If you've ever been concerned about the rising cost of running your air conditioner all day, you're not alone. Team Clark is always on the lookout for simple and effective ways to lower your AC bill. That's why we were intrigued when we came across the "As Seen On TV" personal space cooler called the Arctic Air.
In this Arctic Air review, we'll dive into the details and test out this product to see if it lives up to the infomercial hype. So, let's get started!
What You Need to Know about Arctic Air
Arctic Air claims to cool the air around you where you need it the most, all while using the size and power consumption of a small fan. The product works by pulling warm air from the room through its evaporative water filter, which not only cools the air but also humidifies it.
According to the commercial, Arctic Air can turn hot spaces into cool and refreshing places for just pennies a day. It's designed to cool kitchens, living rooms, offices, bedrooms, and even outdoor spaces. Some of the device's features include a digital thermostat, up to eight hours of runtime on one fill, air purification, and the ability to be plugged into any standard outlet or USB port. It even comes with a soothing nightlight.
Our team tested the Arctic Air in various settings, both indoors and outdoors, and even in a car, to see if it could deliver on its promises.
Where's the Digital Thermostat?
One of the claims made in the commercial is that the Arctic Air has a digital thermostat for precise control. However, the unit we tested did not have a digital temperature display. It only had a power button, a speed control button, and a light display button. We reached out to Arctic Air's customer service department and were informed that the digital thermostat is only available on a more expensive model.
There’s no thermostat on this Arctic Air unit.
Arctic Air vs. Small Fan
After filling up the Arctic Air with water and turning it on, we compared its cooling capabilities to that of a small fan. The Arctic Air blew cooler air at a close distance, but the fan had a more intense airflow. Additionally, the Arctic Air proved to be quieter than a regular fan.
Indoor test: Arctic Air blew cooler air than a small fan.
Hair Dryer Test
To replicate a test from the infomercial, we used a hair dryer to blow hot air into the back of the Arctic Air unit. Surprisingly, warm air came out of the other side. This indicates a failure in the cooling mechanism, as it should be able to cool down the warm air.
Arctic Air failed our version of the hair dryer test from the infomercial.
Taking It Outside
When we tested the Arctic Air outside on a hot and humid day, it didn't provide much relief. We could only feel its cooling effect from less than three feet away when the unit was on high. It's worth noting that the last page of Arctic Air's product guide states that it's recommended for dry locations only, but this detail wasn't included in the commercial.
Arctic Air doesn't do well in humid climates!
Car Test
We decided to test the Arctic Air in a car by plugging it into a USB port. However, after running for 10 minutes on the high setting, the temperature in the car actually increased by a degree. This means that the Arctic Air failed to provide any significant cooling effect even in a small space like a car.
Arctic Air didn't cool off a car after running for 10 minutes.
Arctic Air Review Summary
After conducting our tests, it's clear that the Arctic Air fell short in almost every aspect. It's unlikely that using the Arctic Air will significantly lower your air conditioning bill since it only cools you down if you're sitting right next to it.
Moreover, if you live in a humid climate, the Arctic Air is not suitable for outdoor use as it's recommended for dry locations only. Additionally, the cost of the unit itself, starting at $40, and the need to replace filters every three to six months for an extra $10, make it a pricey investment.
While the idea behind the Arctic Air is intriguing, it doesn't deliver on its promises effectively. If you've already purchased an Arctic Air personal space cooler, we'd love to hear your experience in the comments below.
This article was originally written by Michael Timmermann and published on June 30, 2018.
