How much electricity does a portable air conditioner use?
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Mobile air conditioners consume an average of 1,176 watts per hour. This power rating varies greatly depending on the device model. However, you can estimate the electricity consumption depending on its size. Larger models usually require more electricity to operate. However, other factors such as standby time and startup power consumption may affect power consumption.
Keep reading to find out more about how much electricity your portable air conditioner needs.
Average portable air conditioner power
The amount of electricity consumed by portable air conditioners depends on the size of the device.
The power of portable air conditioners is determined by their rated power. This is the maximum number of watts that the device will consume. The manufacturer of the portable air conditioner model calculates the rated power. However, this number does not take into account standby power consumption, startup power consumption, and extended periods of use.
Portable air conditioners consume an average of 1,176 watts per hour (1.176 kWh).
Different models and sizes of portable air conditioners have different levels of power consumption. In general, the average power consumption for each device size is as follows:
- Compact portable air conditioners: 500 to 900 Wh (0.5 to 0.9 kWh)
- Mid-Range Portable Air Conditioners: 2900 Wh (2.9 kWh)
- Large portable air conditioners: 4100 watts per hour (4.1 kWh)
Portable air conditioners on the market are usually smaller in size. You can easily find small and medium class devices with average power from 940 to 1,650 watts per hour (0.94 to 1.65 kWh).
Turned off portable air conditioners still consume electricity in standby mode.
Standby mode is when appliances are still using power when they are turned off but connected to a wall outlet. This occurs when the device has keep-alive circuitry such as LED displays and timers. In these cases, a dedicated power supply is needed that continues to consume power. For portable air conditioners, standby mode typically consumes 1 to 6 watts per hour.
Other factors that are not typically measured are startup power consumption and long-term use.
Mobile air conditioners may experience power surges during startup. Power surges significantly exceed the capacity of the air conditioner declared by the manufacturer. However, power surges are short-lived. Mobile air conditioners tend to use less electricity when used for a long time.
You can determine exactly how much electricity your portable air conditioner consumes by checking the manufacturer's manual that came with your chosen model.
Energy efficiency of portable air conditioners
Portable air conditioners are known as energy efficient AC units.
Portable air conditioners are a great alternative to simple electric fans and HVAC systems. You can install these mobile systems in most types of premises. They can also be removed and replaced elsewhere without special installation methods. The only requirement that is usually required is a nearby window to let hot air out.
The energy value of portable air conditioners depends on their size.
Energy value is determined by the amount of energy needed to cool a pound of water one degree Fahrenheit. This is usually measured in BTUs or British Thermal Units. Portable air conditioners are available in sizes ranging from compact boxes to large ones the size of a mini-fridge. The BTU of a portable air conditioner is the amount of energy required to cool a room of a given size. [1]
The average energy efficiency rating of various portable air conditioners is as follows:
- Compact dimensions (consumption 0.9 kWh): 7,500 BTU per 150 square feet
- Average dimensions (consumption 2.9 kWh): 10,000 BTU per 300 square feet
- Large size (4.1 kWh consumption): 14 BTU per 000 square feet
Please note that these energy efficiency ratings may not match your device. Each manufacturer has its own electrical system for a portable air conditioner. Some efficient portable air conditioners use less energy, others more.
Factors affecting energy efficiency and electricity consumption
The following factors increase or decrease the power requirement of your air conditioner.
Temperature settings
The best way to maximize the efficiency of portable air conditioners is to maintain a constant temperature.
Lowering the temperature setting will result in a dramatic increase in power consumption. In addition, temperature fluctuations during the day can lead to power surges and increased power consumption.
Regular maintenance
You should professionally service portable air conditioners at least twice a year.
Regular maintenance maintains the maximum energy efficiency of the device. You can perform simple maintenance procedures such as cleaning and replacing air filters at home. Clean filters let more air into the unit, allowing it to cool the room effectively.
It is also recommended to carry out regular checks for damage to the device. You should immediately take your portable air conditioner to a professional service technician if you notice water leaks or other damage.
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[1] BTU: what does this mean for you and your air conditioner? – Trane – www.trane.com/ Residential/en/resources/glossary/what-is-btu/
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