The importance of choosing the right type of air conditioner. Not only will the wrong air conditioner create an uncomfortable environment, but it may also not function as effectively as it could with additional energy consumption. The main air conditioners on the market today include mini-split air conditioners, portable air conditioners, and window air conditioners, each with its own pros and cons. Before deciding, it is important to consider the below factors when selecting the cost to run an air conditioner for your home.
Cost to Run An Air Conditioner's Influence Factor
Space measure for BTU
To calculate your room size, you'll need to measure the width of the room, the length of the room, and the height of the ceiling. Also, when considering the size of the AC unit, it's important to factor in the number of windows, doors, and other ventilation outlets in the room, as these can affect the air conditioner's size/electricity bills.
When selecting a mini-split air conditioner you can measure the square footage of the room and multiply it by 25 BTU for every square foot.
Energy Saving Power on Bills
In terms of power, both mini-split and portable air conditioners require their own 220V circuit, while window units typically run on a standard 110V circuit. This is an important factor to consider when deciding which air conditioner to install in your home.
Portable air conditioners are more energy efficient than window units, as they are usually higher rated with better insulation. Window air conditioners offer more energy savings than portable units if you can find a unit with a high-efficiency rating. But Mini-Split Air Conditioners can offer both better heating and cooling capabilities.
12000 BTU 17 SEER2 750 sq. ft. Ductless Mini Split Air Conditioner
Climate Influence on Bills
When deciding which type of air conditioner to purchase, the climate of the area is also an important factor to consider. Mini-split systems can offer both heating and cooling capabilities for different areas. Portable and window units are typically better suited for warm climates, as they lack the ability to provide heat.
If you choose an air conditioner ill-suited to the climate, the unright choice will jeopardize the potential efficiency of the unit. For example, if you install a window air conditioner in an area with cold winters, the cold air will cause the unit to run inefficiently, resulting in excessive energy consumption and strain on the unit. Not only create an uncomfortable environment, but it will consume more additional energy.
Insulation of Room Install
For example, if you install a unit in a building with poor insulation, it will cost more power bills to operate the unit than it would in a building with proper insulation.
Mini-split, portable, and window air conditioners each offer their own unique benefits in terms of energy efficiency and cost savings. In order to get the most out of your air conditioner unit, it is important to make sure your room with better insulation situation, such as the wall of the building and windows (such as too many glass windows to keep the temperature and consume more power on bills).
Cost to Run for Different Air Conditioners
Mini-Split Air Conditioners
Mini-split air conditioners are one of the most efficient and cost-effective forms of air conditioning available.
They made these units up of two parts: an indoor air handler, and an outdoor condenser. Mini-split air conditioners range in size from 9000 to 36,000 BTU (British Thermal Units), so it is important to consider both the size of the room and the heat load requirements of the unit in order to determine the ideal size.
A mini-split air conditioner with remote control can cost anywhere between $800 and $4000 to purchase and install. On average, they cost around 10-20 cents per hour, depending on the size and efficiency of the unit.
Portable Air Conditioners
Portable air conditioners are small, self-contained units that use a condenser and an evaporator to cool a single room, they allow you to cool any room in your house with no expensive installation or investment in the ductwork.
Portable air conditioners range from 5000 to 14,000 BTU and can cool spaces of up to 200 square feet.
Portable air conditioners typically cost around $200 to $600 to purchase, making them an affordable air cooling option. The running costs of portable air conditioners are much higher than mini-split air conditioners, with running costs operating around 30-50 cents per hour for full power usage. Because the large exhaust tube is used to expel hot air, portable air conditioners can be noisy and will take up more space.
10000 BTU 350 sq.ft. Portable Air Conditioner
Window Air Conditioners
Window air conditioners range in size from 5000 to 36,000 BTU, so it is important to consider the size of the room in order to choose the right unit. Again, be sure to factor in the heat load requirements and the number of ventilation outlets in the room in order to ensure the proper size of the unit.
Window air conditioners typically cost $300 to $500 to purchase depending on the size and efficiency of the unit. The running costs of window air conditioners are typically around 15-25 cents per hour for full power usage, making them an affordable air conditioning option.
Notice: Window air conditioners are usually limited to providing cooling(without heating function) to a single room and require a dedicated electrical outlet for operation. Window air conditioners can be noisy, block light, and are typically more difficult to install than a mini-split or portable air conditioner.
Overall Conclusion
The primary difference between mini-split, portable, and window air conditioners is their efficiency and their running cost. Mini-split air conditioners are typically the most energy efficient, while portable air conditioners are the least energy efficient and the most expensive to run. Window air conditioners fall in between the two in terms of efficiency and cost. When choosing an air conditioning system, it's important to factor in the total cost of the system including any installation fees, running costs, and the cost of purchasing the unit. This will help you make an informed decision and ensure that you select the right system for your needs.
