Portable air conditioner vs. mini split air conditioner: running cost
A mini split air conditioner is cheaper to run: about $110 a year versus $135 for a portable air conditioner at typical use and 17.99¢/kWh, a $25 difference.
| Portable air conditioner | Mini split air conditioner | |
|---|---|---|
| Typical watts | 1,100 W | 900 W |
| Watt range | 700–1,500 W | 300–2,500 W |
| Typical use | 8 hours a day for 4 months a year | 10 hours a day for 4 months a year |
| Energy per year | 752 kWh | 611 kWh |
| Cost per hour | 14¢ | 8.9¢ |
| Cost per day | $1.11 | 90¢ |
| Cost per month | $33.82 | $27.49 |
| Cost per year | $135 | $110 |
| Per year in Hawaii (43.51¢) | $327 | $266 |
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What drives the difference
- Portable air conditioner: Portable ACs sit inside the room and single-hose models pull in hot outside air through leaks, so they use 30-50% more electricity per unit of cooling than window units.
- Mini split air conditioner: Inverter mini splits slow the compressor instead of cycling it off, so watts are average draw at rated capacity for a 20+ SEER single zone.
Ways to cut either cost
Lets you raise the set point about 4°F for 15-35 W.
See options on AmazonBlock solar heat gain that would otherwise add to cooling load.
See options on AmazonProvides the same cooling for roughly 30-50% less electricity.
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Frequently asked questions
Which costs more to run, a portable air conditioner or a mini split air conditioner?
At typical use and the U.S. average rate (17.99¢/kWh), a portable air conditioner costs about $135 a year versus $110 for a mini split air conditioner. That's $25 more, or 1.2× as much.
How many watts do portable air conditioner and mini split air conditioner use?
A portable air conditioner typically draws 1,100 W (range 700–1,500 W). A mini split air conditioner draws 900 W (range 300–2,500 W). Watts alone don't decide cost. Hours of use, cycling and standby matter just as much.
Rates: EIA, 12 months ending 2026-07. Methodology.