Portable air conditioners (portable ACs) are mobile air conditioning units that can be used in various settings. They are designed to be easily moved from one location to another and require minimal installation. Portable ACs are ideal for cooling down small rooms and spaces, such as bedrooms, offices, and other areas where central air conditioning is unavailable.
That said, if you’re interested to learn more about portable ACs, here are a couple of common questions people often ask about it before investing:
How Much Electricity Do Portable ACs Use? Are They Expensive to Run?
The amount of electricity used by a portable air conditioner depends on several factors, including the unit’s size, energy efficiency rating, and usage. Generally, portable ACs (like other air conditioning systems) are rated in British Thermal Units (BTUs). The higher the BTUs, the more energy the unit will require.
The average portable AC uses between 500 and 1,500 watts of electricity. That translates to 3,500 to 7,500 BTUs. To put this in perspective, a typical central air conditioning unit uses around 3,500 watts and 15,000 BTUs.
Regarding running costs, portable ACs can be more expensive than central air conditioning units. The reason for this is that portable ACs are typically used for smaller spaces and require more energy to cool these spaces than a central air conditioning unit. Additionally, portable ACs are not as energy efficient as central air conditioning units, requiring more energy to run. However, do note that the overall cost of running a portable AC is still relatively inexpensive compared to other cooling systems.
What Are the Common Uses of Portable ACs?
One of the most common uses of portable ACs is to cool a room that doesn’t have a central air conditioning system. Portable air conditioners are perfect for this situation because they are easy to move around and can be set up anywhere with a standard electrical outlet. Portable ACs also don’t require any additional installation, meaning they can be used in any room, no matter the size or shape.
Another popular use of portable ACs is to cool a room with an existing air conditioning system but one that is inadequate for the size of the room. In this case, a portable AC can supplement the existing system, providing the extra cooling power needed to keep the room comfortable. Portable ACs can also be used in rooms where the existing air conditioning system can’t reach, such as attics or basements.
Portable ACs can also be used to cool a room too warm for comfort. This is particularly useful in places like garages or sheds, where the summer heat can make it difficult to work or spend time. With a portable AC, you can easily keep the room comfortable, even during the hottest days of the year.
Finally, portable ACs can supplement the cooling power of an existing air conditioning system. This can be especially beneficial if the existing system is unable to cool the room adequately, or if the system is too expensive to run all the time. By supplementing the existing system with a portable AC, you can keep the space comfortable without running up your electricity bill.
Conclusion
Overall, PACs are a great option for cooling any space, whether it’s a room without an air conditioning system or one with an existing system that needs additional cooling power. With so many different sizes and cooling capabilities available, PACs are a great way to keep any space comfortable and cool. So, whether you need to cool your home, server room, and the like, consider using portable ACs!
London Climate Hire is an HVAC specialist offering a complete Turnkey rental solution to meet heating or cooling needs. If you want portable AC rentals in London, check out what we offer.