How to Save Money with a Portable Air Conditioner

When temperatures creep up, so do those dreaded electricity bills, especially when you are running a central air conditioning unit all day. Fortunately, a portable air conditioner can help you save energy and money. These convenient, small AC units can either supplement or replace your existing central HVAC system.

Discover five key ways investing in a portable AC unit will save you money every month, what to look for in the best unit for your home, and tips for installing and maintaining the unit for years to come.

1. Save Money and Electricity by Cooling One Room at a Time

It doesn’t matter if you live in a studio apartment or a large home; a portable air conditioner can reduce your cooling costs by targeting just the room you’re using, instead of keeping your whole home at that same level when no one is in the other rooms anyway. In a small apartment or secondary space in your home, a portable AC unit can even take the place of central air conditioning. If you are in a larger building, a portable unit can easily be moved from room to room as needed to supplement to central air conditioning.

Consider, for example, utilizing a portable AC unit in your bedroom at night to keep you comfortable while you sleep. When the sun rises, simply move the portable air conditioner down to your home office or other living space. Cooling just one room at a time is both environmentally friendly and a great way to save you money, especially since these smaller units run on a fraction of the energy as your central air conditioner.

2. Use a Portable AC Unit to Piggyback on Your Central AC Unit

There are two main reasons you might consider running a portable air conditioner in addition to your central HVAC:

• Reducing the amount of time you run your central unit, allowing you to save money and keep your energy bill more manageable all year long.
• Portable AC units provide extra cooling for those rooms that get more direct sunlight than the rest of the rooms in your home.

If you live in a warm climate and run your air conditioning unit year-round, you are likely interested in discovering ways to save electricity and money every month. One of the biggest things that can cause your central unit to work harder is having a room that receives more direct sunlight than others. This can be especially problematic in a living area or converted porch that has a whole wall of windows. With the addition of a small, portable AC unit in those warmer spaces, you can reduce the workload of your central unit and save drastic money on the electricity bill.

3. Portable ACs Can Serve More Than One Purpose

Cooling a single room of the home isn’t the only way to use a portable air conditioner. Many of the makes and models of small, portable AC units available serve double-duty as both a portable air conditioner and a heater, making them appropriate in both the hot and cold months. Plus, when you’re looking to save money, purchasing one unit that serves multiple purposes is a great way to stretch a dollar.

Other portable air conditioner models are designed to function like a dehumidifier to help remove moisture from your indoor air and improve home health. If you live in an area that experiences a variety of seasons, you may want to consider investing in a portable air conditioner unit outfitted with these additional features.

4. Save Energy with a Portable AC’s Built-in Smart Features

The little gadgets and accessories associated with a portable air conditioner do more than give techies another toy to play with; they can actually help you save money on cooling your home. Some of these smart portable air conditioners even allow you to control the unit remotely from your smartphone.

Take, for instance, a programmable timer. There are many portable air conditioner models that come equipped with a programmable timer to help you manage the way your unit runs throughout the day. Much like a programmable thermostat, this feature allows you to program the AC unit to automatically start cooling during times you are home but turn off while you’re away because there’s no reason to consume all that electricity if no one is home to benefit from it.

5. Portable AC Units as an Alternative to Central AC

If you’re mulling a decision between a central or portable air conditioner, consider that the cost of installation alone for a larger HVAC unit can be shockingly high. In a historic home, installing a central unit can become a massive undertaking, as new ductwork and electricity may be required. Getting permits for the required changes can be a challenge in themselves for any home, especially if your home is on the historic register. In some areas, central AC may not even be an option.

This leaves you with having to consider some sort of a cooling alternative, such as a window air conditioner unit, a mini-split air conditioner unit, a portable air conditioner, an air conditioner and heater combo unit, or a packaged terminal air conditioner (PTAC). While all these types of air conditioners have their own set of pros and cons, they can each be a money-saving alternative that can help you cool your living space, regardless of whether you live in a smaller apartment or larger home.

Not only do some of the best portable AC units save you money by cooling only the rooms that are necessary, but they are also a lot less expensive to install than a central AC unit, resulting in a much lower initial out-of-pocket expense.

If you’ve converted a room that wasn’t originally part of your central system, adding a portable air conditioner to the space can be much easier than working the new square footage into your central unit. Adding a small unit to the garage or converted porch can even be done on the same day.

Additional Benefits to Portable AC Units

Saving money is important, but it’s not the only reason to consider using portable air conditioners. There are many benefits to finding the best portable AC unit for your space.

• Small, portable AC units don’t require professional installation.
• Portable ACs are easy to move from one room to another.
• They don’t require any structural changes to your home.

Choosing the Best Portable Air Conditioner

Once you’ve decided to use a portable AC unit in your space, it’s time to choose the best one for your needs. In addition to other considerations, you’ll notice there are two types of portable AC hose configurations to choose from: dual hose vs. single hose.

Single-Hose Portable Air Conditioners

The most basic is the single-hose design, which uses a compressor to power the cooling system and remove heat from the room’s air. Single-hose units pull air from within the room and expel warmed air and moisture outside. This can create “negative air pressure” because air is constantly being pushed out of the room, and as a result, the air in the room has to be replaced. Subsequently, warm air seeps in around doorways, and through structural cracks and holes, attempting to replace the “missing” air.

The unit is then forced to work much harder to keep the room cool. Though single-hose units are effective and provide ample cooling for most spaces, their design is much simpler and less efficient than dual-hose portable air conditioners.

Dual-Hose Portable Air Conditioners

The dual-hose design utilizes two separate exhaust hoses, one of which will function as an air exhaust hose and one that will draw air in from the outside. The air that is taken in from the room is cooled inside the unit and then expelled back into the room.

The process of cooling this air generates heat inside the unit; in order to cool the unit, the second hose intakes air from the outside, which is used to cool the unit’s compressor and condenser coils.

The advantages of the dual-hose design are its ability to cool an area more efficiently and quickly while requiring less work for your portable air conditioner. An additional consideration in your choice of hose design is the lifespan of the unit’s filter. In a single-hose design, more unfiltered air enters the unit, shortening the length at which your unit’s filter will remove allergens from the expelled air. Though single-hose units may tend to be slightly less expensive, the investment in the extra hose is worth the extra cost.

Shop by Room Size

After deciding on single- or dual-hose design, consider how big of a room needs to be cooled. You can narrow down your search for the best portable AC unit by those approved for small spaces, medium spaces, and large spaces.

Consider BTUs

All portable air conditioners are rated for British thermal units (BTUs). Basically, these numbers indicate how large of a space the portable air conditioner can cool. The smaller the number, the smaller the square footage of the room it can cool. The larger the number, the larger the room it can serve.

The number of BTUs also correlates with the amount of electricity saved or used. The higher the BTUs, the more electricity it uses per hour. The lower the BTUs, the more energy saved. The key to getting the best portable AC unit is to choose one that’s large enough to efficiently cool the room without purchasing one that’s too unnecessarily big for the space.

Choose Your Plug Type

The different models of portable air conditioners may feature different plug types. Consider where you’re using the small portable AC unit and choose a plug that’s appropriate for the outlets you have nearby.

Tips for Installing, Maintaining, and Using Your Portable AC Unit

Once you’ve decided that a portable unit is what you need, we’ve got five great tips and tricks to ensure you stay cool all summer long.

1. Straighten the Exhaust Hose

This is extremely important for the proper operation and maintenance of a portable air conditioner. The exhaust hose that is used to vent the hot air out, whether it be through a window, sliding door, or drop ceiling, should remain straight without any twists or kinks.

Do not try to extend the exhaust hose either—it should remain as short as possible to ensure maximum efficiency. Most exhaust hoses are 4-7 feet long, which should provide you with sufficient room to reach a proper venting area. Keeping the hose short and straight will also prevent excess moisture from building up, which could seep inside and cause internal damage to the unit.

2. Close the Door

Portable air conditioners work best in closed spaces. Be sure to keep the door closed if you’re using it in a bedroom or basement, so excess warm air isn’t introduced and cool air can continue to circulate. For open floor plans, like kitchens and living rooms, take into account the entire combined space when calculating the square footage.

In addition, try placing the portable air conditioner in a corner of the room that doesn’t get any direct sunlight. It has to be by a window to vent but, if possible, choose the coolest corner of the room so the unit doesn’t overheat.

3. Get an Early Start

Turn on the portable air conditioner a few hours before you need it. It’s more effective and energy efficient to turn it on during the early morning or late afternoon hours, when the temperature is cooler. The unit won’t have to work as hard to cool the room down. A lot of portable air conditioners have a timer feature that you can program to turn on and off at the times you want.

4. Turn Off Unnecessary Heat Sources

Eliminate any unnecessary heat sources. Sources you might not expect, such as some light bulbs and electronic equipment, can emit heat. While it may not seem like much, it can still make your air conditioner work harder to keep your home cool and comfy. To prevent this, try turning off lights, televisions, computers, small kitchen appliances and other sources of heat.

Additionally, think about your daily routine. Perhaps instead of using the oven to make dinner, you could use your microwave instead. While a complete revamp of your lifestyle is an unreasonable expectation, making small changes such as this will make a big difference when it comes to cooling your home in a more efficient manner and saving on energy bills.

Once everything is turned off, a portable air conditioner will be able to cool the room down more quickly. Using a ceiling fan in the counterclockwise direction or air circulator will help move the cool air quickly. So give your kitchen a break and turn off the oven, go outside to grill, and come back to a cooled-down room.

5. Keep It Clean

Regularly cleaning your portable air conditioning unit is one of the most important things you can do to keep it in proper working condition. Like most essential household appliances, the importance of proper maintenance simply cannot be stressed enough. When it comes to portable air conditioners, there are a few areas that need to be routinely checked out and cleaned, if needed.

First and foremost, clean or change the portable AC unit’s filter on a regular basis. Unfortunately, the frequency in which you need to change or clean the filter depends on the air conditioning model you own.

Some units recommend cleaning or changing the filter on a weekly or monthly basis, and some units say the filters can last for a few months before needing attention. The frequency may vary based on how much you use the device, and many models have displays that alert when it’s time to clean the filter. In order to know how often you need to clean or change your filter, it’s recommended that you refer to the owner’s manual, because as stated above, it will likely vary from model to model.

Washable Portable AC Filters

Washable filters can be rinsed with warm water or mild detergent and left to air dry before placing it back in the unit.

Carbon and Antimicrobial Filters

Carbon filters and antimicrobial filters can be disposed of and replaced. These filters are usually sold separately but can help remove smoke, odor, mold, and other allergens, in addition to helping cool the area.

Second, it is wise to vacuum out any dust or debris that has accumulated within the vents. Any particles that are stuck in the vents may impede the overall airflow of your unit, which will not only lead to a degradation of its overall efficiency but also overwork the unit, which may then lead to a shortened lifespan. To avoid this and ensure you get the most from your portable AC unit, clean the vents out at least once a month during high-usage months, especially during the summer when you will likely use the unit the most.

Lastly, wiping down the casement with a damp cloth will help maintain the overall life of the portable air conditioner.

A little TLC goes a long way for the appliances, such as portable air conditioners, you depend on to get you and your family through the day-to-day routine. By following the five usage tips and tricks listed above, you’ll be able to properly set up, maintain, and enjoy your new air conditioning unit for many years to come.

How to Install a Portable Air Conditioner in a Casement/Crank Window

If you think a portable air conditioner isn’t for you because you have crank or casement windows, you may be pleasantly surprised to discover that not only is it possible, but it’s also easy to do.

Although most portable air conditioners come with a traditional window kit, you can fabricate an insert to fit into the casement window, allowing you to vent your portable air conditioner. We recommend using Plexiglas; however, any type of material that will keep the hot air out and the cold air in will work.

Step 1: Measure the Window

First, measure the window in order to know what size Plexiglas insert you’ll need. You can have a piece of Plexiglas cut at your local hardware store. You’ll also need a hole cut in the Plexiglas for your vent hose. It’s best to bring the vent hose with you so they can cut the hole to fit your hose correctly.

Step 2: Open the Window

Once you’ve got your Plexiglas, you can begin the installation process. Open the crank window and firmly attach a latch to the window as well as the frame.

Step 3: Position and Caulk/Weather Strip

Next, use retainer clips or twist clamps to securely position the insert into the window frame. You’ll then need to caulk where the casing and window frame meet in order to seal the insert and keep it waterproof. A second option would be to run weatherproof stripping where the casing and window frame meet instead of caulk.

Step 4: Attach Hose to Insert

Now that your insert is installed and weatherproofed, all that’s left is to attach the hose to your insert and enjoy the cool air.

11 Common Questions About Portable Air Conditioners

Get answers to the most frequently asked questions about portable AC units.

1. What is a portable air conditioner?

A portable air conditioner is an air conditioner that is mobile and you can easily move them from room to room. Unlike window, through-the-wall, or central air conditioning units, portable units do not require permanent installation. Commonly, these units have caster wheels for easy portability, are relatively lightweight, and are generally about 28" to 34" tall.

2. Do all portable air conditioners need to vent?

Yes, much like any air conditioning system, all portable air conditioners need to be vented in some form or fashion.

Portable air conditioners pull in warm air, cool it, and expel the cooled air out of the front of the unit and the remaining warm air and moisture out of the back of the unit. It is this warm air and moisture that needs to be vented out of the room you are currently cooling. The easiest and most popular way to vent your portable AC unit is through a nearby window.

3. What happens to the moisture that is pulled out of the air?

Since portable air conditioners pull moisture as well as heat out of the air, many people are concerned about where the water goes. Many units have self-evaporative technology. This innovative technology internally processes and evaporates the collected moisture and then exhausts it out of the back of the unit.

In climates that are extra humid, some water may collect in a reservoir located inside the unit. In this case, you can either manually empty the reservoir when it is full or use the integrated gravity drain. With that said, due to recent advancements in portable air conditioner technology, the need to drain is increasingly rare.

4. How noisy is a portable air conditioner?

Because of the differences in personal preference, this can be a hard question to answer. Since portable air conditioners contain both a compressor and fan, they sound similar to a window air conditioning unit, which most of us have heard at one time or another. With that said, you want to pay attention to a portable air conditioners decibel rating (dB level), which is located on each product description page. Most units fall anywhere between 48 dB (the same noise level as falling rain) and 60 dB (the same noise level as a normal conversation).

5. What factors should I consider when looking for a portable air conditioner?

BTUs/room size: A portable air conditioner’s BTUs show how powerful the unit is. This directly affects the room size and how quickly the unit will be able to cool. The higher the BTU, the larger the area the portable air conditioner can efficiently cool.

Single- or dual-hose design: Single-hosed units expel warm air and moisture and are easy to use. Double-hosed units, which are also fairly easy to set up, expel warm air and moisture while simultaneously pulling in more air to cool.

6. Do portable air conditioners have special power requirements?

Most, if not all, portable air conditioners operate on the standard household voltage of 115 volt/60 hertz. These units come with a three-prong grounded plug.

7. Are portable air conditioners energy efficient?

Look at the energy efficiency rating (EER) of the air conditioner you are purchasing—the higher the EER, the more energy efficient the portable air conditioner is.

Also, by cooling specific areas, your portable air conditioner gives you the freedom to use your central air conditioning system less, if at all, which will significantly lower your energy costs.

8. How long is the exhaust hose that the portable air conditioner comes with?

Exhaust hose lengths vary by model, but generally they are 4-7 feet in length. They are made of a temperature-resistant plastic reinforced with metal.

9. Can I vent a portable air conditioner out a dryer vent?

Generally, this is not recommended by the manufacturer, especially if the diameter of the vent hose is greater than the diameter of the dryer vent. The standard dryer vent is 4". Most portable air conditioners have 5" exhaust hoses. Some units have smaller diameter vent hoses, and these may be vented out a dryer vent.

However, you should not use the external part of the dryer vent that has flaps, as the compressor is not strong enough to push these flaps open. If you need to cover the exterior opening of the vent, we recommend using a screen.

10. Can I cool my garage using a portable air conditioner?

Although it is not typically recommended that you do so, there are a few factors that, when manipulated, can accommodate this cooling setup. Learn more about air conditioning your garage.

11. Can I use a portable air conditioner to cool my server room?

Although these are not industrial machines, this is an excellent use for a portable air conditioner. Even with central air, computer server rooms have more robust cooling needs than other parts of the building tend to require. A portable air conditioner works well to boost the cooling in a server room.

Is a Portable Air Conditioner Right for You?

The decision to go portable for your air conditioning needs may prove to be exactly what you’re looking for. In addition to being a convenient cooling alternative, these portable air conditioners may actually save you money.

You can use them to either replace or supplement your existing system. Thanks to technology, there are many AC units that come equipped with cost-saving tools, such as a remote control or programmable thermostat. There are even portable air conditioners that can heat and dehumidify your home. To lower your monthly utility bills without jeopardizing the comfort of your home or business, consider adding a portable air conditioner. It’s not the best choice for everyone, but it may be for you.