ACs are an effective solution to counter heat indoors. But can you use an AC for outdoors?
Portable AC works effectively outdoors. However, due to their complex functioning and high wattage requirement, there are some important checks to mark. This includes their installation, which varies with open and closed environments, and finding a reliable power backup to fulfill their wattage requirement.
Additionally, investigating various factors that affect their performance is crucial when choosing an AC for outdoor use. For a reliable power option, BLUETTI power banks are ideal. To further understand how to use an AC outdoors, read this guide.
Can You Use a Portable AC for Outdoors?
Portable ACs are modern versions of conventional ACs. They are specifically designed to be used outdoors and can cool open spaces if provided with the required power needs. However, it is important to note that their operations are not as effective outdoors as indoors.
These units come with an easy installation setup, making their mobility easy. Their working process is synonymous with that of a refrigerator. It involves providing cooling by extracting the warm air through vents or ducts and converting it into a cold breeze.
While installing, it is recommended to place them 9 to 12 inches away from obstructions.
Where Do You Plan to Use It Outdoors?
The concept of AC mobility was a draconic dream as it involved moving heavy units. Portable ACs changed the scenario. They are flexible and offer easy mobility, making it easy to shift them from place to place. However, it is crucial to maintain venting as their working process involves a vapor compression cycle.
Using your portable AC could be for two purposes. Either you want to cool your cabin, RV, or any other closed space outdoors. In the second case, it can be used to enjoy the cool breeze in the open air while sipping your coffee, relaxing on a chair, or doing any specific tasks.
Venting in portable ACs is flexible, but their effectiveness varies in closed and open spaces. Here is a comprehensive discussion about this.
-
Using Your Portable AC Outdoors in A Closed Environment
Choosing a portable AC to use outdoors for cooling a closed space like an RV, tent, or cabin is a good idea. In fact, it is a great choice as portable AC can effectively fulfill the needs.
The only limitation here is the provision of a reliable power supply to run your AC. The power requirement of AC is written on their labels in BTU. However, it is recommended to have a high-power generator than your AC requirements.
BLUETTI portable power stations are the best choice for a reliable power source. They supply free-of-cost power, are easy to commute, and have zero noise and air pollution. Other than this, conventional fuel generators can also be used. But their continuous fuel supply with high fuel costs could burden your pocket heavily.
-
Using Your Portable AC Outdoors in an Open Environment
A cool breeze in hot weather is something that everyone wishes for. A portable AC can easily fulfill this dream. However, there are some limitations that should be considered while using an AC outdoors in the open environment.
An AC is designed to balance temperature within a closed space. In an open environment with no boundaries where air passes freely, the ability of AC to provide cooling becomes limited.
In such a scenario, AC can only provide cool air until they are functioning. When interacting with the surrounding hot air, this cool air also raises its temperature due to heat exchange. Ultimately, the air that reaches you is not as breezy and cool as compared to the same air in a closed space.
Thus, using portable AC in an open environment might not be good. They consume a lot of power, and at this expense, the delivered air quality is not impressive. A lot of other appliances, like cooling fans that utilize ice to cool air, misting fans, and evaporative collars, are more recommended.
They are less costly, require much less power, and are way more easy to set up. You only need a small portable power station like BLUETTI AC70, and this can run your cooling appliances for hours.
How to Power Portable AC for Outdoors？
The average power requirement of a portable AC lies between 300 and 400 watts, with a surge power need of around 800 to 1000 watts.
The most portable ACs available on the market support both AC and DC power sources. However, some units specifically support only run AC or DC current.
If you don’t have a readily available AC current, which is mostly the case, your portable AC will not work. For DC current, a car battery inverter can be utilized. However, due to high power requirements, this can drain your battery charging rapidly.
The best solution to power portable AC outdoors is to use a portable power station with multiple charging streams to ensure you never run out of power.
How to Choose a Portable AC for Outdoor Use?
Portable AC is a viable option to be used outdoors. Compared to conventional AC, they are energy efficient, and their installation process is easy. However, some important points should be considered when buying a portable outdoor AC.
Which capacity of AC can fulfill your needs?
The capacity of an AC is measured in BTU (British thermal unit). The more BTU an AC will require, the more powerful its cooling will be. However, with an increased BTU rating, the AC wattage consumption also increases.
So, choosing an AC according to your space size and power production capacity is important. Normally, an 8000 BTU unit would be enough for a Travel trailer or cabin to cool your place effectively.
Easy mobility
Outdoor activities could vary from a small dinner in your backyard to camping off the grid. A small and easily portable AC could help you save much of your space and energy while moving from place to place.
However, it's important to understand your power needs first and then choose for a portable AC.
Power options
The powering options of portable AC are crucial to consider. As discussed above, most ACs support both AC and DC phases. While some only come with one power option.
If you have a good power station like BLUETTI, you can opt for any portable AC because these power stations support all current options. In other cases, your AC should align with your power-supplying device.
Easy installation and use
No one wants a long, hectic process to install their portable AC. Setting up an AC requires arranging drainage space and creating duct holes for ventilation. However, some newer models have built-in ventilation and drainage systems that can save you time and hard work.
Use time
Portable ACs are heavy-duty appliances that require a sufficient amount of power to continue their functions. While each unit has its own power needs, calculating their run time accordingly with your power station’s capacity is important.
Imagine you are camping and enjoying the cool breeze, and suddenly, your AC stops working. This could definitely ruin your camping experience. BLUETTI power stations can help you out with their high output capacity and expandable battery options. Below are 3 top power station options that can help you run your portable AC smoothly while outdoors.
BLUETTI portable power stations to run your portable AC
There are scores of portable power stations in the market, each with its own set of offerings. However, not every unit is compatible with running your portable AC outdoors. Thus, we have separated 3 portable power stations depending on their output capacity to run your AC. You can choose what aligns best with your needs.
BLUETTI AC180 Solar Portable Power Station
The AC180 has a power output of 1800W and a battery capacity of 1152Wh. This means it can run a 1500W portable AC for 1-1.5 hours with other appliances like a 120W refrigerator, 70W laptop charger, and 15W mobile charger.
To ensure you never run out of power, you can charge this unit through 4 different current streams, including AC, solar, car, and generators. With its exceptionally fast charging, it only takes 45 minutes to charge the battery from 0% to 80%.
Further, to make it compatible with all your appliances, it has 11 output ports and can be operated through the BLUETTI smart app. This mini-unit is a perfect choice if your power needs are limited.
BLUETTI AC200L Portable Power Station
With its 2400W output ratings and 2048Wh battery capacity, AC200L can run an 8000BTU portable AC for 2 to 4 hours. In case you want to boost the run time, its battery capacity is expandable up to 6348Wh.
It has six charging streams and multiple AC/DC outlets to make it compatible with all types of portable AC.
Further, AC200L is integrated with a battery management system to ensure optimum working in hot and cold environments to make it safe during all weather conditions.
BLUETTI AC300 + B300
If you want to run your portable AC for an extended period of time along with other appliances like lights, refrigerator, and TV, AC300 could help you out. The unit has 3000W outpower and surge power of 6000W.
Its built-in LiFePO4 battery capacity is 3072 Wh, which could be increased to 12288Wh with four additional B300 batteries. Talking about its life span, it offers 3500 plus charge cycles. This means it has a life span of more than 10 years with one charge cycle per day.
Other specifications include 7 charging streams, 10 plus output ports with 2 wireless charging ports, Bluetooth and wifi operations, and simultaneous recharge and discharge.
Final Thoughts
There are no qualms about using portable AC outdoors. However, multiple factors like run time and installation should be considered to ensure their efficiency. Furthermore, these appliances are built for temporary use. Their prolonged application could decrease their efficiency, ultimately affecting their life span.
BLUETTI power banks are the best solution to power your portable AC outdoors. They come with 4-year hassle-free warranty, lifetime customer support, and a price match guarantee. This means if you find any of the products costly as compared to other related products, you can claim the extra amount within 30 days of your purchase.
With this said, best of luck for all your outdoor endeavors.
