How much does a portable air conditioner cost to run?

Portable air conditioner running cost at different electricity prices

The figures use 1,000 watts and 8 hours a day. Your own price per kWh is on your electricity bill, so pick the row closest to it, or change the numbers in the calculator.

Cost = watts ÷ 1,000 × hours × price per kWh. For a 1,000W portable air conditioner, one hour uses 1 kWh.

Portable air conditioner running cost by hours of use

How long you use it matters more than almost anything else. The table shows the cost of using a 1,000W portable air conditioner for different amounts of time each day at 27p per kWh.

How much power does a portable air conditioner use?

A typical portable air conditioner is rated around 1,000W, which is 1 kW. Over a year of the use above that adds up to about 2,920 kWh. Cooling a room takes a lot of energy. Close windows and doors, and use it only in the room you are in.

Wattage varies between models. Look for the power rating on the label, in the manual or on the maker's website, and enter it in the calculator for an exact answer.

How it compares with other appliances

Typical wattage and typical use for each appliance, at the same electricity price. A high cost per hour does not always mean a high yearly cost, because it depends on how often you use it.

Ways to cut the cost of running a portable air conditioner

• Use it less at peak times if you are on a time-of-use tariff, and more when power is cheapest.
• Choose a model with a high energy rating when you replace it. The saving over its life is often bigger than the price difference.
• Switch it off at the wall when it is not in use if it has a standby draw.
• Check your tariff. A lower unit rate cuts the cost of every appliance in the house.