Evaluating Portable ACs for Home Use: My Experience Testing One in a Heatwave

In numerous regions across the United States, people are enduring relentless heat without reprieve, with extreme heat warnings becoming routine notifications on the news and our devices. My life near the desert, where sweltering triple-digit temperatures were the norm for a decade, acquainted me with hot climates. Yet, those scorching temps differ remarkably from the high heat paired with oppressive humidity levels of over 60% striking the East Coast now.

Faced with such conditions, one of our two air conditioning units couldn't keep up. HVAC repair services are overloaded with callouts, which left us to fend for ourselves, leading me to test the EcoFlow Wave 3 unit.

Unpacking the EcoFlow Wave 3

The Wave 3 by EcoFlow serves as a versatile portable device performing cooling, heating, and dehumidifying tasks. It can operate off-grid, using its battery or harnessing solar power.

This model improves upon its predecessor, the Wave 2, introducing modes like Auto, Dehumidify, Sleep, and a specialized Pet function. Despite its hefty weight, exceeding 50 pounds with a battery attached, the device is relatively simple to set up. Integration with the EcoFlow app allows both Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity, transforming your phone into a remote control for seamless adjustments.

Situational Testing during Intense Heat

Over several weeks, the EcoFlow Wave 3 was intermittently tested. My husband works from a perfectly soundproofed home office added to the structure post-construction. Despite great insulation, it lacks direct HVAC integration and windows, which means it heats up excessively in summer.

This room became our prime testing ground as harsh summer set in. Using a previously-made opening for cords, the Wave 3's exhaust was vented outside, effectively dropping the temperature by nearly 20 degrees Fahrenheit in under an hour. Once cooled, the temperature held steady as long as power flowed. In Max mode, battery life was brief at roughly two hours, but using Eco mode extended this to about eight hours.

I've observed that the Wave 3 is particularly well-suited for well-insulated rooms rather than spaces like tents or poorly insulated environments. While it's great for comfort, it shouldn't be relied upon in critical safety situations.

Performance and Limitations

Although more robust than its forerunner, the device is not designed to substitute a full-fledged air conditioning system. The Wave 3 delivers 6,100 BTU for cooling and 6,800 BTU for heating—about half the power of a typical wall unit, albeit at a higher cost.

Deciding on its utility and price value depends on your specific needs.

Real-life Deployment: Cooling Challenges

Our upstairs AC quit amid a heatwave, compelling me to repurpose the Wave 3 as a stopgap for the children's playroom and bedrooms as temperatures soared to 93 degrees inside against 102 outside.

The playroom, bustling with toys and creative supplies, turned unpleasantly hot. I positioned the Wave 3 on a table, cutting foam for the window ducts as per the provided stencil. The dual ducts drew fresh air indoors while expelling heat, gradually bringing the room's temperature from 86 down to a manageable 75 degrees.

While the Wave did manage to initially bring down temperatures, sustained cooling under extreme outside heat presented challenges, as evidenced by a slower reduction, and an eventual plateau even at 78 degrees. Midday sun exposure put an additional load on the unit.

Tests confirmed that the Wave 3 is best suited for moderated conditions and shouldn't be leant on during heatwaves. Looking ahead, evaluating its heating efficacy during winter will offer further insights.

Nonetheless, for more tolerable indoor temperatures, particularly when the room is populated, it's a more comfortable space for our children to play, allowing for uninterrupted work.

Recommendations for Use

While the EcoFlow Wave 3 has merits for those living off-grid or in small, self-sufficient homes, it isn't the remedy for emergency cooling needs. Its performance under duress is limited, suitable rather for comfort during travels or similar activities.

Though offering improved functionality over earlier versions and supporting solar recharging, the expense is significant. Its effective range is up to roughly 175 square feet, with larger areas posing a challenge.