Ae you looking for the best battery powered air conditioner? Imagine you’re on a picnic in searing hot weather, constantly trying to steer flies away from your food. It doesn’t seem fun, does it?
That’s because you’re missing the most important companion on these trips; a battery-powered air conditioner.
Portable ACs scream convenience. They’re easy to carry, lightweight, and don’t require a power source to work. You can take them on a camping trip, on a picnic, or use them if you’re living in a small studio.
Let’s see what else a battery-powered portable AC can offer.
Get Our Top Pick: Zero Breeze Mark 2!
Table of Contents
What Is a Battery-Powered Air Conditioner?
Battery-powered air conditioners are easily the most convenient conditioners on the market. The fact that they’re portable is what gained them huge popularity. Additionally, with their battery-powered system, you won’t need to drag around a power source.
These conditioners are small in size; they’re not like your typical split conditioner. You can carry them and move them around with ease. Also, they’re suitable for outdoor use.
A battery-powered air conditioner can cool a diameter of 50-250 square feet. Moreover, it can generate up to 40W of power, which is enough for it to run for 10 hours. It also usually comes with a 12V battery.
How Does a Battery-Powered Air Conditioner Work?
Each battery-powered air conditioner works in its own way. Some units work in the same way as window units; they convert the room’s warm air into cool air. These include a drain hose and a ventilation hose.
On the other hand, some units run on ice-cold water. They include containers that you fill with water. They operate by drawing in the cool air from the water and dispersing it throughout the room. These units need refilling and monitoring, so the water doesn’t run out.
Who Needs a Battery-Powered Air Conditioner?
Battery-powered units are designed to cool small spaces without the need for a stable power source. They’re most helpful for people who go on hiking and camping trips frequently. The reason is obvious; they’ll have an escape from the tough heat without having to drag a heavyweight around.
These air conditioners are also ideal for people who can’t afford a window or a split air conditioner at their homes. Battery-powered units are wallet-friendly. Plus, they don’t cost a lot to maintain, unlike other types.
Moreover, if you live in a small space, or in a rented space that doesn’t offer central conditioning, a battery-powered AC will be perfect for you. It’ll also be a good option to consider if you live somewhere where there are frequent power outages.
Considerations When Buying a Battery-Powered Air Conditioner
There is an extensive range of battery-powered air conditioners with hundreds of features available. There are some things to consider if you want to get the one that suits your usage.
Size
You can’t get a small portable AC for a large space and expect it to perform well. The relationship between the AC’s size and the space you want to cool is vital in the purchasing process.
If you’re getting an AC for a room or a camping tent, you won’t need a large one. Any small unit will do. On the other hand, if you’re buying one for your garage or any large space, you ought to get a larger, more powerful one.
Power Source
The power source of your portable AC will determine how much it’ll cost you. Additionally, it’ll decide where you can use it.
There are portable ACs that come with a power supply of 12 volts. Alternatively, some come with a USB connection as a power supply. There are also some units that need plugging into a power outlet.
If you’re getting an AC for your home, any type of power supply will suit you. However, the most suitable one is the latter, which plugs into an outlet. If you’re getting a unit for your camping tent or your RV, this won’t be a smart choice. The right choice for you then will be the 12V power supply.
BTU Power
Not all air conditioners use British thermal units (BTUs), but for the ones that do, it’s a crucial feature to consider. The way these units work, they convert heat into cool air using BTUs. So, your portable AC’s BTU power will determine how much space the unit can cool.
You’ll want to get a battery-powered AC that exerts enough BTUs for your room space. Anything shorter will be a waste of money.
Take a look at these guidelines for further help:
- 200 square feet: 8000 BTUs
- 300 square feet: 10,000 BTUs
- 400 square feet: 13,000 BTUs
- 500 square feet: 14,000 BTUs
Note: These guidelines aren’t taking into consideration your room’s conditions. For example, if you have a heat-producing unit in your room, you’ll need an AC with more BTUs than the usual.
Noise Level
We all sleep with the AC on. You don’t want to get a unit that’ll wake you up in the middle of the night because of its high whirring sound. Besides, you don’t want to get an AC that’ll keep you from communicating properly with your roommates.
That’s why you should check the noise level of the AC before you buy it. That way, you won’t regret getting it.
General Features
Some features are present in most battery-powered air conditioners. Knowing about them will help you choose the best option for your usage.
Changing Airflow
The ability of the unit to change the flow direction is necessary for proper cooling. You’ll want to get an AC that can change the air direction without needing to be moved around. That way, you can enjoy air rotation in your space.
Speed Control
The speed control of the AC is one of its most important features. It controls how fast the AC fan can rotate, which consequently controls the intensity of the air pushed out. If you have a small space that doesn’t need high-speed control, then you shouldn’t have to pay for it.
Safety Sensors
You should check the safety mechanisms of the unit before buying it. It’s better if you get an AC with shut-off sensors for overheating or knocking over. Furthermore, if you have a bucket-style AC, try to get one with a sensor for running dry, so you know when to refill it.
Maintenance
All air conditioners eventually need maintenance. It’s a responsibility that you can’t escape from. However, you can get an AC that doesn’t require frequent maintenance. It’ll be convenient for your usage, and it’ll cost you less.
In all cases, you should know what you’re getting into before you pay for the unit. That way, you can avoid getting an AC that doesn’t suit your lifestyle.
Manufacturer Warranty
We all received a broken product or a unit that doesn’t work properly at some point in our lives. The only thing that’ll save you then is the warranty that the manufacturer issues with his product.
If you don’t check the product’s warranty before buying it, you can pay farewell to your money should something go wrong.
Additionally, you’ll want to read the instructions for the warranty so you know your rights and your duties. That way, you’ll avoid unwanted surprises when trying to fix your portable AC.
Exhaust Hose
Exhaust hoses are responsible for drawing in the air to cool and drain. Battery-powered ACs either have single or dual exhaust hoses. Check how each of them works for better judgment of the unit.
Single Hose
Single-hose ACs work by recycling the air through the same hose. They pull the air in, cool it down, then disperse it back into the room. Some of the air is used to cool the unit before getting blown out of the hose.
The way these ACs work causes negative air pressure because the air runs through the same hose twice.
Dual Hose
These ACs work in the same way; they draw the air in before cooling it and pushing it out again. However, when they use some air to cool down, they blow it out of a separate hose.
This doesn’t cause the negative pressure that single-hose ACs create, mainly because the air enters through a hose and goes out of a separate one.
A fact that you should know about dual-hose ACs is that they have higher energy usage because most of them have two internal fans. Besides, they work more efficiently than single-hose ones because they have a smoother airflow.
Bonus Features
If you’re willing to pay a good amount of money on your portable AC, there are some bonus features that you can enjoy. If you find these features interesting, check if your unit has them before buying it.
Heat Mode
Some battery-powered ACs offer a heat mode; these are suitable for both summer and winter use. When on heat mode, the AC generates heat through an electric heater or a heat pump.
Air conditioners with electric heaters are recommended for freezing conditions, while those with heat pumps are suitable for moderate temperatures.
Sleep Setting
If you sleep with your air conditioner on, you’ll love this option. Some units have a sleep setting that gets them to maintain a specific temperature while you’re asleep.
You’ll only adjust the temperature that you want, and the AC will maintain it as you sleep.
Self Evaporator
Some portable ACs will have you empty them frequently because they collect the humidity from your room. If you don’t want the hassle, you can get one that has a self-evaporator. It’ll cost you a bit more, but it’s worth it.
Dehumidifier
As a man who suffered asthma as a child, I would’ve loved to have an AC with this feature back in the day.
The dehumidifier in battery-powered air conditioners removes the humidity from the room, which refreshes the atmosphere and prevents stuffy air. Additionally, it prevents the growth of mold and bacteria on furniture.
Remote Control
Unlike window conditioners, portable ones don’t always come with a remote control. If you want this option, you’ll have to look for an AC that has it.
Remote controls are pretty useful if you don’t want to get up from your place every time you want to adjust something. It’s especially practical for bedrooms and large spaces.
Why Should You Get a Battery-Powered Air Conditioner?
A battery-powered AC is convenient for a lot of reasons, but the most prominent ones are these three:
Portability
If someone told you decades ago that we would have a portable AC to take anywhere, there’s a good chance you wouldn’t have believed it. The idea is still absurd to some people, making it the most impressive feature of these ACs.
You’re no longer limited to one-room-use conditioners. You can now have a movable unit to take on picnics, trips, and nights over at your friend’s house.
Battery Use
No one wants a unit that must stick to a wall outlet. We all went through this with phone chargers, and trust me, it’s not fun. That’s why battery-powered air conditioners are useful.
They don’t require stable power sources. You only need to charge their battery, and you’re good to go.
Space Convenience
Getting a window-style conditioner for a small room is a tremendous waste of money and energy. At the same time, there aren’t air conditioners that are small enough for some spaces.
That’s when these air conditioners come in handy. They’re cost-effective, energy-saving, and suitable for small spaces. No one needs to suffer the heat just because their room is too small for a fully functioning AC; these battery-powered ones will be just right.
Tips for Portable Air Conditioner Installation
Most portable ACs come with instructions on how to set them up. However, the manufacturer’s manual won’t tell you everything that you need to know, and that’s what I’m here for!
Check these tips out:
- Preparing a place that suits the unit’s dimensions is necessary before getting it. It’ll save you the hassle of where to put it.
- If your unit has an exhaust hose, it’s recommended that you direct it towards a window or another room.
- If your unit has a condensation drain line, you’ll want to position it downward, so it can deposit the waste safely without making a mess.
- Try to place the conditioner so that it’s a bit elevated, but not too much that it’s close to the ceiling. That way, the cold air can disperse properly.
Don’t place the conditioner in a place that’s hard to reach on a daily basis. You may need to change the bucket or clean the filters frequently.
Our Tops Picks for Battery-Powered Air Conditioners
Here are the best battery-powered air conditioners on the market. There are plenty of features available at diverse prices to suit all needs.
1. Zero Breeze Mark 2
The Zero Breeze has the perfect balance between efficiency and portability. Its lightweight allows you to lug it around effortlessly. At the same time, its high-quality frame will endure tough conditions without showing any weakness.
This unit has a cooling capacity of 650W, making it one of the most powerful portable ACs available. It’ll work perfectly well in small spaces and camping tents. It also allows you to control its fan speed. On top of that, the Zero Breeze has a compact design that allows you to store it anywhere when it’s not in use.
Furthermore, the Zero Breeze has some interesting features, such as the LED light and USB port. It also offers a sleep mode.
Customers praised this unit’s design; they especially liked how it’s easy to maneuver and store anywhere. Plus, they mentioned that it lasts long, as long as you maintain it correctly.
Pros
- Built-in dehumidifier
- AC adapter is compatible with all wall outlets
- 12V rechargeable battery
- Three speeds available
- LED night light
- Phone charging port
- Bluetooth speaker
Cons
- High price
- Long charging time
2. MightyKool A
If you’re a single user or a frequent traveler, the MightyKool A is the right choice for you. The 25 MPH fans have different speed options that you can adjust according to your preference.
What’s more, the unit comes with an AC adapter and a 12V adapter. It’s a bucket-style AC that runs on water, and it has a 1-gallon capacity. Additionally, there’s an indicator on its front, so you can see the water level. That way, you’ll know when it needs refilling, so it doesn’t run dry. The water compartment lid closes with four screws to ensure that no leaking happens.
The only downside to the MightyKool is that it’s not suitable for large spaces. It’s only good for a car or a small room.
Users who bought this unit thought it’s a suitable option for small spaces. They mentioned that it’s cost-effective and delivers the expected quality.
Pros
- Energy-saving
- Efficient cooling
- Low price
Cons
- The handle flexes a bit
- Low-quality frame
3. Midea MPF12CR81-E
The Midea air conditioner can deliver up to 14,000 BTUs, which says a lot about its cooling capacity. You can use this unit in spaces up to 400 square feet. It has a higher cooling power than typical portable ACs.
Furthermore, Midea offers dehumidification functions and fan mode, along with the standard cooling mode. You can control these modes, plus the timer and sleep settings, through the LED display provided.
Additionally, there’s an indicator light that alerts you when the filter needs cleaning. I adore convenience, and I love a device that can handle itself, so these features were appealing to me.
You can install this AC in only a few minutes. It comes with everything you need; you’ll just place the airtight bracket in the frame, then connect the exhaust hose.
People who purchased this unit praised how easy it is to install. They liked the fact that you can turn it on instantly after getting it. Moreover, they mentioned that the unit delivers a cool stream of air for a long time uninterruptedly.
Pros
- Easy to install
- Proximity control available
- LED control panel
- Three modes available
- Indication light
Cons
- High noise level
- The remote doesn’t automatically turn off
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4. Spantron 5-in-1
The Spantron is the most versatile portable AC on our list. You can run it on a battery, an electrical cord, or a USB port. It allows you to use it anywhere with whichever method you have available.
This unit has a back vent that works on purifying the air, which makes it ideal for people with seasonal allergies and asthma. Not only that, but it also has an adjustable angle, which means you can angle towards you while you’re sleeping or sitting around.
The Spantron has a relatively quiet sound, compared to other ACs. Additionally, it comes with nightlight in six different colors, along with a sterilizing UV light that protects your furniture from bacteria and mold.
The users had a lot to say about the Spantron. The purifying vent gained approval from most of them. Plus, they loved the essential oil compartment that comes with the unit. The only thing that was somehow challenging for them is finding the USB port place, which is placed on the back of the unit.
Pros
- Battery, USB port, and electrical cord operation
- UV light
- Six-choice night light
- Essential oil tray
- Lightweight
Cons
- Not suitable for large spaces
- Water leaks
5. Black & Decker BPACT08WT
The Black & Decker AC’s most prominent feature is its adjustable BTU power. It offers 4 BTU levels to choose from, which means that it suits different spaces. Additionally, it can cool up to 350 square feet, which is more than most portable ACs can offer.
This unit is pretty easy to handle. It has wheels on the bottom, so you don’t have to lift it. Plus, it’s installation is a piece of cake. I, personally, didn’t encounter any obstacles while trying it.
Black & Decker didn’t hold back on this one. Despite its small size, this AC has 3 different modes; cooling, fan mode, and dehumidifying. The fan mode, in particular, will save you a lot of energy costs.
Furthermore, the AC has a timer and a heat mode. There’s also a built-in LED display, as well as a remote control that comes with it.
Users loved the ease-of-use of this unit. Also, they liked the fact that it self-evaporates without the need to empty the water tray.
Pros
- Self-evaporator
- Timer
- LED display
- Remote control
- Wheels for ease of handling
- 3 modes available
Cons
- Difficult to move on stairs
- A bit noisy
- If it’s knocked down, you’ll have to keep it off for 24 hours
The Verdict for The Battery Powered Air Conditioner
The best battery-powered air conditioner on our list is Zero Breeze Mark 2. It’s a great upgrade from the brand’s Mark 1, and it has everything you need in a portable AC.
Furthermore, the dehumidifying mode is pretty useful; it’s practically two machines in one. The bonus features on this unit are also impressive, including the phone charging port and the Bluetooth speaker.
If you want to cool a moderate-spaced room without having to pay a hefty amount, this is the right choice for you.
Related: you might like our post about the best air conditioner coil cleaner.
