Understanding portable air conditioners: lifespan and maintenance

Portable air conditioners offer convenience and solutions that traditional air conditioning can’t always match. They can add a boost of climate control for a short while, then can be stored away until the temperature rises again. Portable air conditioning raises some important questions, though. Do portable air conditioners use a lot of electricity? Is that amount more than traditional AC? How affordable is the extra electricity needed? How efficient are portable units?

Importance of regular maintenance

To keep any air conditioner running smoothly, regular maintenance is a good idea. Tasks include cleaning or replacing air filters frequently, depending on usage. If filters go uncleaned, their airflow has a greater chance of getting blocked by debris, which then harms circulation of cool air. Apart from reduced efficiency, airflow blockage can also strain the device.

Some portable air conditioners can also act as dehumidifers and may need to be drained of water regularly.

The coils should also be routinely checked, as well as cleaned regularly. Dirt and dust accumulation on these parts can impair the unit's ability to absorb and release heat, an important aspect of air conditioning function.

How model variations affect longevity

The durability of portable air conditioners can vary significantly across models. A unit with robust construction and durable parts tends to last longer and withstand the rigors of frequent use. Features such as self-evaporative systems can reduce the need for manual maintenance, potentially extending the unit's life by mitigating some risks associated with water damage.

To make a savvy selection, you can do a casual survey of friends who have portable AC units, or even ask about units you see in businesses around your area. Online reviews have also gotten more thorough and popular.

Decoding portable air conditioner energy consumption

Anyone considering adding a portable air conditioner to their homes will probably wonder how it will impact their electricity bill. A good analysis of portable air conditioner energy consumption can start from estimating energy usage mathematically, including a look at the amount of space being cooled.

Calculating your unit's electricity use

To measure the electricity used by a portable air conditioner, you can employ a formula: (wattage × hours used) / 1000 = kWh.

To take an example, if a 1500-watt unit runs for 4 hours a day, it consumes 6 kWh daily.

Multiplying this 6 kWh total by the number of days the AC runs per month provides a solid estimate of the monthly kWh budget for the unit. That number can then be multiplied by the cost per kWh provided by the electricity company to estimate the monthly expense.

Learn about the energy consumption of other household items here. 

Factors influencing portable air conditioner energy consumption

Several factors can influence the energy consumption of portable air conditioners. The size of the room, local climate conditions and frequency of use all play significant roles. For larger rooms or higher ambient temperatures, you can expect to run your unit a longer time and also to use its higher settings. Additionally, improper maintenance can lead to decreased efficiency, further boosting power consumption.

The real cost of portable air conditioner energy usage

Portable air conditioners offer convenience and flexibility, but they also produce some extra financial cost. On the other hand, bringing some ingenuity into things can provide value.

Estimating your electricity bill

In our example above, the unit used 6 kWh per hour. If the AC unit was used 4 hours per day, 20 days per month, it would need an estimated 120 kWh of power. If the electricity company charges 16 cents per kWh, the estimated cost per month would be $19.20.

Portable AC units often have different settings, some of which may increase consumption of electricity. It’s a good idea to look up kWh needs of these different levels, and which one the unit will use, when you’re calculating a usage estimate.

Tips for reducing cost

One helpful factor to consider when looking at portable AC solutions is room insulation. With a modest investment in insulation around the space getting cooled, or even just some patchwork to existing insulation, cool air is less likely to leak out. Likewise, using curtains or blinds to block sunlight during the hottest part of the day can help indoor temperatures. Setting the home’s thermostat to a slightly higher temperature will also decrease the frequency that the AC powers back on.

Get helpful tips for saving on your summer electricity bill.

Selecting the best portable AC unit for your space

To get the most efficient portable AC for your space, it’s a good idea to zero in on the correct unit size. Fortunately, there’s a simple rule of thumb to employ.

A basic estimate for picking a unit is 20 BTUs per square foot of living space. However, considerations like ceiling height, room layout and number of windows should also influence the decision.

The choice between a window and a portable air conditioner is a common dilemma. Let's take a look at the pros and cons of each.

Window vs. portable air conditioners

Window units are known for their efficiency. They cool rooms quicker with less energy. They also don't take up valuable floor space, making them ideal for smaller rooms. They're also cheaper in upfront costs and maintenance.

On the downside, once they're installed they block your window. That can reduce natural light and limit window use. Some also might find a window unit unattractive when it sticks out of the exterior of a home.

Portable air conditioners are flexible. They can be moved from room to room, providing targeted cooling wherever it's needed.

They also require minimal installation. Most units simply plug in and are up and running.

Portable air conditioners can also allow you to use and enjoy your windows without obstruction.

The cons of these units include the fact that they take up floor space, which might be a consideration in smaller rooms. They can also be noisier than window units. Portable air conditioners also tend to be more expensive, both in initial purchase and energy consumption.

To decide between these two approaches, you can consider your space, budget and cooling needs. If efficiency and cost-effectiveness are your top priorities, a window unit might be the way to go. However, if flexibility and minimal installation effort are more your speed, a portable air conditioner could be the perfect solution.

Strategies to lower electricity bills with a portable AC

Enhancing efficiency — We’ve already mentioned keeping an eye on the unit regularly to check for cleanliness in the filter and internal coils. It’s also useful to employ fans to distribute cooled air more evenly throughout the room. Employing dehumidifiers in conjunction with the air conditioner (although some units perform this function) can make the environment feel cooler without lowering the thermostat, as well.

Smart usage tips — Utilizing timers or smart thermostats to control your AC based on fluctuations in temperature – or whether anyone will be home in the first place – can reduce unnecessary running times. Additionally, closing off unused areas to focus cooling where it’s needed should prevent wasteful energy expenditure.

Portable AC FAQs

• Is it cheaper than central air conditioning to leave portable AC on all day?
  Leaving a portable air conditioner on all day is usually less cost-effective than using centralized systems if the entire home requires cooling. Central systems are designed to be more efficient at cooling an entire home. Portable units are best for cooling specific areas for specific times.
  
  
• How much does it cost to run a portable AC per hour?
  If a typical unit consumes 1 kWh per hour and electricity costs $0.19 per kWh, it costs approximately $0.10 per hour to operate. If it operates 100 hours per month, it costs $10 monthly.
  
  
• What is the environmental impact of running portable AC units?
  Portable air conditioners can have significant environmental impacts. They typically use more electricity than built-in systems and often use refrigerants that can contribute to global warming.
  
  
• What alternative cooling strategies are offered by Reliant Energy?
  Reliant Energy and similar companies often promote energy-efficient practices such as optimizing your home's insulation and air sealing, using programmable thermostats and considering newer, more efficient air conditioning technology.

Whether or not you opt for a portable AC, Reliant has tips for making your home comfortable and efficient. And, as always, we offer a range of electricity plans that fit anyone's lifestyle and budget.