Are you looking for the perfect outdoor air conditioner for your patio? Look no further! Spending time with your family in the outdoor space should be comfortable and enjoyable, even during the hot summer months. Outdoor air conditioners, also known as outdoor evaporative coolers, are an excellent solution to create a pleasant and cool breeze in the scorching heat.
Choosing the right outdoor cooling system from the vast array of options available on the market can be overwhelming. Factors like the size of your space and cooling needs are essential considerations. To help you make an informed decision and beat the heat this season, we have curated a list of the best patio air conditioners.
Best Outdoor Air Conditioners for Patio Comparison Table
Before we dive into the details, let's take a look at the comparison table of the best outdoor air conditioners for patio:
| Product | Cooling Capacity | Water Tank Size | Special Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| Honeywell 525-729CFM Indoor Outdoor Portable Evaporative Cooler | Up to 850 sq. ft. | 15.9 gallons | Continuous water supply connection, 3-side honeycomb cooling media |
| Hessaire 3100 CFM 3-Speed Portable Evaporative Cooler | Up to 950 sq. ft. | 10.3 gallons | Low water alarm, removable and washable cooling pads |
| Portacool PAC2KCYC01 Cyclone 3000 Portable Evaporative Cooler | Up to 700 sq. ft. | 16 gallons | Centrifugal air delivery system, adjustable louvers |
| MasterCool MMBT14 Portable Evaporative Cooler | Up to 800 sq. ft. | 8 gallons | Polyester media pads, 4-way directional grille |
| Keystone 40-Liter Indoor/Outdoor Evaporative Air Cooler | Up to 1200 sq. ft. | 10.56 gallons | Dual water fill options, programmable timer |
| KoolKube AZ39MA 2900 CFM 3 Speed Mobile Air Cooler | Up to 900 sq. ft. | 10.5 gallons | Nylon fan blade, PCB-fused switch protection |
| Uninex SAC1800 Indoor/Outdoor KOOLZONE Mobile Spot Cooler | Up to 77 sq. ft. | 0.8 gallons | Dehumidification feature, ETL certified |
How Do Outdoor Air Conditioners Work?
Understanding how outdoor air conditioners work can help you make an informed choice based on your cooling needs. Unlike evaporative coolers, air conditioners operate using a compressor, condenser coil, and a fan. The heat from inside your home is absorbed and transferred to the refrigerant, which is then pumped to the outdoor unit. The heat is dispersed outside, while the cooled refrigerant is pumped back indoors, repeating the process.
Evaporative coolers, on the other hand, operate on the principle of evaporation. Hot air is drawn into the cooler, passing over wet cooling pads. The cool and moisturized air is then released into the room or space, providing quick relief from the heat.
How Humidity Affects Evaporative Cooling
One common misconception is that evaporative coolers are ineffective in humid climates. While extremely high humidity can impact their performance, evaporative coolers can provide relief in any climate. They work by cooling the air through the evaporation of water. However, they are most effective in climates where the average humidity level is less than 30%. As the humidity rises, the cooling capability decreases, affecting the temperature difference between the inside and outside of the space.
To determine if evaporative cooling will be effective, you can measure the wet bulb temperature using a moist cloth and a thermometer. The temperature measured represents the minimum temperature achievable through evaporative cooling. It's important to note that evaporative cooling systems naturally cool the air using water.
Types of Outdoor Air Conditioners
There are several types of outdoor air conditioners and evaporative coolers available. Let's explore the different types:
Outdoor Air Conditioners:
- Central air conditioners: These use a split system to regulate air through installed ducts.
- Window air conditioners: Designed specifically for use on windows.
- Floor-mounted air conditioners: Designed to be placed on the floor, around 6 inches higher.
- Ductless mini-split: Ideal for modern homes, combining outdoor and indoor AC units.
- Geothermal air conditioners: Circulate water through piping with a loop in your home.
- Hybrid/dual fuel air conditioners: Utilize a combination of gas furnaces and electric air-source heat pumps.
- Smart air conditioners: IoT-enabled, including mini-split, portable, and window units.
- Portable air conditioners: Freestanding units similar to window ACs, but with the flexibility to be easily moved.
Evaporative Coolers:
- Direct evaporative coolers: Use water vapor's natural cooling properties to lower air temperature.
- Indirect evaporative coolers: Do not add humidity to the air and allow for cooling to lower temperatures.
- Mounted coolers: Can be mounted on the ground, window, or roof.
What Size of Outdoor Air Conditioner for Patio Do I Need?
Determining the suitable size of an evaporative cooler for your space is crucial. Evaporative coolers are rated by cubic feet per minute (CFM) of the air they deliver. Most coolers available range from 3,000 to 25,000 CFM. Manufacturers recommend providing enough air-moving capacity for approximately 20 to 40 air changes per hour, depending on the climate.
To find the right evaporative cooler for your space, follow these steps:
- Calculate the square footage of your space and multiply it by the ceiling height.
- Divide the result by 2.
- The result is the CFM rating of the swamp cooler you should buy.
For example, a small swamp cooler can effectively cool a space of about 300 sq. ft.
How to Choose an Outdoor Air Conditioner
To choose the best outdoor evaporative cooler, consider the following factors:
- Cooling capacity: Check the CFM rating to ensure it is suitable for your space.
- Cost: Determine your budget and find a cooler that offers the best value for money.
- Portability: Consider the weight, wheels, and handles for easy movement.
- Efficiency: Look for features like adjustable louvers, multiple cooling modes, and programmable timers.
- Size: Ensure the cooler is appropriate for your space to maximize its effectiveness.
Best Outdoor Air Conditioner for Patio Reviews
Here are our top picks for the best outdoor air conditioners for your patio:
1. Honeywell 525-729CFM Indoor Outdoor Portable Evaporative Cooler
The Honeywell CO60PM is a powerful outdoor cooler designed to cool spaces up to 850 square feet. With an airflow of 1540 CFM and oscillating louvers, it ensures fast and even cooling. It features a large 15.9-gallon water tank and a continuous water supply connection for non-stop cooling. The triple-sided honeycomb cooling media and powerful fan blades provide efficient cooling. The unit also has a weatherproof and UV-resistant exterior, making it suitable for extreme outdoor conditions.
2. Hessaire 3100 CFM 3-Speed Portable Evaporative Cooler
The Hessaire MC37V is an ideal cooling option for your pool area, patio, or grill. This cooler can churn out about 3100 CFMs of cold air, enough to cool spaces up to 950 square feet. It features three vented sides with high-grade Xel50 padding for efficient cooling. The removable and washable cooling pads ensure optimal performance. With a low water alarm and a GFCI plug, this cooler prioritizes safety. It also operates quietly with a low noise level of 59 decibels.
3. Portacool PAC2KCYC01 Cyclone 3000 Portable Evaporative Cooler
The Portacool PAC2KCYC01 Cyclone 3000 Portable Evaporative Cooler provides 3,000 CFMs of cold air, capable of cooling spaces up to 700 square feet. With a centrifugal air delivery system and adjustable louvers, it can lower temperatures by up to 30 degrees in a short time. This cooler has dual water filling options, a large 16-gallon tank, and a water flow adjustment valve. It is suitable for both outdoor and indoor use, making it versatile.
4. MasterCool MMBT14 Portable Evaporative Cooler
The MasterCool MMBT14 is a portable evaporative cooler perfect for cooling patios, deck spaces, garages, and workshops. It can cool spaces up to 800 square feet and features polyester media pads that trap dust and other particles. The four-way directional grille and adjustable vents ensure even cooling. This cooler offers dual water fill options and eco-friendly operation.
5. Keystone 40-Liter Indoor/Outdoor Evaporative Air Cooler
The Keystone KSTE9721002-GRY is a powerful evaporative air cooler suitable for spaces up to 1200 square feet. It features a 10.56-gallon water reservoir and offers dual water fill options for convenience. With adjustable louvers, a programmable timer, and a water level indicator, this cooler provides customized cooling. Its GFCI safety plug ensures safe operation, even in wet settings.
6. KoolKube AZ39MA 2900 CFM 3 Speed Mobile Air Cooler
The Koolkube AZ39MA outdoor evaporative cooler offers instant relief from the summer heat, perfect for barns, garages, shops, and warehouses. It can push 2,500 CFMs of cool air into spaces up to 900 square feet. This cooler features a nylon fan blade, PCB-fused switch protection, and dual water fill options.
7. Uninex SAC1800 Indoor/Outdoor KOOLZONE Mobile Spot Cooler
The Nakatomi Uninex SAC1800 spot cooler is designed for smaller spaces, with a cooling power of 6,143 BTUs and coverage of up to 77 square feet. It operates quietly and doubles up as a dehumidifier. This cooler is ETL certified and comes pre-assembled for convenience.
Wrap Up
Choosing the best outdoor air conditioner for your patio is essential for creating a comfortable and enjoyable space for your family and friends. Whether you need a powerful cooler for a large patio or a compact unit for a small area, our selection of top outdoor air conditioners has you covered. Consider the cooling capacity, features, and suitability for your space before making your choice. Beat the heat in style with these fantastic patio air conditioners!