Do portable AC units really work?

Yes, they use the same refrigerant cooling cycle as window units. The trade-off is the exhaust hose must vent through a window. They are less efficient than window units but work well for rooms without window AC options.

How much does it cost to run a portable AC?

An 8,000 BTU unit uses about 900 watts. Running 8 hours per day costs roughly $1-2 per day depending on your electricity rate. A tower fan costs about 5 cents per day.

Best Portable AC and Fans for Cooling