Outdoor air conditioners are a great option to cool an outdoor area such as a patio, pool or garage. They are commonly used in sporting events and other outdoor settings as well. These portable outdoor units are unique in that they function differently from traditional air conditioners. 

An outdoor portable air conditioner uses evaporative cooling instead of the usual air compressor and refrigerant. The system works with water! Units can hold anywhere from 15 gallons and up, with models having an intake where you can plug in a hose so the unit always has enough water.

How does it work? The outdoor air conditioner unit pulls the water and flows it through an evaporative cooling pad that looks similar to a traditional coil, but its made of different material. The motor pulls in the air through the cooling pad where the water is flowing, cools the air, and then out though the vent and to you. The cooling pad last anywhere from 3-5 years.

Units have settings that will make the fan run at different speeds and will allow for the media to dry out before shutting of the air conditioner outdoor unit to prevent mold from forming. As far as cost, the units will range from $450 to $8,000 depending on the size and purpose of the unit. Because they are portable, there is really no installation costs involved. Below, we outline several models.

Best Portable Outdoor Air Conditioner Models

The main difference in models has to do with capacity and the size of the area that the unit can cool. 

1. Honeywell Indoor/Outdoor Portable Evaporative Cooler

 

This unit can be used inside or outside and provides a cost effective way to cool an area of about 300 sq. feet. For more information or to purchase this unit, please visit this page.

2. Outdoor Air Conditioner with 500 sq foot capacity

Product Details:

• Superior cooling that can cover up to 500 square feet lowering the temperature as much as 30 Degrees
• 10 gallon water capacity and garden hose hookup
• Constructed of durable one piece, rust free, leak proof, molded polyethylene for tough environments
• Uses high-efficiency KUUL Pads rigid media and tap water to generate as much as 30 Degree cooler air
• Shipped completely assembled and ready to operate, right out of the box

For more details or to purchase this unit with free shipping, please click here.

3. Outdoor Air Conditioner with 700 sq ft capacity

Product Details:

• Superior cooling that can cover up to 700-Square Ft. lowering the temperature 15 to 25 Degrees
• 16-Gallon water capacity and garden hose hookup
• Constructed of durable one-piece, rust free, leak proof, molded polyethylene for tough environments
• Uses high-efficiency KUUL Pads rigid media and tap water to generate 10-25 Degree cooler air
• Shipped completely assembled and ready to operate, right out of the box!

For more details or to purchase this unit with free shipping, please click here.

4. Outdoor Air Conditioner with 900 sq foot capacity

Product Details:

• Superior cooling that can cover up to 900-Square Ft. lowering the temperature 15 to 25 Degrees
• 42-Gallon water capacity
• Three speed operation, cord wrap, and sight tube
• Constructed of durable one-piece, rust free, leak proof, molded polyethylene for tough environments
• Uses high-efficiency KUUL Pads rigid media and tap water to generate 10-25 Degree cooler air

For more details or to purchase this unit with free shipping, please click here.

5. Outdoor Portable Air Conditioner for Patios or Backyards

 

Product Details:

• Lowers outdoor temperature up to 30 degrees F
• Tilt and roll design for maneuverability and easy setup
• Minor assembly required. No installation. Completely portable.
• Uses high-efficiency rigid media for the most efficient temperature drop
• Cord Length, 10 ft.
• Perfect for commercial or residential use
• Voltage: 115 volts
• Equipped with casters, adjustable swing louvers, timer, and low water alarm
• 20 gallon Water Capacity
• Variable Speed
• Does not use harmful chemicals – only water
• Plugs into any standard 110V outlet and requires minimal electricity
• Lightweight and equipped with casters for portability
• Dimensions: 88″ H x 38″ W x 38″ D

Although this unit is the most expensive of the ones presented in this article, it looks great and would be a great addition to any outdoor setting. For more details on this unit or to purchase it with free shipping, click here.

Outdoor portable air conditioners offer the flexibility of cooling areas with little upkeep and are very easy to operate. They are a great way to cool down during those hot summer months without breaking the bank.