How Well Do Your Portable Air Conditioners Cool?

Portable air conditioners can cool a room by 15–20°F, depending on the size of the unit and the amount of heat in the room. For example, if the room is 80°F, the air coming out of the air conditioner will be 60–65°F.

Here are some factors that can affect how well a portable air conditioner cools:

• Size: A larger unit can cool a larger room. For example, a unit with 8,000 BTUs can cool a room of 350 square feet, while a larger room may need a unit with 10,000 BTUs. BTUs, or British Thermal Units, measure how much energy an air conditioner uses to remove heat from a room in an hour.
• Room configuration: Portable air conditioners are often used in homes where window units can't be installed due to building regulations or window configuration.
• Home energy efficiency
• The effectiveness of a portable air conditioner can also be affected by the home's energy efficiency.