How Long Can You Run A Portable Air Conditioner Continuously?
Keeping cool in the summer months is a priority for many. There isn’t much worse than being unable to escape the heat, even indoors.
One solution to your temperature-related problems is to purchase a portable air conditioner that keeps you cool whenever and wherever.
But how long can you keep it running?
Most air conditioners, whether portable or stationary, have a cut-off time. You can’t constantly run them all day without risking damage to the unit. Here, we examine the run times for portable air conditioners and how to optimize your use.
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.
Some systems will have cut-off mechanisms for when the thermometer senses that the room has reached the ideal temperature or for energy-saving purposes.
It isn’t the continuous use that can prove damaging to your portable AC, but the frequency of turning it off and on. The start-up process requires the most energy from the device, whereas continuous use doesn’t drain the system as much.
You can see the impact of the start-up on the system reflected in how many manufacturers’ warranties are structured. Typically, they emphasize how many times the AC unit has started up rather than the hours of continuous use.
With the proper maintenance, you can expect to get around ten years of use out of your portable AC unit.
EcoFlow WAVE 2 Portable Air Conditioner—Cool Air That Lasts
The WAVE 2 from EcoFlow is a next-generation portable air conditioner that offers longer-lasting cool air. This powerful device can keep you cool for up to eight hours on Eco Mode without recharging.
The EcoFlow WAVE 2 couldn’t be easier to use — it doesn’t require installation, and no drainage is required in cooling mode when the humidity is under 70%!
Is It Better to Run the AC Continuously or in Intervals?
You might feel tempted to give your portable AC unit ‘a rest’ now and again so that it doesn’t wear itself out. However, with the above information in mind, it’s better to keep it running continuously to minimize how much it needs to go through an intensive start-up process.
We understand why this might sound unusual, given that other appliances often require some downtime, but AC units operate differently. Repeatedly turning your AC unit off and on will put significant stress on the compressor, ultimately resulting in wear and tear and shortening its lifespan.
The potential damage from interval use is why portable units like the EcoFlow WAVE 2 come with optional cycles. You can alter your runtimes or blast cold air without damaging the system.
Can I Leave my Portable Air Conditioner Running All Day?
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.
If the temperature rises again, your AC unit will spring back to life to adjust to your preferences.
Ordinarily, leaving electrical appliances on all day is a big no-no, both from an environmental and financial perspective.
Air conditioners consume significant electricity, increasing your carbon footprint and utility bills. But there are ways to make air conditioning less environmentally damaging.
The EcoFlow WAVE 2 is one such solution. With the ability to use a solar generator to operate your portable air conditioner, it lets you stay cool using clean energy. It’s great for your wallet and the environment too!