The time it takes for a portable air conditioner (AC) to cool a room depends on several factors, including the size of the room, the cooling capacity of the AC unit, the initial temperature of the room, and the desired temperature. Generally, it can take anywhere from 10 minutes to an hour or more for a portable AC to cool a room.
To provide a more specific estimate, it's necessary to consider the British thermal units (BTUs) of the portable AC unit and the size of the room in square feet. As a general guideline, a portable AC with a cooling capacity of 5,000 BTUs can cool a room up to 150 square feet, a 10,000 BTU unit can cool a room up to 450 square feet, and so on.
However, it's important to note that these estimates can vary based on factors such as insulation, ceiling height, heat sources in the room, and local climate conditions. Additionally, the starting temperature and desired temperature will affect the cooling time. If the room is significantly hotter than the desired temperature, it may take longer to cool.
To maximize the efficiency of a portable AC, it's recommended to close doors and windows in the room being cooled, ensure proper insulation, and minimize heat sources like sunlight or appliances. Regular maintenance of the AC unit, such as cleaning filters and vents, can also help optimize cooling performance.