Portable air conditioner running cost tops out around $1.52 to $2.20 for an eight-hour night for the models below, if each ran at its full listed wattage at the 18.31-cent average U.S. residential rate from the U.S. Energy Information Administration.
Real bills are usually lower because compressors cycle off once a room is cool. A 5,000 BTU window unit drew 455 watts while a 5,500 BTU LG portable drew over a kilowatt in Technology Connections, an engineering-explainer YouTube channel with more than 10 million views on its portable AC video’s test, so the type of unit matters as much as the brand. Prices were checked on Amazon October 16, 2026.
Portable air conditioner running cost by model
Prices checked on Amazon Oct 16, 2026. I may earn a commission from links, at no cost to you.
| Portable AC | Price (Oct 16, 2026) | Listed watts | 8 hours (max) | Per night | 30 nights |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dreo 318S (8,000 BTU ASHRAE) | $389.98 | 1,040 W (listed) | 8.3 kWh | $1.52 | $46 |
| BLACK+DECKER BPACT10WT | $319.99 | 1,220 W (listed) | 9.8 kWh | $1.79 | $54 |
| Midea 14,000 BTU Portable AC | $369.99 | 1,365 W (listed) | 10.9 kWh | $2.00 | $60 |
| LG 10,000 BTU Dual Inverter | $590.99 | 1,370 W (listed) | 11.0 kWh | $2.01 | $60 |
| Dreo 515S (12,000 BTU ASHRAE) | $449.99 | 1,500 W (listed) | 12.0 kWh | $2.20 | $66 |
How to work out your own running cost
Multiply the listed watts by hours of use, divide by 1,000 to get kWh, then multiply by the rate on your power bill. Example: 1,365 W × 8 hours = 10.9 kWh, × $0.1831 = about $2.00.
Ways to lower the cost
- Buy the right size: oversizing wastes power; compare SACC ratings.
- Use dual hose for long runtimes: see Dual Hose vs Single Hose Portable AC.
- Consider inverter models: the LG 10,000 BTU Dual Inverter uses an inverter compressor, and Silver Cymbal said even its inverter Midea Duo uses significant energy if it always runs on high, so let the thermostat do the work.
- Seal the window kit and close doors and blinds.
Portable vs window unit power use
LDSreliance logged a single-duct portable and a window unit for three days above 100°F and found nearly identical kWh per BTU, but cautioned that the portable’s negative pressure reduces real cooling. Technology Connections recommends a window unit when you can install one.
Video: LDSreliance: “Energy Consumption Tested & Compared – Window vs Portable Air Conditioners”. Embedded with credit; the findings are the creator’s own.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to run a portable AC all night?
About $1.52 to $2.20 for 8 hours at full listed wattage for these models, at the U.S. average rate. Your rate may differ.
Do portable ACs use a lot of electricity?
They draw about 1,000 to 1,500 W here. Technology Connections found a portable used over twice the power of a similar-capacity window unit.
Is an inverter portable AC cheaper to run?
Inverters can slow down instead of cycling, but Silver Cymbal notes they still use a lot on high.
What uses less power, a fan or a portable AC?
A fan uses far less, but it doesn’t lower room temperature the way an AC does.
Sources
- Amazon product listings for the products linked above, checked October 16, 2026
- U.S. EIA, Electric Power Monthly, Table 5.6.A (average residential price)
- Technology Connections: “Portable Air Conditioners – Why you shouldn’t like them”
- LDSreliance: “Energy Consumption Tested & Compared – Window vs Portable Air Conditioners”
- Silver Cymbal: “Is the Midea DUO Smart Inverter Portable Air Conditioner Worth It?”
Related: Portable Air Conditioner for Renters | Dreo Portable Air Conditioner Review | Dual Hose vs Single Hose Portable AC | Portable Air Conditioner Without a Window
Notes and disclosure
Note: Prices come from Amazon listings checked on October 16, 2026. Prices change often, so check the current listing. BTU ratings, wattage and noise figures are the manufacturers’ listed numbers unless a reviewer is credited. Running-cost figures are worked examples at the U.S. average residential electricity price, so use your own rate from your power bill. Test results and tips quoted above come from the YouTube creators credited in each section; they are their findings, not hands-on claims from me.
Affiliate Disclosure: If you purchase an item through the links on this page, I may receive a commission, at no additional cost to you. Thank you for supporting the channel.