Traditional air conditioning works by utilizing the property’s power supply and steady airflow. In some cases, this may not be possible. Then a battery-operated air conditioner is an option.
There are no restrictions on where it can be taken or operated from. The average AC battery system weighs between 45 to 80 pounds, making it easy to transport and move. A battery-powered AC unit can be used in many different situations. If you plan on going somewhere remote that doesn’t have electricity or camping in an area where it is unlikely you will be able to run a regular AC, then you might consider using a battery-powered AC unit.
Battery-powered air conditioners are also useful in unusual spots such as recreational vehicles, caravans and tents, planes, boats, days out in sunlight, and other vehicles. Or if you live in an area that experiences power outages.
People also use battery-powered AC to cool their cars during long drives. Although modern vehicles have cooling systems., some older vehicles and most the trailers are not.
Do you want a battery-powered air conditioner? Then this guide is for you.
We will take a detailed look at the best battery-operated air conditioners available and highlight the top features of each.
You’ll be able to make an informed decision about which rechargeable battery-operated AC unit is best for you.
Contents
What is a Battery-Operated Air Conditioner?
The battery-operated air conditioner isn’t a fan. An air conditioner’s only function is to cool the air. Every air conditioner, including the battery-powered ones, does this by utilizing a refrigeration cycle.
Heike KamerlinghOnnes, a Dutch scientist, was the first to discover this cycle. He received a Nobel Prize in Physics in 1913.
The entire cycle is complex. The compressor is at the center. It uses a refrigerant and evaporator to condenser and an expansion valve. This allows for the intake of warm air from the surrounding air and the production of cool air.
Now there is only one real battery-powered air conditioner that utilizes a refrigeration cycle on the market. This is Zero Breeze Mark II. You can read our review on this device below. Other reviewed devices are meant to be air coolers and they use wind blowing or ice to cool the air.
The 4 Best Battery-Powered Air Conditioners and Coolers
Zero Breeze Mark II: The Only Battery-Powered Air Conditioner
Air conditioning technology, as we all know, is based on Nobel-prize winning technology in physics. This allowed us to create conventional air conditioners.
The Zero Breeze Mark 2 is another Air conditioning technology has taken a leap forward. Let’s take a look at the top battery-powered air conditioners before we get into its engineering brilliance.
It is extremely portable and battery-powered. The design is futuristic and the cost is high. The Zero Breeze Mark 2’s purpose is to be the ultimate portable air conditioner.
Zero Breeze uses the same air conditioning parts as any other stationary AC unit uses, including the compressor, condenser as well as cool exhaust, and dual-hose vents.
This battery-operated air conditioner can be run for up to five hours, even without any cords. This makes it ideal for:
- Camping.
- Outdoors.
- RVs.
- Small cabins
- Boats
- Automobiles
Let’s now take a look at the specifications:
Capacity is the most important. It’s amazing that a battery can produce such incredible cooling power of 2,300 BTU. It’s considered one of the best small air conditioners.
The battery is a 24V lithium-ion cell that can produce 650W of power. It should last for 3 hours at such high levels of energy (up to 5 hours in optimal conditions). It can be recharged with an outlet. A full recharge takes approximately 5-6 hours. Outdoors you can use car cigarette lighter to recharge the unit.
You can see that the EER rating (energy efficiency rating) of 9.6 is quite high. This air conditioner is the most efficient battery-powered AC unit on the market. It will be fascinating to see how efficient the next model will be.
Zero Breeze engineers were able to keep the AC unit’s weight below 20 lbs by using lightweight lithium-ion batteries. The ideal compromise between portability and capacity is 16.5 lbs
This only battery-powered air conditioner in the world is truly amazing. It is a revolutionary technology, making it quite expensive. There are no comparable products on the market right now.
IcyBreeze V2 battery-powered air conditioner/cooler
The IcyBreeze V2 is the best choice for those looking for the best in battery-powered air conditioners.
IcyBreeze’s innovative battery-powered air conditioner solution combines a cooler and a useful cooling unit. And this combination works great!
The built-in lithium-ion battery powers the IcyBreeze Cooler/AC. It can last between 1.5 and 4 hours depending upon how fast you use it. There are three modes speed modes. The cooler works by blowing air through the cooler to cool air in your vehicle, tent, RV, or other small areas.
The AC unit also includes a battery charger that makes it possible to charge the battery separately from the AC unit.
This AC uses only water and ice to cool the air. It doesn’t contain any harmful chemicals refrigerants. This makes it more eco-friendly for indoor and outdoor use.
You can take it camping, you can use it inside your basement, in your bedroom, or anywhere else that needs battery-powered cooling.
You have three speeds that allow you to control the air conditioner’s power. The directional flexible hose gives you more control over how the airflow is directed. This allows you to create cooling breezes wherever you need them.
The compact dimensions of 23.5×16.25×18.5 inches mean that it will not take up much space either when it is in use or when it is stored away.
The large wheels are designed to glide smoothly over multiple terrains and make it easy to maneuver. The ergonomic handle ensures that you are comfortable while transporting it.
The IcyBreeze V2 portable air conditioner is a great choice. It can be used for camping, hunting, boating trips, and tailgating, as well as cooling your workspace. You can cool down by blowing cold air on your face, as well as popping the top to grab a refreshing beverage.
You’ll need to consider where you can buy more ice and how to keep your batteries charged for longer stays. This is not the best solution if you want to cool your vehicle while it sits in the sun. This unit will not be able to fight the heat inside your vehicle. This unit is not recommended for such use.
The IcyBreeze Portable Air Conditioner V2 comes with a 1-year warranty. IcyBreeze’s customer service is outstanding.
Ryobi 18V One+ Air Conditioner Cooler
Ryobi’s fans will be pleased to know that the company also offers a large capacity drink cooler and an air conditioner unit. Ryobi’s 18-Volt One+ Cooling Cooler runs on a P102 18 volt battery. This is the same one that powers Ryobi’s cordless tools. You will receive the P119 charger (although you may already own one if you have another Ryobi cordless power tool) and one P102 standard battery. As a backup, you can also purchase a longer-lasting lithium-ion battery.
Its robust, large design is strong enough to withstand any outdoor environment. The wheels and pull handle make it easy for you to transport and store in your vehicle, truck, or RV. This unit is more appealing than the IcyBreeze.
A small storage compartment allows you to store small items such as sunscreen, sunglasses, and hats. Although the unit can run for approximately 4 hours on a fully charged battery, it only has a one-speed setting (vs. 3 for IcyBreeze).
I prefer the IcyBreeze to the Ryobi 18V One+ in terms of performance and the IcyBreeze accessories. The Ryobi unit isn’t as well insulated because the ice melts quickly. It is highly unlikely that you will have unlimited ice, so it’s best to be prepared. The cooling life of your unit will be shorter than the battery life. It is also very heavy!
Ryobi is an excellent choice for people who already have Ryobi cordless power tools and wish to be able to use the battery pack for different purposes.
Ryobi P3320 18 Volt Hybrid One+ Battery-Powered Adjustable Indoor/Outdoor Fan
A portable, battery-powered air conditioner may not be within your budget. Instead, you can consider a rechargeable battery-powered fan. Ryobi’s P3320 fan is a great option for camping, RVing, and off-grid.
The fan is powerful with its 2 speeds. Even though it uses battery power, the high setting is quite impressive. This portable fan, like the Ryobi Air Conditioner Cooler, is part of Ryobi’s ONE+ cordless product range and is powered by Ryobi’s P102 18-volt battery. It is the same battery that powers other Ryobi’s cordless tools.
The battery is not included in the fan. If you do not have a charger and battery, you can buy one of the Ryobi lithium ion batteries.
This fan is a favorite of ours. This fan cools down small rooms, tents and RVs well. There are two speeds. It is lightweight at 2.5 lbs and can be carried easily. This is a great option for those who live in an area that is vulnerable to power outages. For longer battery life, we recommend the lithium-ion battery over the One+. For those who plan to go off-grid for long periods, you will need a second battery.
Guide to Buying Battery-Powered Air Conditioner/Cooler
Although buying a battery-powered air conditioner may seem simple, there are important things to know in order to make the best purchasing decision.
We’ll be taking a deeper look at battery-powered air conditioners and answering any questions that you might have. Finally, we will help you choose the right battery air conditioner for you.
How does a battery-powered air conditioner unit work?
Battery-powered units are often less sophisticated than their non-battery powered counterparts. Although they still use evaporation to produce cooling effects, they are not usually equipped with a compressor or evaporator coil. Only Zero Breeze models include an air compressor.
Instead of using a battery-powered unit, a fan powered by ice or cold water is used. Warm air will be drawn in by one fan. If it is passed on the cold surface of water or ice it will cause the evaporation and transport of cold air out to the outside space.
Although it isn’t as efficient as an AC traditional, it is still better than nothing.
What you should consider before buying a battery AC unit
Size
Many people are unaware that battery-powered AC units are smaller than standard AC units and they are not as efficient at cooling large areas.
You should consider the area that you are looking to cool when you search for the best battery-operated air conditioner.
An example: A tent cooling system will use less power and be smaller than an air conditioner that is good for an RV.
Make sure you choose the right size air conditioner battery for your intended purpose. You may want to have an additional battery for extend the working time of the device.
Noise
You will need a quieter unit if you want to keep your air conditioner on while you sleep.
Although most air conditioners that are battery-powered have noise levels below 60 dBA it is still important to be aware of.
Maintenance
Like larger air conditioners they require maintenance in order to work properly. Because they are smaller, they may require more frequent maintenance.
It’s important to consider how easy it will be to maintain your battery-powered air conditioner.
Ask yourself these questions: “Do I have easy access to the water tank or ice?” “Do you have enough capacity to keep it full?” “Can you replace any of the air filters?” “Can it be cleaned while on the go?”
Extra Features
It’s worth looking into the extra features of your battery-powered air conditioner. This is particularly important if your goal is to get the best value for your money.
Many battery-powered air conditioners have USB ports built-in that allow you to charge your digital devices (such as smartphones or tablets) directly from the conditioner. Some air conditioners even come with Bluetooth speakers that connect to a music player. This makes it ideal for camping trips or outdoor parties where you want to enjoy some music while enjoying the great outdoors.
A battery-powered air conditioner with LED lighting may be available. This is an excellent choice if the air conditioner is being used in remote locations and you need enough lighting to see what’s going on.
Frequently asked questions
Are battery-powered air conditioners as effective?
Small spaces can be cooled by air conditioners that are battery-operated. It is typically within 100 sqft (although some manufacturers state 250 sqft as maximum). They can also be used for personal cooling, or to cool air around you.
What is the expected cooling power of battery-operated AC units?
The typical portable air conditioner’s cooling power is between 500 to 1500 BTUs. It usually comes with a 12V lithium battery and can produce up to 40 watts. These portable ACs can run on either water or ice. You should also check for leaks when purchasing portable battery engine AC units. There are many versions of AC units that can be used with different types of batteries. Unfortunately, not all models are made the same. They are equipped with a wall adapter to allow them to quickly charge.
What is the life expectancy of battery-powered air conditioners?
Most of them can work up to 5 hours, then they require battery replacement. Consider taking an additional battery if you plan to use the AC for a longer time. And find the place where you can recharge the batteries. This might be an issue during long trips or far-away campings.
Conclusion
These AC units are not designed for daily domestic use. These ACs are designed to cool in areas where AC is unavailable. They can be used off-grid or in an emergency. They can only run on battery power, so they aren’t as powerful as air conditioners that can be plugged into the power grid. Be realistic about your expectations. They will not cool larger spaces. Most work well in areas under 300 square feet.
Consider the following factors when looking for a battery-powered AC: power, running time, speed settings, weight and, of course, cost. These are the most important factors. You will enjoy your summer with a lightweight, portable unit that is powerful enough to meet your needs.
