Home / Helpful Tips / Going Green / How To Lower Your Energy Bills With A Portable Air ConditionerHow To Lower Your Energy Bills With A Portable Air ConditionerHow many watts does a 5000-BTU air conditioner use? The number of watts a 5,000-BTU air conditioner uses depends on the number of amps it has and how many volts an outlet has. Most 5,000-BTU air conditioners use 5 amps, and when plugged into a 110-volt outlet, the unit uses 550 watts. How many amps does the air conditioner in a portable camper use? How much electricity does a Pinguino air conditioner use? How many watts does an air conditioner use? Window-unit air conditioners typically have a range between 5,000 and 18,000 BTUs, as of 2014. BTU stands for "British Thermal Unit." The more BTUs an air conditioner has, the more powerful it is. Taking the square footage of a room and multiplying it by 35 gives an approximate amount of needed BTUs. Window-unit air conditioners were first made available for sale in 1935 and were designed by engineers from Chrysler Motors.

What is a Trane condensing unit? A condensing unit is a system that works with a residential or commercial air conditioner to cool the air through the use of Earth-cooled air, water-cooled... What is a vertical air conditioner? A vertical air conditioner is an air conditioner that features components configured vertically and is designed for use in tall windows where a horizontal ...how to clean window unit air filter How can you compare air conditioning models?cost of ac units central Comparison points for air conditioner units include the BTU rating, energy efficiency, ease of use, price and special features, such as adjustable air flow...best ac units for home 2014 How do you troubleshoot an air conditioner thermostat?

To troubleshoot an air conditioner thermostat, identify the type of thermostat that is in use, check that the unit is receiving power and ensure the unit i... What is the cost difference between central air and window air conditioners? What are some of the electric options for PUCO's Apples to Apples? What is the weather like at cold and warm air fronts? What are the best routers for use in a large home? Why should you have your air vents cleaned regularly? Are infrared heaters more energy efficient than regular heaters?According to the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE), heating and cooling accounts for more than half of the energy used in a typical home, with the average family spending nearly $2,000 a year to maintain comfortable indoor temperatures. The DOE also reports that you can save up to 50% on your cooling bill by investing in a new, energy-efficient air conditioner. Popular among homeowners as well as business owners, portable air conditioners provide substantial energy-savings because they cool only one room instead of the entire home or office.

Depending on size and frequency of use, they have operating costs that range from $6 to $40 per month. Also known as spot coolers, portable ACs are easy to set up and move from room to room — so you can spend the evening chilling out in front of the television, and then roll your model into the bedroom for a comfortable night's rest. There's no reason to cool your entire house if you spend most of your time in just one or two rooms. If you have central heat and air, a spot cooler will allow you to turn up the temperature on your thermostat during the summer. For each degree, you'll save about 1% on your electricity bill. For each degree above 78 degrees F, you'll save 3% to 5% on your energy bill. With a portable cooling system, you'll enjoy lower energy costs without sacrificing comfort. To get the most out of your portable air conditioner, keep all windows and doors shut tightly. You can reduce your summertime cooling bills further by following these tips: Take Advantage of Fans — A simple fan can make a room feel 3 to 4 degrees cooler.

Remember to turn off the fan when you leave the room. Program Your Thermostat — If you have central air conditioning, a programmable thermostat can automatically raise the temperature when you're not home and lower the temperature shortly before you return. (If you don't have a programmable thermostat, turn the temperature up a few degrees before you leave the house each day, and turn it back down as soon as you get home). In addition, avoid placing lamps or appliances near your thermostat, as they could artificially inflate the thermostat's temperature reading. Also, keep the fan switch on auto. If you keep the fan on constantly, that could cost you an extra $25 per month. Maintain Your HVAC — If you have central HVAC, you should replace your furnace filters once a month during the summer. Dirty filters make HVAC units less efficient, and this translates to higher energy bills. Create Shade — Use drapes and blinds to block sunlight. Some people in hot environments also put awnings or bamboo shades on the exterior of windows.

Trees and shrubbery also help to create shade near windows. Keep Cool Air Indoors — Don't air condition the whole neighborhood! Keep doors and windows closed, and seal any air leaks with weather stripping or caulk. Remember to turn off exhaust fans in the kitchen and bathroom, and if you have a fireplace, make sure that the damper is closed. Reduce Heat Production — Turn off lights and appliances when you're not using them. If you haven't done so already, replace incandescent light bulbs with compact fluorescent light bulbs (CFLs). CFL bulbs use 75% less energy and produce 70% to 90% less heat. During the summer, keep the stove off and use an outdoor grill or microwave whenever possible. Start your clothes dryer at night or just before you leave for the day. When the summer comes to an end, be sure to drain and clean your portable air conditioner. Store it in a safe, warm place so that any trapped water will not freeze and damage the portable AC. With these dollar-saving tips and the right maintenance, you'll continue to enjoy energy-savings for years to come.