Sizzling Summer Savior: Ecoflow Wave 3 Tackles Small Spaces like a Pro
By Klaus Wedekind
Efficiently chills compact spaces using mobile air conditioning unit.
The Ecoflow Wave 3 is a leap forward in mobile air conditioning, with a unique double-hose design that blasts through the warm summer heat. Witness the magic in small spaces like motorhomes, garden cabins, or sweltering rooms when the going gets tough. But don't expect it to hold its own against fixed installations.
Old school mobile air conditioners are limited to one hose, and that's a struggle when the mercury soars. Stiftung Warentest knows this all too well; single-hose systems aren't up to the task, even in ideal conditions, as a vacuum forms in the room. And without fresh air from the outside, it's a losing battle for cooling performance, as warm air forces its way in through cracks, windows, and doors.
Double Hose Advantage
With a second hose drawing in fresh air, these new-school machines can come close to the cooling prowess of a permanent, indoor-outdoor ducted system. The Ecoflow Wave 3 has proven this under optimal conditions, and it won't break your bank at about 800 euros. But don't expect miracles from this compact 15.6-kilogram device.
Its previous model held its own under the sweltering summer sun. The Wave 3, waterproof to IPX4, is designed with optimized technology and now sports a larger R290 cooling capacity (6100 BTU compared to 5100), enabling it to cool spaces up to 17 square meters instead of the maximum 10.
Pumped Up Performance
Other improvements Ecoflow made include an increase in power from 1500 to 1800 watts, which allows for smaller spaces to be cooled efficiently. Test results show that the Wave 3, when faced with a 13 square meter attic room with a 2.35 meter ceiling height, performed admirably.
Still, it's a DIY project. Simply hanging the hoses outside won't cut it. You'll need to do some work, as is the case with all mobile air conditioners. Ecoflow provides a cardboard sheet with two hose-sized holes that you'll need to find or create an appropriate insert, ensuring a seal around both hoses to prevent air from circulating around them.
Cool Breeze Without DIY Headaches
Plexiglas inserts have been used successfully in this context. A specialized company cut a Plexiglas sheet with two hose-sized holes to fit into the window frame, with magnetic adhesive tape for quick assembly and removal. The holes need to be adjusted for the Wave 3's slightly larger hose diameters due to a new insulating layer for added efficiency.
The operation is straightforward, with a brief user manual included in seven languages and additional information available via the Ecoflow app (although limited to English). You can adjust the desired temperature directly on the device, or choose automatic mode or operating mode, and there's even a handy heating function for those chilly nights.
Beyond Cool, Humidify Too!
The Wave 3 also offers a new dehumidification option, letting you set the desired humidity level with arrow keys. All settings and readings are displayed on a clear display above the buttons. The humidity function is activated when you're cooling the room, which means you'll need to empty the collection container via a hose every now and then.
Extra Perks for Pet Parents
New features like a timer and "pet care" add convenience to everyday life, especially for dog-owners waiting in parked vehicles. When pet care is enabled, the Wave 3 will run on maximum cooling until the interior gets down to 25°C (77°F) from the outside temperature of 40°C (104°F), and you'll receive a notification via your smartphone when you're within Bluetooth range.
An optional battery lets the Wave 3 go completely mobile. It attaches to the device and can charge separately via solar panels (not included) for off-grid adventures. Make sure you check the weight; with the battery, the Wave 3 adds another 9.7 kilograms to the original 15.6.
Energy-Efficient, Even on the Move
The battery offers up to 10 years of lifespan, remarkable for a lithium iron phosphate battery, and it can be charged in about three hours from a power socket. Even when running at full power (690 watts), the Wave 3 consumes around 650 watts, making it a relatively thrifty and efficient package. Running eight hours a day, you can expect to spend around 2.40 euros in energy costs.
Note that the test apartment's well-insulated roof and the test room's external shading made conditions ideal for the Wave 3's performance. In hotter, unshaded conditions or direct sun exposure, cooling power might drop significantly.
It's All About Ideal Conditions
The Ecoflow Wave 3 can be a fantastic solution for cooling small spaces. But remember, it needs ideal conditions to really shine. Don't be fooled by its compact size and affordable price. With a bit of prep work, it's ready to give you a cool and comfortable space to relax in—be it on vacation or a hot summer's day at home.
Sources: ntv.de
In the realm of technology advancements, the Ecoflow Wave 3 excels as a mobile air conditioner, boasting a double-hose design that thrives in small spaces like homes, garden cabins, or motorhomes. Meanwhile, smart-home devices and gadgets, including this air conditioner, are regulated by the community policy and employment policy of Ecoflow, ensuring their quality, efficiency, and eco-friendliness.
