Whether you think about having an adventure trip in your car or need to do a business trip, the thought of burning hot car seats and hot air brings down your energy. Why not have a portable car AC to make your trips lighter and more delightful? No matter how long and hot a journey you will make, a portable car AC would change the scenario.
Planning to have a fun summer next year? Well, you need to get ready for that by choosing a suitable car AC. Don’t worry if you have never purchased a car AC before because we will guide you through our helpful tips. So let’s get started.
Tips for Choosing Portable AC for Car Adventures
The more accurate AC you put in your car, the better cooling experience you can have. There are different sizes of the portable ACs, and you need to choose considering your car size. For having the best possible experience, here are a few things that you need to look out for before you select the perfect portable AC.
Consider the Size of the Portable AC
Starting from mini and going up to large sizes; there are many options when considering the size of the portable ACs. Depending on how big or small your car is, you can select a bigger or smaller capacity portable AC. The ideal range capacity of a portable car is 4,000 to 7,000 BTUs. Any unit within this range will be sufficient to provide adequate cooling.
Investing in a smaller-than-required unit will not provide you with enough cooling, while on the other hand, if you get a larger-than-required unit, it will need more energy. By measuring the interior dimensions of your car, you can determine the cooling capacity of the portable AC that your car needs. Here's how you can choose the size of the portable AC:
- Get the manufacturer's information about your car's interior dimensions or measure your car's interior dimensions yourself.
- To accurately determine the cooling capacity of the unit, calculate the BTUs using an online calculator.
- Factors such as the weather, insulation, and time of use should be considered. To determine the portable AC size, you just need that information.
You can’t empty the water tank frequently so make sure you get the one with more capacity.
Understand the Power Requirements of Portable AC
Different portable ACs require other power inputs to work efficiently; that’s why you need to take into account the power need of the portable AC you are choosing. You may use an external source or a car battery to power the unit, but in any case, it’s better to choose a portable AC that needs less power. The power consumption is measured in watts; a smaller unit designed for a car will need around 200 to 600 watts.
These units are more cost-effective and energy-efficient as they quickly work on a 12-volt DS supply from a car battery or with a small external source. But as the size of the portable AC will increase, the need for power will also increase, making it difficult for you to deal with it.
Power Supply and Adapters of Portable AC
The power supply, whether it's your car's battery or a portable power source, must match the power requirements of the portable car AC. A power source that is unmatched or insufficient wouldn't let your car AC work well, causing distress to you. Apart from the power supply, the power adaptors also play an essential role. The power adapters change power supply ratings to match the unit's requirements, like the one you use to charge laptops.
Usually, you'll have to add an external portable power source for powering the car AC because a car battery won't be enough. You may have to spend extra money adding up external power sources like batteries, solar panels, etc.
Temperature and Humidity Control of Portable AC
Maintaining a pleasant environment inside the car is more accessible with temperature and humidity control. Your comfort can be enhanced with adjustable temperature settings, fan speeds, and dehumidifying functions. This will not be a problem since most advanced units have these features.
Thermostats aren't just an excellent feature; they also serve a practical purpose. The energy consumption of your car can be significantly reduced with an efficient temperature control system. For those using the car battery to run their portable AC, this feature is much needed. It'll save you a lot of battery capacity.
Portability and Installation
Do not choose a heavy and colossal car AC because you need to add it to your car, and of course, cars are already compacted enough. Focus on portability because then you can easily use the car AC on the go without having space issues.
Although installation isn’t much of a consideration for portable units, they don’t need to be fixed in the car. Go for portable ACs that are simple to set up and don't require complex mounting or modifications to install and operate. Currently, portable AC units having a hand-carry style are pretty popular.
Energy Efficiency and Noise Levels
Energy efficiency means your car AC will need less power to provide a soothing and cooling car environment. You can save a lot of dollars by keeping it accessible for your pocket, too. It'll reduce your energy consumption, save you money, and slow the depletion of the power source. You can check the efficiency by viewing the Energy Efficiency Ratio (EER) in the specifications section. An 8.5 and above rating is good enough.
AC units often sound unpleasant and can be distracting when you're driving. You should opt for a model with low noise levels. The decibel ratings are mentioned in the unit's specification; choose a model with lower ratings. Higher noise levels take away the peace from your journey.
Budget and Price Comparison
The portable AC market is quite saturated; there are many options. If you do extensive market research, getting an affordable and efficient unit is not a problem. Keep a budget range in mind before you explore the market. Try not to overspend and go about your requirements. If you want an idea of prices, visit online stores.
The best way to compare prices is by comparing features, energy efficiency, and cooling capacity. The expensive units are not always the best; it's better to compare your options.
Brands and Warranties
Ready to make your purchase? Don't miss out on brands and warranties. Go for renowned and reliable brands having extensive service networks and post-sales customer care. Portable car ACs can be an expensive investment; opting for newer or unreliable brands to save some bucks is not a good decision.
Besides that, check warranties offered by different brands. A more extended warranty means a reliable and efficient unit. Also, check the warranty coverage before making the final decision. Considering all these factors will make your purchase the best buy.
Power Station to Power Your Car Adventures
Car battery is least preferred to power an AC unit. It's just not enough and unreliable, and you would not like to be stuck in the middle of nowhere with a low battery.
What alternate options do you have to power portable AC for the car? That’s where BLUETTI comes into the picture. It offers ultimate power solutions with next-level portability and efficiency.
Introducing BLUETTI AC180 Solar Portable Power Station, a perfect choice to power a 12-volt AC unit. It has an 1152 Wh capacity, enough to run the unit for a few hours. The device is highly portable with a convenient handheld design. It'll not take up much space and can fit easily inside the car or in the trunk space.
The device has advanced LiFePO4 battery technology to ensure efficiency and longevity. It supports multi-way recharge; you can charge it at home or with your car while on the go. The blazing-fast recharge gets it ready within 45 minutes. For control and monitoring, the device has an integrated display and smart app control. It has multiple AC/DC ports to power appliances alongside the AC unit.
This device completes with an addition of BLUETTI PV200 Solar Panel to charge anywhere. The panel is efficient, with a high conversion rate to capture every ray of solar energy. It is made using durable material with a long-lasting ETFE coating. The panel is highly portable and foldable, plus it is lightweight and easy to carry.
BLUETTI AC200MAX Expandable Power Station is a more powerful option for heavy portable AC units. It has a 2048Wh capacity with 8192Wh of expandability. The device is highly portable but a little bit heavier. It has a convenient design and can easily fit in your car trunk. You can charge it through any power source. It supports dual fast recharging; you can charge it using solar and AC power.
The device can power a 5000 BTU air conditioner for 1 to 4 hours continuously. It has multiple AC/DC ports to run different appliances and charge your devices. You can control it through a mobile application; its connectivity is seamless. Moreover, the device has high-built quality and advanced LiFePO4 battery technology.
Final Thoughts
When you are on the road, and the sun blazes, adventure turns into misery. However, an efficient portable AC can change it once and for all. No matter how hot it gets outside, you'll be cool inside your car. Following our tips, you can get the best BLUETTI portable AC for the car. Check your requirements and begin the market hunt!
