Tents with AC Ports and How to Air Condition a Tent
On the 26th of May, 2021, the information was updated. Summer is one of the most pleasant seasons for camping, given to the long days and pleasant temperatures. One big disadvantage of summer camping, however, is that the tent is frequently too hot, too stuffy, and too unpleasant to sleep in, especially while attempting to fall asleep. However, just because you’re camping in a tent doesn’t rule out the possibility of taking use of the conveniences of air conditioning. If you do decide to air-condition your tent, however, there are a few essential components that you must have in order to provide the most comfort and convenience of operation possible.
Tent Air Conditioners
When it comes to camping air cooling, there are two major varieties to pick from: a window AC unit and a free-standing air conditioner. Window AC units are the most common form of air conditioner used for tent air conditioning, while free-standing air conditioners are more common.
Window AC Units and Tents
When it comes to tent air conditioning, the most frequent and identifiable choice is a window air conditioning unit. If you do decide to go with a window air conditioner, however, it is recommended that you purchase a unit that is not too large. For two reasons: the first is that you will undoubtedly have to transfer and move this air conditioning unit about, so the smaller the better. The second is that the smaller the unit, the more energy efficient it is. Choosing a smaller window air conditioner is also advantageous because they often have less BTUs, which will prevent the tent from being too chilly or damp inside.
For its tiny size, low BTUs, and ease of operation, theFrigidaire Mini-Compact Air Conditioner, which you can find on Amazon by clicking here, is our favorite window tent air conditioner.
Free Standing Air Conditioner and Tents
Air conditioners for tents are also available in two different varieties: portable air conditioners and freestanding air conditioners. Rather of having the air conditioner dangle off the side and outside of the tent, these AC units are designed to sit within the tent and are fitted with a hose that leads out to the outside. They are one of our favorite types of tent air conditioners because of their stealthy nature and the fact that they do not necessitate the usage of a tent with an AC connection.
It may be installed outside of any hole that will handle a 6 or 8-inch hose.
The fact that they sit directly on the ground eliminates the need for an AC stand, which is another advantage of the free-standing air conditioning unit.
You can learn more about our preferred free-standing air conditioner for tent camping by visiting Amazon.com. The Rosewill Portable Air Conditioner is our top pick for tent camping. as a result of its smaller size and lower BTU output
Do You Need A Tent with AC Port?
It is true that if you intend to use a window AC unit for camping air conditioning, you will require a tent with an AC connector that will allow you to attach your window AC unit to one of the tent’s sides. There are a variety of various approaches you can take to do this, but the best and most straightforward is to get a camping tent that already has an air conditioning port or an air conditioning flap built into the tent. The Ozark Trail 12-Person 3 Room Instant Cabin Tent, which you can see on Amazon by clicking here, and the Bushnell Shield Series Instant Cabin Tent, which you can see on Amazon by clicking here, are the two best tents with AC ports that we discovered.
The fact that these tents are so versatile is what makes them such a good choice since they allow you to close the AC flap when not using the tent in the spring or fall when camping air conditioning is not required.
However, this is not for the faint of heart, because once you have cut a hole in the side of your tent, there is no turning back.
Also, remember to seam the edges of the hole to prevent the tent material from fraying.
Electric and a Camping AC Stand
Last but not least, a dependable supply of energy and an air conditioning stand are required when camping with air conditioning. Because air conditioners consume too much electricity, it is not practicable to operate them on batteries or solar power while on the road. In order to keep the air conditioning running, a dependable supply of 120V energy is required when camping with it. For those who will not have access to 120V electricity while camping, an evaporative cooler or swamp cooler may be a better option than an air conditioner because they consume 75 percent less power than a normal AC unit and may be powered by batteries.
” “, I responded.
Because tent walls are too thin to withstand the weight of an air conditioning unit on their own.
Camping AC Requires Trial and Error
The most essential thing to know while working on your tent camping air conditioning system is that it is not an exact science and will need a fair amount of experimentation to discover the ideal arrangement for your specific camping needs. As an illustration, have a look at this YouTube video on tent air conditioning, which outlines some of the alterations that may be necessary in order to achieve the most comfort possible from your tent air conditioning. You’re looking for more more information on how to air condition a tent?
Air Conditoned Tent for Those Hot Months
For those who live in places where tent camping is nearly impossible during the hottest portion of the year, this should be a pleasant and cost-effective alternative. Camping in the heat is no fun, especially in countries where the temperature does not drop significantly at night and where it is humid, such as Florida. So, because I had a 5000btu window mounted air conditioner at my disposal, I was searching for creative methods to keep my tent cool and comfortable. After doing some research, I discovered two ways that appear to be highly promising.
Step 1: Gather Materials
Measure the size of the air conditioner first, and then trace the outline of the measurement onto the tent and ripstop fabric using a marker. To attach the reinforcing fabric to the outside of the tent, use spray on adhesive or Beacon fabric glue to adhere the fabric to the tent. Once the outside of the project has been completed, the ducting portion of the project must be completed by measuring the size of the air conditioner unit and adding a few extra inches to one end to allow for simple installation.
The black line indicates the location of the ac hole, and the white line indicates the location of the duct that has been trimmed to suit the tent.
EDIT: After utilizing the unit, I discovered that placing the A/C unit inside the tent was preferable to using the connecting tube since it allowed for greater air flow.
Step 3: First Step
If the tent has been sitting for a while, it should be well cleaned before use. The adhesive will work much better on clean surface water, and a rag will suffice. After that, you must choose a location for the A/C unit, taking into consideration how high the unit will be above the ground and whether or not you will need to cut through the bottom tarp-like moisture barrier.
I’ve included some basic illustrations below to assist you in selecting the most appropriate spot. It is important to accurately measure the A/C unit’s dimensions so that it will fit while you are cutting out the reinforcement material and connecting tubing for the air conditioning unit.
Step 4: Trace and Cut Material
Making use of a marker, trace the measurements of the A/C unit onto the ripstop cloth. Apply the re reinforcing fabric to the exterior of the tent with spray on adhesive or Beacon FABRI-TAC glue, as desired. NOTE: It is simpler to compress the tent and pull it taut so that there are less wrinkles when gluing the cloth on. I used some heavy lead that I had lying around to do this. This reinforcement will assist you in ensuring that when you cut the hole out of the tent, the tent does not begin to rip (thus the name Ripstop) It is possible to cut the tent material in the middle of the reinforcer once all of the fabric has been adhered and the glue has dried completely.
Mine fit perfectly with only a few small gaps around the bottom and it cooled the tent very quickly; the OAT (Outside Air Temperature) was approximately 89 degrees and the inside temperature was below 75 degrees in less than 2 minutes.
Step 5: Creating the Connecting Tube
As a result, you’ll need to take measurements around the A/C unit at its widest and tallest points to ensure that the tunnel will fit without ripping. Because my unit was around 64 inches in diameter, I had approximately 66-70 inches for the circumference of the tunnel cloth. The length of the tunnel is entirely up to you, although making it longer will only make it easier to cut down or just fold over in the future. Mine was far too long, so I folded it back a few times to make it a little more manageable.
2 to 3 inches of overlap should be more than plenty to form a solid bond; push firmly and carefully to ensure that the glue does not attach to the bottom of the tube.
I utilized a flap that was around 3 to 4 inches in length to tie the tunnel to the tent.
Once everything is completed, bungee cords may be used to tie the tunnel to the A/C unit, and then the tunnel can be rolled up to make it fit better.
Step 6: Testing
Because of the humidity and heat, I’ll be tent camping in the Florida Keys for the next five nights starting tomorrow. The previous few times I tent camped there throughout the summer, it was awful at night, with me sweating profusely and waking up many times. As a result, I’ll include photos and information on how the tent fared. Update, We just returned from Bahia Honda State Park, and everything worked perfectly. We didn’t use the tunnel as originally planned, but the tunnel served as a weather cloak, keeping rain and cold air out and warm air in, respectively.
Our sleeping conditions were much improved by the A/C, which was really chilly and kept the temperature down a lot of the time.
It was hard to stay cool in the tent once the sun was shining directly on it in the afternoon.
There were a lot of other folks who had Air Conditioners in their tents that they had taped together using duct tape.
Tent camping in the summer is something I’m looking forward to doing again this year, and I hope that this information is useful to some of you, even if the season is coming to a close.
Be the First to Share
I would place it in the door opening and secure it with the clips and blue tarp, in my opinion. There are a variety of reasons why attempting to use the cooler opening will be unsuccessful. Always keep in mind that an air conditioner does more than simply blast cold air; it also draws in heated room air, cools it, eliminates some moisture, and then blows the air back into the space. A garbage bag taped over the cooler hole will not allow for effective air flow, nor will forcing the outgoing and incoming air to pass through that little space.
Because the thermostat is located outside the tent, it will be unable to work correctly, and it will be extremely difficult to waterproof the controls without obstructing one or more critical intake or exhaust ventilation vents.
I hope this information is useful.
Camping Tent with Air Conditioner Setups
If you want to camp with an air conditioner for your tent, the most straightforward method is to get a camping tent with an air conditioner port. These tents are equipped with pre-cut air conditioner holes, which also serve as ground vents to facilitate air circulation. Because you won’t have to worry about harming the tent by cutting holes in it, using a tent with a port is a good choice to consider. The hole that is supplied has been seamed around the edges for you, avoiding the need for you to glue or sew the edges of your tent to the ground.
Ozark Trail 12 Person 3 Room L-Shaped Instant Cabin Tent
If you’re searching for a large family camping tent with an air conditioner port, the Ozark Trail 12 Person 3 Room L-Shaped Instant Cabin Tent should be at the top of your list. The large three-room design, which is especially useful if you have older and younger children camping together, is one of the reasons we believe it is the finest tent for families who wish to carry an air conditioner. Because the tent is referred to be an instant tent, it should be quite simple to set up. Another nice feature is a huge awning that can be used to create a shaded area next to the tent.
- The E-Port, which is another excellent feature of this tent, enables for simple access to an electrical cord without having to unzip the tent’s entrance.
- The tent is described as follows by Ozark Trail: “The Ozark Trail 12-person quick cabin tent stands up in under two minutes!
- Large windows on all sides of this three-room cabin-style tent, which has a massive 6’10” center height, and plenty of room to stand up.
- Additionally, it has enough space for three queen airbeds or up to 12 campers in sleeping bags on the floor to sleep peacefully.
- Keep cool with the huge ground vent, which is also large enough to accommodate an air conditioner.
- As a result, this tent is more vulnerable to wind and severe weather conditions.
Check out all of the Amazon customer reviews. Price may be found on Amazon.
Bushnell Shield Series Instant Cabin Tent
If you’re searching for a large family camping tent with an air conditioner port, the Ozark Trail 12 Person 3 Room L-Shaped Instant Cabin Tent should be one of your top choices. The large three-room design, which is particularly useful if you have older and younger children camping together, is one of the reasons we believe it is the finest tent for families who wish to carry an air conditioner. Because the tent is referred to as a “instant tent,” it should be reasonably simple to set up once it arrives.
- Photograph showing the ground vent that is being utilized as the tent’s air conditioning port, taken up close.
- This permits power to be routed for the air conditioner inside the tent through a different hole, rather than having to try to run it through the same port as the air conditioner would need.
- Because the poles are already linked to the tent, there is no need to assemble this 12-person tent; simply unfold and stretch the canvas to accommodate your guests.
- With a huge front awning, you can enjoy some shade while relaxing.
- The use of two internal room dividers allows you to split your living and sleeping areas.
- Additionally, a rainfly and a carry bag are provided.” Consider that this tent does not have a tunnel form, as was the case with our top selection for 12 person camping tents.
- For those who are fair weather campers who do not go camping every weekend and who are searching for a large camping tent with an air conditioner port as well as the convenience of a super quick setup, this is an ideal choice for your needs and budget.
- Check Amazon for the latest price.
The Best Portable Tent Air Conditioner for Camping
A portable air conditioner like this one from Frigidaire is ideal for taking camping with you. Small and lightweight, the tent will easily fit into the air conditioning ports on the tents we specified above in the previous section. In addition, the air conditioner has a low power start-up and is extremely silent when operating at low and high fan speeds. In order to be kind of your fellow campers, you should opt for air conditioners that work at a moderate volume when possible. The air conditioner is designed to cool a 150-square-foot space.
- ft.
- ft., given that tent ceiling heights are significantly lower than those of a home or apartment.
- Because weight is less of a consideration while automobile camping, tent makers are allowed to utilize thicker fabrics that are capable of retaining a reasonable amount of cool air conditioning when necessary.
- Make use of the rain fly as well, and make certain that it is correctly staked to provide a tight and secure fit.
- They are, on the other hand, just as large, if not larger, than a window unit, and they have certain disadvantages.
If you are determined that you want to utilize a portable air conditioner as a tent air conditioner, we propose the BlackDecker 10,000 BTU Portable Air Conditioner as a good option.
Support Stands for Your Camping Tent Air Conditioner
The camping tent air conditioner, as seen in the illustration, will require something to support it and protect it from touching the ground while you’re out camping. The photograph presented here shows a straightforward metal step stool, such as the Eva Medical Step Stool. While these step stools are reasonably priced and durable, we prefer foldable variants that can be stored simply in your camping kit or at home. Our top pick is the Camco 43676 Adjustable Height Aluminum Platform Step, which is available in two heights.
It may also be modified to offer level support on any uneven terrain by rotating the base.
ThisPlastic Folding Step Stooliis another choice that is composed of solid, long-lasting plastic and is available at an even lower price.
Weather Sealing Your Camping Tent Air Conditioner
In order to fully air seal your air conditioner in the ac port, we propose building a simple air conditioning boot sleeve that can be dragged through the hole into the tent and extend outside the tent to wrap around the air conditioner. This is a simple project that may be accomplished with nylon riptop fabric, similar to that used for kites. It’s really inexpensive, and it’s simple to cut and seal. Aerodynamic, waterproof, and lightweight properties are provided by the cloth. To seal the seams, use duct tape or Fabri-Tac, which are both inexpensive options.
Instead, use bungee cords to wrap the fabric around the air conditioner.
Air Conditioning for Camping (The Complete Guide)
It’s hard not to fantasize about having air conditioning when camping, especially on those blistering hot days out in the bush. Although it may appear strange at first, utilizing an air conditioner while camping is something we would categorize as glamping (nothing wrong with a little glamping from time to time). For example, we’ve noticed that there are a lot of inquiries about tent air conditioners, which we’ve answered below. As a result, we want to provide comprehensive answers to all of them in this post.
It is important to note that this website contains affiliate links.
For additional information, please see our affiliate disclosure.)
Is air conditioning for tents even possible?
Here are a few of the reasons why some people are skeptical about the usefulness of a tent air conditioner: 1.
- Using air conditioning while camping simply implies that you are attempting to chill a “room” that has no insulation at all. Air conditioners are not intended for use within the tent itself
- Thus, they are not available. Many camping air conditioners that run on batteries are not powerful enough to keep up with the demand of cooling a space to a specific degree and then sustaining that temperature
- This is especially true for portable air conditioners. The fourth and last reason is that, while camping, the majority of us do not have access to any electricity.
I can assure you that, notwithstanding the multiple issues raised above, it is very viable to bring air conditioning on camping vacations. Continue reading to learn how to do so.
Insulation will keep your tent cooler in the summer
The most common reason of poor air conditioning effectiveness is a tent that has been exposed to direct sunlight. The fabric of the tent, on its own, is simply not intended to prevent heat transmission from the sun. A few tent materials can even transform your tent into a makeshift greenhouse, with the CO2 and water vapors trapped inside to keep the heat trapped inside your tent. One easy option to mitigate the “greenhouse” effect is to purchase a space blanket, which is quite affordable. Simply covering your tent with the aluminum sheet will, believe me, make a significant difference in the overall appearance.
Not only can a space blanket assist to keep your tent cooler in the summer, but it will also aid in keeping your tent warm in the winter as well.
Do you have Electricity?
Generally speaking, the majority of public campgrounds are equipped with electricity power outlets; nonetheless, I recommend calling the campground in advance of your planned stay to double-check. Any portable tent air conditioner, from small window units to large tower units, will work just as long as there is electricity available. It is possible to carry a portable air conditioner for camping if you are going off the grid, such as on a wild camping expedition where there is no power. The only difference is that it will have to be powered by solar energy rather than by batteries.
What to look for when buying air conditioning for camping
One individual may be able to move a tent air conditioner with relative ease, while another may find it nearly impossible. It all boils down to your means of transportation, in the end. Be certain that you grasp the maximum carrying capacity of your vehicle prior to getting air conditioning for a camping trip or vacation. Consider all of the necessary camping items that will need to be transported in your vehicle. How much room will you have left over once all of this has been packed to accommodate an air conditioner?
- One individual may be able to move a tent air conditioner with relative ease, while another may find it difficult or impossible. To a large extent, this is determined by your means of transportation. Be certain that you grasp the maximum carrying capacity of your vehicle prior to purchase air conditioning for a camping excursion. Assume that you have to fit all of the necessary camping equipment into your vehicle. I’m wondering how much room you’ll have left over when all of stuff is packed for an air conditioner. To ponder, consider the following.
AC Power Level (BTUs)
The larger the BTU output, the greater the amount of electricity available to your air conditioner. When this is achieved, the cooling capacity of the machine is increased. You should keep in mind that you want a steady, chilly temperature in your tent. If, for example, you have a modest 2 person tent with an air conditioner that uses 15 000 BTUs, your tent will undoubtedly become cooler more quickly. The disadvantage of this is that your high-powered air conditioner will continually switch on and off in order to adjust to the constantly fluctuating temperature.
Before purchasing a tent air conditioner, be sure to determine the suitable BTU output for the size of your tent before making your purchase.
A good-sized family tent will require an air conditioner with a BTU capacity of at least 5000 BTU to function well. The three most prevalent air conditioning sizes are 5000 BTU, 6000 BTU, and 8000 BTU, respectively. The following is a question to ask yourself:
- What kind of performance output do I desire from my air conditioning machine
Tent Size
The performance output that I want from my air conditioning machine is as follows:
Air FlowVentilation
As with any camping trip, you’ll want to think about circulation and ventilation alternatives before you head out. If your air conditioner is powered by a 12V battery, you won’t have to bother about additional ventilation. The natural ventilation provided by your tent will be sufficient. Any air conditioner that is powered by electricity will require additional venting to the outdoors. In order for a tube to escape the tent from portable air conditioners and spot coolers, a smaller vent is required.
Using one of your spare doors or windows as a ventilation alternative if your tent does not have one is a possibility.
- Is there a built-in ventilation system for air conditioning units in my tent, or do I have to make one myself?
Noise Levels
I’m sure you’ve heard some of the noises that an air conditioner can make; they can be rather loud in certain situations. This is definitely not something you want to encounter while out in the wilderness. Nature has the advantage of absorbing sound far better than metropolitan areas, which is a nice feature. The fact is that choosing an air conditioner with a low decibel level is always a good idea (dBa). Generally speaking, any air conditioning unit with a decibel level below 60 is good and will not disturb you, nature, or your neighbors.
The following is a question to ask yourself:
- When it comes to decibel levels (dBa), how loud is my air conditioner? In general, anything under 60 is excellent.)
Price
The use of air conditioning when camping is considered to be glamping, as I indicated at the outset of this essay. Despite their increasing popularity, most air conditioners are still regarded to be on the expensive side. When it comes to air conditioners (and many other products), however, a larger price tag does not always imply a superior quality. You must take into consideration all of the other factors included on this list in order to select the most appropriate tent air conditioner for your requirements.
The following is a question to ask yourself:
Different types of air conditioners for camping tents
These portable air conditioners are virtually identical to the machines that provide cold air to bedrooms or small flats, making them the ideal choice for camping. They operate on around 5000 BTUs and can chill an area of approximately 150 square feet. These air conditioners require a ventilation space that is large enough to accommodate the complete machine. This means that you may have to make your own ventilation system for your tent unless it comes with one already built in.
Small Portable Air Conditioners
Portable air conditioners, which are often more powerful than a window AC and can cool rooms up to 400 square feet at 12000 BTUs, are known to chill spaces up to 400 square feet. The disadvantage is that these air conditioners are considered to be rather big, weighing up to 100 pounds. Portable air conditioners do require ventilation, however instead of requiring a complete cutout like a window air conditioner, they only require ventilation for a short hose connection.
Portable air conditioners that simultaneously function as dehumidifiers often feature an inside tray that collects the water they remove from the air. If the tray becomes full, the air conditioning will automatically switch off until the tray is emptied.
Spot Coolers
Spot coolers are the heavy-duty sisters of portable air conditioners, and they can handle a lot more. They frequently resemble their cousins who live permanently in the house. These air conditioners have a cooling capacity of 15000 BTUs, making them by far the most powerful on the market. In our perspective, a spot cooler is only necessary for more permanent settings such as a garage or workshop, and it is not required for camping excursions or other outdoor activities.
12V Portable Air Conditioner
However, while battery-operated air conditioning systems are more easier to set up and use than their electric counterparts, they are frequently less dependable and powerful than their electric counterparts. In the case of a couple or a solitary camper with a small tent, a battery-operated air conditioner is highly recommended for your camping vacation. According to how they operate, the camper must first fill up the AC with ice (or water in certain cases), after which a little fan will turn on, converting the ice and water energy to cold, refreshing breezes.
How to install an air conditioner to a camping tent
Battery-operated air conditioning systems are significantly simpler to set up and operate than their electric counterparts, but they are frequently less dependable and powerful. In the case of a couple or a solitary camper with a small tent, a battery-operated air conditioner is a must-have for your camping adventure. According to how they operate, the camper must first fill up the AC with ice (or water in certain cases), after which a little fan will turn on, converting the ice into chilly air.
Portable Air Conditioners
In general, these air conditioners are less difficult to install because they just require ventilation through a tiny hole in the tent. This eliminates the need for you to go through the trouble of trimming your tent. Simply set the air conditioning device outside of your tent. Place it next to a zip-down window or door portion to see whether it works. Allowing the pipe to slide through your door or window while utilizing the two zippers to meet on each side of the pipe is an alternative option.
Cheap DIY air conditioning for camping
Almost any old ice cooler would do, although one with a Styrofoam lid is preferable because it is more durable (as you want to cut a holes into it). Essentially, the goal is to limit as much heat transmission as possible in order to keep the ice within from melting. Please keep in mind that standard plastic or metal boxes without any insulation will not function.
Step 2: Mark down the holes for the fan and the duct
It is now necessary to measure the holes for both the fan and the tiny piece of ducting that you will be using in the future. Make an exact cut out line using a pencil or pen by measuring it with a ruler. You can measure the plastic duct with relative ease; but, when it comes to measuring the fan, you must ensure that it does not fall all the way through the duct.
Make a hole that is slightly smaller (approximately 1 cm in diameter) than the fan you are using. This may be accomplished with the help of a plastic bowl of equal size.
Step 3: Drill/cut the holes out
Now that the holes have been marked, you may begin cutting them out using a box cutter, but a jigsaw combi drill will be extremely handy for making the process easier! It is not necessary to use a knife if you utilized the Styrofoam version (which is suggested). The drill will be used to drill a tiny hole on the edge of the marking, and the Jigsaw will be used to cut the rest of the marking. If you don’t have access to power equipment, a modest hand saw will enough for the majority of tasks.
Step 4: Fit the fan and the plastic 90° bend (elbow)
Both the plastic elbow and the fan should be able to fit snugly into their respective holes if the holes are the proper size. With the crack now sealed with waterproofing sealant, you can begin to work on preventing the flow of heat.
Step 5: Fill with ice
The heat transfer principle will be used to power this home-made air conditioner. The greater the amount of cold surface you have (in this example, the greater the amount of ice present), the colder the air sucked in by the fan will become. The ideal method is to use a huge block of ice because it takes the longest time to melt. This can be difficult to travel and handle, but freezing two-liter bottles of water is an alternative solution to this problem.
Step 6: Connect the fan to a 12V battery or solar panel
The length of time the air conditioner operates is determined on the type of battery you use. In this case, a 12V battery is being utilized to power the device. It is also possible to use a solar panel, which is certainly the more ecologically responsible alternative. If you prefer to follow along with video instructions, you may do so by watching the video below.
Air Conditioning health effects (+8 health benefits)
Heat stroke, dehydration (due to excessive perspiration), and other difficulties associated with hyperthermia may all be avoided when camping in hot weather by using air conditioning during your trip. Heat waves are the most fatal sort of meteorological phenomena in developed countries, according to recent research findings.
8 Benefits of air conditioning
- Heat stroke, dehydration (due to excessive perspiration), and other concerns associated with hyperthermia can be avoided by using air conditioning while camping in hot weather. Heat waves are the most fatal form of meteorological phenomena in industrialized countries, according to recent statistics.
Air conditioning environmental impacts
This portion of the article refers to households that use air conditioning rather than air conditioning specifically for camping. Although I believe it is necessary to increase awareness about the problem, I believe it is much more important to do so. The creation of energy, which is needed to power air conditioners, has an influence on the environment, since it results in the emission of greenhouse gases. Specifically, it is these gases that have a direct connection to climate change. According to a federal poll conducted in 2015, air conditioning is used in 87 percent of households in the United States, with central air conditioning being used in 65 percent of those homes.
Here’s some advice to consider: Set your thermostat to 78 degrees Fahrenheit in the summer and 68 degrees Fahrenheit in the winter – every degree of additional heating or cooling will increase energy consumption by 6 to 8 percent.
If you are interested in environmental sustainability and making your home more energy efficient, you should read this article.
Three best air conditioners for tents we recommend
1. SereneLife SLPAC Portable Air Conditioner for Camping with 8,000 BTUs of capacity This air conditioner, which has a built-in dehumidifier, is the ideal camping companion while you’re camping in humid circumstances. Portable air conditioners Tripp Lite are a good choice. This adaptable 12 000 BTU portable air conditioner delivers comfort in tiny places while staying lightweight and portable – ideal for campers traveling alone or in a couple! 3. MIDEA Window air conditioner with a capacity of 8000 BTU This Midea air conditioner is not too heavy or large, and it is tiny and easy to transport – making it ideal for small households.
Considered A Fan For Cooling?
For the time being, I completely understand if you are not ready to make the investment in camping air conditioning. This does not imply that you will have to give up your cooling relief completely. Perhaps a portable fan would be more suitable for your needs; these are less expensive and easier to travel. Odoland Portable LED Camping Lanternand the Stroller Mini are a couple of my favorite camping fans to bring along with me. Both of these little fans are quite strong and can effectively circulate enough air to cool a standard-sized tent.
For glampers, I believe it is more appropriate because they have a lot of extra space in their tents or automobiles and can afford the luxury of chilling down in warm weather.
Read on for more information:
How to use a portable air conditioner for camping
Camping beneath a wide-open sky is a unique experience that can only be had during the summer months when the weather is the wettest. Fortunately, you do not have to forego air conditioning while enduring the sweltering heat of nature’s worst elements. There are grab-and-go choices that require just the flip of a switch, ranging from a battery-operated machine to one that requires a cord to be hooked into a generator — a more powerful model — to ones that require little more than the flip of a switch.
Here are a few suggestions for how to make use of a portable air conditioner when camping.
Essentials needed to hook up a portable air conditioner
If you want to use a portable air conditioner to cool down your tent while on your next excursion, make sure you reserve a campground that has an electrical hookup. You’ll need a generator or an air conditioning machine that relies on battery power to get through the heat.
What to consider when buying a portable air conditioner
On your next excursion, make sure you secure a campground with an electrical hookup if you want to use a portable air conditioner to cool down your tent while you’re out exploring. You’ll need a generator or an air conditioning machine that works on battery power to get through the summer.
Weight of the portable air conditioner
Considering the weight of a portable air conditioner before embarking on your next camping trip is critical when planning your itinerary. The model’s weight has an impact on how easy it is to transport. What is the source of electricity for a portable air conditioner? When it comes to this dilemma, there are practically just two options: a battery or power. Choosing a battery-powered model will result in a smaller device that would most likely be perfect for one camper in a dome tent, if that is what you choose.
Keep in mind that the larger the BTU rating, the greater the amount of cooling it will produce.
The majority of portable air conditioners on the market now have a decreased noise output, but it is necessary to pick one that specifies an acceptable noise level in order to enjoy silent operation.
How to use a portable air conditioner while camping
When you have spent the day hiking, fishing, or kayaking in nature, you will want to make sure you are well rested so that you can enjoy the activities of the next day. Having a comfy airbed is one approach to ensure a good night’s sleep, but circulation is also essential for excellent sleep. By including a portable air conditioner in your tent, you may make the difference between a pleasant camping trip and a spectacular camping trip. The best part about bringing it along is that it also serves as a dehumidifier, which helps to reduce the humidity in a tent throughout the day.
Some versions today even come with the option of adding heating, allowing you to take it camping with you all year round.
How much cooling do you need?
If you are camping with a group of people, you will undoubtedly want a more strong tent than if you are camping alone. This is a given. If you choose the former, you will need a generator to connect the air conditioner to, however if you choose the latter, a battery-powered machine intended to cool an area of up to 250 square feet would most likely be adequate. In order to fully cool down a 150 square foot tent, you will need an air conditioner with a minimum BTU rating of 5,000 BTU. The greater the size of the tent, the greater the amount of BTU you will require.
Best portable air conditioners of 2021
Amazon has the NEXGADGET Portable Air Conditioner, which is available for purchase. This battery-powered, portable oscillating cooling tower has three levels of circulation and can provide cooled air for up to 9 hours at a time. Amazon has the ASANDH Portable Air Conditioner, which you can get here. If you have a laptop, you can simply recharge this gadget while also adding water or ice cubes to help bring the temperature of a two-person tent down another 5 degrees. A portable air conditioner called the SereneLife is available on Amazon.
- It includes wheels for easy mobility, a simple plug-in operation, and it can swiftly cool down up to 200 square feet of space.
- Amazon has a Black + Decker portable air conditioner that you may purchase.
- A tiny hose is required for ventilation, and a remote control is provided to make cooling down the tent a pleasure.
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How To Air Condition A Tent? [Two Main Types] [Two Main Types]
We’ve all experienced the discomfort of waking up in a tent while it’s scorching hot, and the sensation of being too hot is almost as unpleasant as being ice cold. It is possible to get around this by air-conditioning your tent. Specifically built tents with an AC connector will allow you to connect a portable air conditioning unit to your tent in order to complete this task. You’ll also need a portable or camping air conditioning unit, and there are two major varieties to pick from: a window air conditioning unit and a free-standing air conditioning unit.
Window AC Units and Tents
Everyone has experienced the discomfort of waking up in a tent that is excessively hot, and the sensation of being overheated is almost as awful as feeling cold. You can get around this by having your tent air-conditioned. Specifically built tents with an AC connector will allow you to connect a portable air conditioning unit to your tent in this manner. Furthermore, you’ll want an air conditioning unit for your tent or camping trip. There are two major varieties to pick from: a window AC unit and a free-standing one.
Free Standing AC units
When it comes to tent air conditioners, the other choice is to go with a freestanding unit. In this case, the air conditioning unit is placed within the tent rather than outside the tent. These devices are located inside the tent and are often supplied with a hose that leads to the outside. These are preferred by some campers since they do not require an ac outlet. This is in addition to reducing theft risks because the only object visible from outside the tent is a short hose, which restricts the amount of unwanted attention.
While this is advantageous in some situations, it is not so advantageous when you are camping in a smaller tent or with numerous other people and need to maximize your internal space.
Also energy-efficient is the built-in Sleep Mode, as well as the option to schedule times of usage or shut-off with the automated on/off timer, which can be configured for up to 24-hour periods.
Other ways to air condition a tent
You can keep your tent cool without using an air conditioning machine, but there are a few additional options you might consider.
Tent Fan
You can keep your tent cold without using an air conditioning machine, but there are a few more options besides that.
Insulating your tent
Insulating your tent isn’t just for cold weather; it can also be used to keep your tent cool throughout the summer months. In the winter, you’d use a reflective foam or emergency foil blanket to insulate the inside of your tent; in the summer, you can do the opposite: cover the outside of your tent with one of these options, making sure the reflective side is facing up to the sky to reflect any heat back where it came from to keep you cool.
Maximize ventilation
Tents can get stuffy and dry owing to a lack of ventilation, which is especially noticeable in single-wall tents. By removing the rainfly from some double-walled tents, you may increase the amount of ventilation available. Many of them also enable you to open the windows, albeit they will be covered with a mesh to keep the pests out. Increasing your ventilation is an easy method to keep the air inside your tent from growing stale, but it’s more difficult if you’re camping in the rain and want to minimize the likelihood of water entering into your tent from the outside.
Improvised swamp cooler
Placing a bucket of cold water in front of your tent fan might help to improve its performance. As the water evaporates, the fan will blow the cool water over your body, keeping you cool. However, under really humid conditions, this will not be as efficient as an improvised swamp cooler.
Choose a shaded spot
Selecting an area that is shaded when you are setting up camp may also be beneficial to your health and well being. Although it may seem apparent, staying out of the sun, or having some trees and plants to provide shade, will make a significant impact.
Create a tarp shade
For situations when there is no natural shade, a tarp and some rope can be used to make your own shade or shelter. You can either tie it to some trees and hang it directly over the tent as an additional layer to screen out the sun, or you can bring some extra poles with you to attach it to when camping. This is also really useful for doubling as a rain shelter, and it can be put up separately from your tent if you want a separate location to socialize or cook beneath it while you’re camping.
Final Verdict
A specially-designed air conditioning unit is the most convenient and effective way to air condition your tent; however, if you do not have a power outlet or enough space to accommodate one of these, there are numerous other options for keeping your tent cool and comfortable; the most effective way to do this is usually by combining the methods listed above or by figuring out which ones work best for you.
The Top 4 Tent Air Conditioners For Camping In 2021
If your campground has electricity, practically any air conditioner may be used as a tent air conditioner if it is powered. Obviously, you’d prefer a small portable air conditioner, but it needs to be strong enough to keep your tent cool while traveling. For a tent that is 150 square feet in size, you will need a unit with a BTU rating of about 5000; anything less would struggle to keep you cool. Keep in mind that a tent is not as well insulated as a house, so the unit will have to work harder.
If possible, choose an outdoor power cord with a minimum 15amp rating; you don’t want it to overheat adjacent to the tent.
For the AC Boot, I created a sleeve that goes over the unit and has an air duct that leads into the tent, but you can also purchase it to make the installation even easier. If all of this appears to be too much of a hassle, then invest in a high-quality tent fan.
Lifesmart Indoor/Outdoor Cooler
The Lifesmart indoor/outdoor coolers are virtually perfect for camping because they can be used both indoors and outside. Because it is an evaporative cooler, your tent does not need to be insulated in order to remain cool; instead, it should have open ports to allow cool air to circulate. The machine can run for up to 10 hours on a gallon of water, and it consumes less energy than a 40-watt light bulb does. The airflow rate of 350CFM will maintain a surface area of up to 250sq m cool. It’s 21 inches tall, weighs 10 pounds, and has a built-in carry handle for easy transportation.
However, keep in mind that evaporative coolers function best in hot, dry areas and less well in humid climates; thus, if your location does not have electricity, this is the best alternative.
- Can be operated on 12v electricity
- Is lightweight and portable
- And is energy efficient.
ZeroBreeze Portable Air Conditioner
The ZeroBreeze is the pinnacle of portable air conditioning technology. It was built from the ground up to be used for camping or any other outdoor activity where there is no access to electricity. Because it is powered by its own internal battery, it can operate for up to 3-5 hours on a low setting (3 hours on high setting). A 12v charging adapter can be used to extend the battery’s life if there is access to electrical power. When it comes to chilling, the air conditioner makes use of a rotational compressor (think refrigeration), and it is strong enough to cool a 50 square foot room to 44 degrees Fahrenheit.
All of this would have been enough to make this our top pick on its own, but ZeroBreeze has added some truly remarkable features.
The ZeroBreeze portable air conditioner is ideal for use as a tent air conditioner, despite the fact that it is quite pricey.
- It is possible to run on battery or 12v electricity. Lightweight and easily transportable
- Power is at its maximum
- Bluetooth Speaker integrated inside the device
- A built-in LED light source
- 2 USB charging connections are provided.
Frigidaire Mini Window Air Conditioner
This is a low-cost, small, and lightweight window-style air conditioner that has been a best seller for a long time and is ideal for use in a tent or RV. It is a 5000BTU air conditioner, which means it is powerful enough to cool most tents. It also features a low voltage start-up, which helps to preserve energy. With a low noise level and good power efficiency rating, it is a lightweight air conditioner that weighs only 35lbs. It has the capability of cooling a tent up to 150 square feet.
Tripp Lite Portable Cooler
This unit is one of my favorites. Designed for spot cooling of data centers or electrical stacks, this powerful portable air conditioner (12 000BTU) has a large capacity. Its cold air output may be easily ducted into the tent, and it is equipped with a timer, allowing it to shut off automatically in the middle of the night if necessary. There is no need for a stand or for any alteration to the tent or unit. Connect the 71″ ducts to the unit and place it inside the tent before turning it on.
Done. The disadvantage is that the air conditioner is a touch hefty, weighing 68lbs, despite the fact that it is rather small. It is not intended for camping, but it does an excellent job, and you will have to work very hard to find a better option in this price range.
TYPES OF TENT AIR CONDITION UNITS
Before you consider acquiring a tent air conditioner, you should learn more about the many types of tiny air conditioners that are available.
Cordless Air Conditioning unit:
They are very new to the market, as are these sorts of compact portable air conditioners. Since battery technology and capacity has advanced, it is now possible to create a very tiny gadget that does not require an external power supply to function properly. However, the main drawback is that they are typically quite pricey.
Evaporative coolers
These air conditioners function well in hot, dry conditions and are far more straightforward to construct than compressor-type units (you can even learn how to create your ownDIY evaporative/swamp cooler in this article). They consume less energy and have the potential to be very compact.
Portable air conditioners
These units are meant to be moved about your house on casters. Despite the fact that they are portable, they tend to be on the large side.
Window air conditioners:
These units can be extremely small in size and have a wide range of BTU outputs to choose from. These items are also really affordable.
Things Too Consider When Buying a Tent Air Conditioner:
The circumstance where you are camping in a distant place or chance to book the campground just before school vacations begin and miss out on a powered campsite is addressed in this section. A camping generator will address your problem of being able to obtain electricity when there is no external power source accessible. When it comes to selecting a portable air conditioner, we recommend completing your research first because there is no use in spending a significant amount of money on a device that will not adequately chill your tent.
The reason for this is that the battery will have a difficult time keeping your tent at a suitable temperature since too much power is required.
PRICE
When it comes to purchasing an energy-efficient, dependable Tent air conditioning unit that will also cool to a pleasant degree, price does make a significant difference. The finest air conditioning equipment should provide the performance that is desired while also being competitively priced. The most expensive option is not necessarily the best. A tent with an air conditioner may cause some campers to frown when they see it, but they have clearly never tented in one. Camping with one will change your life if you have the room in your car and electricity is not a concern.
