money on energy bills?

Well, we have got some helpful strategies for you! Adopt these while using a portable air conditioning unit, and you can enjoy the cool air guilt-free!

Strategies to Maximise Cooling and Minimise Costs

If you are keen to make the best of your portable aid conditioning units without burning a hole in your pocket, you can do so! Here are 3 strategies how:

The Strategy of Supplemental Cooling

Wondering whether getting a central cooling system might be more cost-effective and energy-efficient?

Your answer is no!

For example, you have five rooms in your house, ask yourself how often is it that all five of those rooms are occupied and require air conditioning?

Most likely on rare occasions.

Now imagine the money it would require to run a central cooling system.

So a better idea is to set your thermostat at a moderate, comfortable temperature to maintain a cool atmosphere inside the house. And use a portable air conditioning unit to cool down one room at a time, choosing the rooms that you most often use.

This strategy is called the supplemental cooling strategy.

You can use the same strategy even in winters. All you have to do is swap out the portable air conditioning unit for a heater. Alternatively, you can get a portable AC unit that can double up as a heater too!

The Strategy of Portable Cooling Mode

The strength of a portable air conditioner lies in its name. It is perhaps the only type of air conditioner that has the option to move around as per your liking. It needs no permanent installation. That’s its most significant advantage of portable.

Additionally, most models come with castors which makes it effortless for you to roll around the unit to whichever room you like.

If the unit requires a window vent, it might be troublesome. You would have to undo and redo the window vent every time you move. The solution for that is to get an extra venting kit. Install them in the rooms you use frequently, and you will be good to go!

Instead of installing window air conditioning units in every room, you can roll the portable unit around. With the extra venting kit and the castors in place, you will not need to worry anymore. This helps save expenses since you only need one portable air conditioner.

Sure, this is an obvious strategy, but most households fail to realize this benefit.

The Strategy of Proper Insulation

Most people seem to forget that the air-con unit will only be most effective if your house is adequately insulated. Why?

When a house is well insulated, it can maintain a cool soothing atmosphere for a more extended period. This helps to decrease the air conditioning cost since it doesn’t require a long run.

When the house is not correctly insulated, the chances are that the heat from the outside will also impact the temperature inside the house. So, insulation is the key!

When using a portable air conditioning unit, ensure that the room is appropriately closed from all sides. If there is any crack in the windows or doors, outside air can seep in, thus turning the cooling process longer and ineffective.

Case Study: Evaluating the Cost and Efficiency of Portable Air Conditioners

Background

At Heat Pump Source, we frequently receive inquiries from customers concerned about the running costs of portable air conditioners. One such client, a homeowner in a mid-sized flat, was seeking an efficient yet affordable cooling solution for the summer months. The client was particularly interested in whether portable air conditioners were a cost-effective option compared to installing a central cooling system.

Project Overview

The primary objective was to assess the cost-effectiveness of portable air conditioners, focusing on their operational costs and overall efficiency. The client also wanted to explore ways to maximise cooling effectiveness while minimising energy expenses.

Implementation

1. Needs Assessment: We discussed the client’s specific cooling needs, including the size of the rooms, usage patterns, and budget considerations.
2. Unit Selection: Based on the room sizes, we recommended a portable air conditioner with a suitable BTU rating to ensure adequate cooling capacity without excessive energy consumption.
3. Insulation Check: The client was advised to ensure that all rooms were well-insulated to prevent cool air from escaping and warm air from entering, which would otherwise increase energy usage.
4. Usage Strategy: We proposed the use of the portable air conditioner in a supplemental cooling mode, focusing on cooling only the most frequently used rooms. We also suggested utilising the unit’s timer function to control operation times effectively.
5. Cost Monitoring: The client was guided on how to monitor electricity usage to track the costs associated with running the portable air conditioner.

Results

• Cost Management: The client observed an increase in electricity bills, averaging an additional £53 per month during peak usage in the summer. However, this was considered manageable compared to the potential costs of running a central system.
• Effective Cooling: The portable air conditioner effectively maintained comfortable temperatures in the designated areas, providing relief during the hottest parts of the day.
• Flexibility and Convenience: The client appreciated the unit’s portability, which allowed them to cool different rooms as needed, enhancing comfort without the need for multiple units.
• Energy Efficiency: By employing the supplemental cooling strategy and ensuring proper insulation, the client was able to manage the energy consumption of the portable unit more effectively.

Summary

Portable air conditioners, while potentially more costly to run than other types of cooling systems, offer significant benefits in terms of flexibility and ease of installation. For those in smaller spaces or without the option of permanent installations, these units provide a practical solution for maintaining a comfortable indoor environment. By choosing the right unit and employing strategic usage and insulation practices, homeowners can enjoy the advantages of portable air conditioning without incurring excessive costs. At Heat Pump Source, we continue to provide expert guidance to help our clients make informed decisions about their HVAC needs.

Expert Insights About Portable Air Conditioners

Portable air conditioners are a versatile option for cooling specific areas without the need for permanent installation. While they may have higher running costs compared to window units, their mobility and ease of setup make them an ideal choice for those looking to cool different rooms as needed.

HVAC Specialist

To optimise the efficiency of portable air conditioners, it’s crucial to select a unit with the appropriate BTU rating for the space. Additionally, ensuring your home is well-insulated can significantly reduce the unit’s workload and energy consumption.

Energy Efficiency Consultant

While portable air conditioners might not be the most energy-efficient option, their convenience and lower upfront costs can outweigh the higher running expenses for many users. By using them strategically and maintaining proper insulation, you can manage energy costs effectively.

Senior HVAC Advisor

Heat Pump Source: Reliable Heating and Cooling Solutions

At Heat Pump Source, we take pride in our unwavering commitment to serving the UK with top-tier HVAC solutions. From the efficiency of heat pumps and the cool relief of air conditioning to the warmth of boilers, radiators, and underfloor heating, our dedicated team is always at the forefront of innovation. We understand the unique needs of every household and business, and we strive to provide dependable health and cooling products and services that are tailored just for you. Ensuring your comfort and satisfaction is our utmost priority. Whether you have questions, need guidance, or require support, we’re always here to assist. Please don’t hesitate to contact us; we’re eager to be of service.

Wrapping up

It is true that portable units consume a significant amount of power and add a bit of a cost to your electricity bill. Their energy efficiency is not as high as its counterpart, the window air conditioning units.

But, with just a couple of tricks up your sleeve, your portable air conditioner will transform the warm air and make your room cool!

Get a unit with a higher BTU rating for better efficiency and use it only when it’s required for optimum power consumption. A little mindfulness will make a big difference, and you can enjoy your portable air conditioner without hefty running costs!