It’s no secret that staying cool can come with a cost, but just how much energy does a portable aircon use? Summer is just around the corner, and many of us are starting to give some thought to how we’re going to stay comfortable when the South African sun starts showing off.
However, concerns about energy consumption and electricity bills often arise when choosing the right cooling option.
Let’s break it down and see if your portable AC is truly the energy guzzler many think it is—or if it’s a more efficient cooling companion than expected.
Does a Portable AC Use a Lot of Electricity?
Portable air conditioners use as much energy as their fixed counterparts. They can be energy-efficient if you choose the right size for your room and use them wisely, but then that applies to traditional AC units too. A portable AC typically uses between 900 and 1,500 watts per hour, depending on its make and model. This makes it similar to a mid-range wall-mounted aircon in terms of energy consumption.
How Much Energy Does a Portable Aircon Use?
The energy consumption of a portable aircon depends on its cooling capacity, measured in BTUs (British Thermal Units). Typically, for every 10,000 BTUs, a portable AC will use around 1,000 watts per hour. So, if your unit is rated at 12,000 BTUs, you can expect it to consume around 1,200 watts per hour. This is fairly standard for cooling small to medium-sized rooms.
Is It Expensive to Run a Portable Air Conditioner?
How much your aircon costs depends on usage and local electricity costs. Running a portable air conditioner can be more expensive than using a fan, but it’s generally cheaper than central air conditioning.
How Much Does an Air Conditioner Cost to Run Per Hour in South Africa?
To calculate the cost, you can multiply your portable air conditioner’s wattage by the local cost of electricity. For example, a 12,000 BTU unit that consumes 1,200 watts would use 1.2 kWh per hour. In South Africa, electricity costs R1,80 to R3,63 per kWh, so we’ll work on an average of R2,70 per kWh.
Therefore, if your portable AC uses 1,200 watts per hour, that translates to 1.2 kWh, or R3,24 per hour.
How Many Hours Should Portable AC Run Per Day?
While this depends on external factors like the temperature and the size of your room, a portable air conditioner should run for 4 to 8 hours per day to maintain a comfortable indoor environment. Running your AC excessively can increase energy costs and wear out the unit. For optimal efficiency, try to keep it running during the hottest parts of the day and switch to fans or open windows during cooler hours.
Which Aircon Uses the Least Electricity?
Split system inverter air conditioners use the least amount of electricity compared to other types of ACs, as they adjust their cooling power based on the room’s needs rather than running at full capacity all the time. While portable air conditioners are convenient and easy to move around, they don’t tend to be as efficient as inverter or split units.
Inverter technology allows for variable speed operation of the compressor, which helps maintain a consistent temperature while using less energy. Most portable air conditioners, however, operate on a fixed speed system, turning the compressor on and off to reach the desired temperature, which can lead to higher energy consumption during operation.
For more tips on energy-efficient cooling, you can check out this guide on energy efficiency which compares different cooling and heating methods.
SEER Rating and Energy Consumption
The SEER (Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio) rating is a measure of an air conditioner's efficiency. It's calculated by dividing the cooling output during a typical cooling season by the total electric energy input during the same period. The higher the SEER rating, the more efficient the unit.
A higher SEER rating means lower energy consumption for portable air conditioners. For example, a portable AC with a SEER of 13 will use about 30% less energy than a unit with a SEER of 9. When choosing a portable AC, look for models with the highest SEER rating within your budget to maximise energy savings.
SEER2 Update: As of 2023, the SEER2 rating has been introduced, which provides a more accurate representation of a unit's efficiency under real-world conditions, leading to slightly lower ratings compared to the original SEER.
Comparative Energy Use and Costs
To help you compare the energy usage and costs of portable air conditioners and mid-wall units, we've put together the following table:
Unit Type |
Cooling Capacity (BTU) |
Watts Used |
Cost per Hour (R) |
Portable AC | 9,000 | 900 | 2.43 |
Portable AC | 12,000 | 1,200 | 3.24 |
Mid-Wall Inverter Unit | 9,000 | 450* | 1.21 |
Mid-Wall Inverter Unit | 12,000 | 600 | 1.62 |
These estimates are based on an average electricity rate of R2.70 per kWh and may vary depending on your location and utility provider.
*Inverter Technology: Some portable air conditioners utilize inverter technology, which allows the compressor to adjust its speed based on the cooling demand. This can lead to lower power consumption during less intensive cooling periods, resulting in energy usage that may average around 450 watts during operation.
*Energy Efficiency Ratings: The efficiency of the unit, often indicated by its EER (Energy Efficiency Ratio) or SEER (Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio), can significantly impact power consumption. A unit with a high EER or SEER rating will provide more cooling per watt of energy consumed, which can lead to lower average wattage usage.
Other Factors to Consider
When choosing a portable air conditioner, there are several other factors to consider besides energy consumption:
Noise level: Look for models with low decibel ratings for quieter operation.
Portability: Consider the unit's weight and size, as well as the presence of casters for easy movement.
Additional features: Some portable ACs include remote control, timers, and dehumidification capabilities.
Initial costs: When considering initial costs, portable air conditioners typically range from R5,000 to R10,000, while mid-wall units can cost between R8,000 and R15,000, with additional installation expenses of R1,500 to R3,000 for mid-wall systems, making portable units a more budget-friendly option upfront.
Defy 9000 BTU Portable Air Conditioner
The Defy 9000 BTU Portable Air Conditioner is the perfect solution for those seeking efficient and convenient cooling. With a compact design and easy portability, it’s ideal for cooling small to medium-sized rooms. This unit boasts a powerful 9000 BTU cooling capacity, ensuring a comfortable environment even during the hottest days. Its energy-efficient operation helps keep electricity consumption in check, while the user-friendly digital controls allow for precise temperature adjustments. Additionally, the air conditioner features a dehumidifier mode, which removes excess moisture from the air, contributing to a healthier indoor atmosphere. With its sleek design and effective cooling performance, this portable aircon is a versatile addition to any home.
What Matters Most to You?
While portable air conditioners do consume energy, they offer a relatively efficient way to cool small to medium-sized spaces, especially if used wisely. If you’re worried about high electricity bills, consider using your portable aircon strategically and exploring more energy-efficient alternatives, like inverter units, when appropriate.
With the right choice, you can stay cool without breaking the bank!
