In most cases, yes. Not only is continuous use better for the health of your unit, but it won't cost you any excess energy. Most AC units will automatically turn themselves off once the room is at the desired temperature, but this isn't the same as shutting the unit down entirely.
How Long Can a Portable Air Conditioner Run Continuously? Though this answer may come as a surprise, there isn't any limit to how long you can keep your portable air conditioner running, as long as it's connected to a power source.
The short answer is yes, it is cheaper to leave your air conditioner on all day.
That said, a portable air conditioner can run for about 8 to 12 hours a day, but it's important not to use them for too long to keep them working well. KEY TAKEAWAYS: You can run a portable AC as long as you like, but there are a few caveats to remember.
Haier - Portable Air Conditioner Transporting
If it was on its side for more than a day, leave standing for 24 hours before running. If it was laying on its side just briefly to service, clean, or adjust, then just a few minutes of stand time will be enough.
It's hot and your air conditioner has to work much harder. Just like a person after a workout it needs a break. If your unit has to work too hard it will eventually need an expensive air conditioner repair. Using a few simple tips and tricks can give your AC unit an occasional break which will keep it running smoothly.
Not only is continuous use better for the health of your unit, but it won't cost you any excess energy.
That depends on the heat load in the room and the size of the portable air conditioner. The air conditioner will provide a 15 – 20 degree temperature drop. So if your room is 80 degrees Fahrenheit, then the air coming out of the air conditioner will be 60 – 65 degrees Fahrenheit.
To stay comfortable and save money this summer, the U.S. Department of Energy recommends setting your thermostat to 78°F (26°C) when you are home. Setting your air conditioner to this level will allow you to stay cool and avoid an unusually high electricity bill.
In general, it is cheaper to leave the AC on all day during very hot temperatures. However, it's not efficient to keep it on full blast all the time. Your exact results may vary depending on your AC system. So, it's best to consult a professional if you aren't sure about how to lower your energy bills.
Debunking a Common Air Conditioner Myth
While this might sound logical, this is actually 100% false. Why though? Sure, turning your air conditioner on uses energy, but if you're keeping your air conditioning system on at all times (including when you're not home) you're not using your air conditioner efficiently.
It doesn't matter if you live in a studio apartment or a large home; a portable air conditioner can reduce your cooling costs by targeting just the room you're using, instead of keeping your whole home at that same level when no one is in the other rooms anyway.
The main disadvantage of portable air conditioners is that they aren't as effective at cooling a room as window AC units. Because all of the machinery is located indoors, these units can also be loud and quite heavy. Finally, they can be difficult to move from room to room even if they have wheels.
So, What's the Consensus? The results are in! The way we see it, sleeping with the AC on all night won't kill you, not even harm you, as long as you do so safely. Just make sure that you keep the direct flow of air away from your bed and face, and stay in that sweet spot of 60-67 degree Fahrenheit.
If not vented, the air conditioner will exhaust the warm air back into your room, lowering its effectiveness to cool. You'll end up spending a lot of money on cooling costs.
As mentioned above, portable units are inherently less efficient since much of the heat they remove from the room ends up back in the room as it escapes from the poorly insulated exhaust hose before it makes it outside. Window ACs don't have this problem since the hot air is released directly outside.
It depends on the humidity condition at your place. In general, portable air conditioners should be drained after every 8 hours. The frequency varies depending upon the model you own. Few air conditioners work efficiently without draining for a month.
How Many Hours Should I Run My Air Conditioning Unit Each Day? Modern air conditioning units are designed to run 24 hours a day. There is no harm in having it run to keep your home cool all day long. If you wanted to, you could have your AC unit running 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
If your area is currently at the design temp, your AC should run the “average” 12-16 hours per day. If it is five degrees higher, it will run 14 to 20 hours per day. At 10 degrees over, it will run 16 to 22 hours per day. At 15 degrees over, it will most likely run all day.
Part of the cooling process is removing humidity from the room. When first installed or after the unit has not been used in awhile, it is normal for the tank to fill up quickly and require more frequent emptying. Even once an hour can be normal.
When an AC system is too big, it won't run regular cycles. As a result, the cycles will not be long enough to remove humidity from the air (which is a big deal living in Florida). Generally, it takes a cycle of 20 to 30 minutes to cool and dehumidify the air.
If you're one of those hardy souls who doesn't mind the heat during the day, a portable unit is probably well-suited for use in your bedroom. Using it for only a portion of the day, and in a limited space, will keep costs down while allowing you to stay cool when you need it most.