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How Many Watts Does a Portable AC Use? Watts and Amps by Model
A portable air conditioner uses about 900 to 1,400 watts, or about 8 to 12 amps at 115 volts. GE rates its 6,250 BTU (SACC) APFA10 at 900 watts, Whynter its 14,000 BTU ARC-14S at 1,300 watts maximum, and LG its 14,000 BTU LP1419IVSM at 1,370 watts. Running one for 8 hours uses about 7 to 11 kWh at full power.
Portable AC watts and amps (manufacturer specs)
| Model | Cooling (ASHRAE / DOE SACC) | Watts | Amps |
|---|---|---|---|
| GE APFA10YBMW | 9,000 / 6,250 BTU | 900 W | 8.0 A |
| Whynter ARC-14S (dual hose) | 14,000 / 9,500 BTU | 1,300 W max | 11.6 A |
| LG LP1419IVSM (dual inverter) | 14,000 / 10,000 BTU | 1,370 W | 12.0 A |
Sources: GE Appliances, Whynter, and LG product specifications, all 115V. The larger ASHRAE number is the older rating; SACC (seasonally adjusted cooling capacity) is the current DOE rating and is lower.
Find your own number: the label on the back or side of the unit lists watts and amps.
Portable AC vs window AC
Compare LG's own ratings: LG rates its 12,000 BTU LW1216ER window unit at 990 watts, compared with 1,370 watts for its 10,000 BTU (SACC) portable above. See How Many Watts Does a Window AC Use?
How much electricity does a portable AC use?
Watts x hours / 1,000 = kWh. At full power for 8 hours:
| Unit | kWh for 8 hours | Cost at 17 cents per kWh |
|---|---|---|
| GE APFA10 (900 W) | 7.2 kWh | About $1.22 |
| Whynter ARC-14S (1,300 W) | 10.4 kWh | About $1.77 |
| LG LP1419IVSM (1,370 W) | 11.0 kWh | About $1.86 |
Once the room cools, the compressor cycles or slows down, so real use is usually lower.
Can a power station run a portable AC?
For a short time. The station's output must be higher than the AC's watts, and the battery drains fast at this power level.
| Power station | Capacity / output | GE (900 W) | LG (1,370 W) | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jackery Explorer 1000 v2 | 1,070 Wh / 1,500 W | About 1.1 hours | About 0.7 hours | From $499 |
| Jackery Explorer 2000 v2 | 2,042 Wh / 2,200 W | About 2 hours | About 1.3 hours | From $899 |
| Jackery HomePower 3000 | 3,072 Wh / 3,600 W (7,200 W surge) | About 3.1 hours | About 2 hours | From $1,349 |
Hours = capacity x 0.9 / watts at full power. Capacity, output, and surge are from each product page. For all-night cooling on battery, a fan uses a fraction of the power: see How Many Watts Does a Fan Use?
What size generator runs a portable AC?
A 115V portable AC is an easy load for a home backup generator. The DuroMax XP5500HX (5,500 starting / 4,500 running watts, CO alert, $629) runs a 1,370 W portable AC plus a refrigerator and lights. For two or three units, the DuroStar DS8000iX (6,500 running watts, inverter, $999) adds room. Browse portable generators.
Need help sizing? Call 1-888-855-7286. Send us the watts or amps from your AC's label, and we will match you to a generator or power station.
Portable AC wattage FAQ
How many watts does a portable AC use? About 900 to 1,370 W for the GE, Whynter, and LG models above.
How many amps does a portable air conditioner use? About 8 to 12 amps at 115V.
How much does it cost to run a portable AC for 8 hours? About $1.22 to $1.86 at full power, at 17 cents per kWh.
Do portable ACs use more power than window ACs? In LG's lineup, yes. LG's 12,000 BTU window unit is rated at 990 W, while its 10,000 BTU (SACC) portable is rated at 1,370 W.
Can a generator run a portable air conditioner? Yes. A 4,500 running watt generator runs a 1,370 W portable AC with room for a fridge and lights.