The Ecoflow Wave 3: The Folksy Pal for Small Spaces That's Got Chill
Efficiently chills compact spaces with portable AC unit
By Klaus Wedekind, a man who knows his stuff. More Info: Facebook, Twitter, WhatsApp, Email, Print, Copy Link.
The Ecoflow Wave 3 ain't your run-of-the-mill mobile air conditioner. It's got two hoses, and let me tell ya, it packs a punch when it comes to cooling down small spaces like motorhomes, garden sheds, or smoking hot dorm rooms. But don't expect it to outdo those space-hogging, permanently installed air conditioners.
Now, most mobile climate devices come equipped with just one hose, blowing hot air out while letting in warm air from the great outdoors. It's a recipe for sweaty disaster, even under perfect conditions, which Stiftung Warentest can back me up on. That's because no fresh air is drawn in from the outside - just think about what happens when you blow on a balloon.
But here's where the Wave 3 breaks the mold: it's the rare breed of mobile air con that brings in air through its second hose. And in just the right conditions, it can perform like a seasoned pro who's been cooling spaces for years. The Wave 3 sets you back about 800 euros, but hey, it's worth every cent if you're in need of a reliable cooling buddy.
Two's a Company, Three's a Party
Hey, remember when I mentioned that second hose? Turns out it's the secret to the Wave 3's success. In ideal conditions, it can almost match the performance of those fancy, dual-unit air conditioners. And guess what? Your Wave 3 is just as compact, tipping the scales at 15.6 kg and measuring 519 x 297 x 336 mm. It uses R290 (propane) for cooling, which is kinda like Mother Nature's air conditioner - environmentally friendly and all that good stuff.
Upgrade alert! The Wave 3's performance has been bumped up from 5100 BTU (1500 watts) to 6100 BTU (1800 watts). That means it's now supposed to cool rooms somewhere between 11 and 17 square meters. The folks over at ntv.de gave it a whirl in a sweltering 13 sq meter attic room with a height of 2.35 meters – prime conditions for cooling testing, if you ask me.
Now, the Wave 3 is ready to rock and roll straight out of the box, but unless you're a DIY maestro, it's about as functional as a chihuahua in a dogfight. Simply hanging the hoses out the window ain't gonna cut it when you're sweating bullets.
When DIY's the Only Way to Stay Cool
You guessed it – the Wave 3's elegance isn't just skin-deep. There's some smart tech packed away in there, too. But it ain't gonna unleash its full potential unless you're willing to get your hands dirty. And no, I'm not talking about dismantling the unit itself - you gotta modify the space it's cooling instead.
Remember those Air Conditioning Gurus I mentioned earlier? They've got a clever idea for making the Wave 3 work wonders. Grab a Plexiglas sheet with connecting flanges, cut two holes for the hoses, stick it in your window with some magnetic adhesive tape, and voilà! You've got a DIY air conditioner insert that ensures all the air flows through the hoses, and nowhere else. ntv.de enlisted the help of a specialized company to make it happen.
The hoses on the Wave 3 are a bit larger due to an insulating layer, which affects their diameter but also boosts efficiency and prevents exhaust air from getting so hot it melts the ice caps. ntv.de's temperature measurements revealed a whopping 40-degree heat at the hose, despite the insulation.
Easy as Pie (or Pizza, if You Prefer)
Once you've got those hoses connected, it's smooth sailing from there. The user manual's clear and concise, and you can set the desired temperature or fan speed right on the device. You can even leave all the adjustments to the auto mode if you fancy yourself more of a lazy cat lounging in the sun kind'a person.
There's even a heating function if you're hankering for a cozy winter vibe. You can choose between Eco, Max, and Sleep modes for optimal performance. The Wave 3 has also got a humidifier function that works in conjunction with cooling or on its own to lower air humidity levels. It'll even notify you when it's time to empty the collection container inside the device via a hose.
Whether you're a tech whiz or a tech dud, you'll find everything you need to know about the Wave 3 in the user manual. If you're willing to put in the extra effort, the Ecoflow app can offer a bit more detail, including the English-language user guide. Plus, there's a timer and a "pet care" mode to keep your furry friends cool while you're gone.
Battery Included, for an Additional 600 Euros
If you're often on the go and can't always plug in your Wave 3, you'll be pleased to hear that Ecoflow offers an optional battery for around 600 euros. This baby is IPX7 dust- and water-protected and has a capacity of 1024 watt-hours, which isn't quite as beefy as its predecessor's but should do the job reasonably well. Once docked, it'll tack on an extra 9.7 kg to the Wave 3, transforming it into a mobile air con powerhouse.
For those who like crunching numbers, know this: the Wave 3 should perform well in small camper vans or cozy cars. In Ecoflow's test room, it managed to cool the space from 26 to a comfortable 22 degrees in around two hours. With full power, it draws about 650 watts, which ain't too shabby. In eight hours, it'll run through about 5.5 kilowatt-hours of juice, setting you back around 2.40 euros at a rate of 30 cents per kilowatt-hour. Just remember that actual costs are usually lower since the power adjusts to the desired temperature.
Battery mode and the Eco-Modus are recommended for energy savings when not plugged in. It'll take a bit longer to reach your desired temperature, but it'll save battery life. There's also a special night mode to minimize noise, but it cools the room at a slower pace.
Now, keep in mind that the Wave 3's performance may underperform under less-than-ideal conditions, like in an unprotected camper parked in direct sunlight, where it'd struggle to keep up with the scorching heat.
Say Goodbye to Your Sleep Deprivation, Thanks to the Wave 3
If you've been tossing and turning all night because of the heat, it's time to put the Wave 3 to the test. It's ready to become your new BFF, cooling your small space and ensuring you get the solid slumber your body needs to function at its best. So go ahead – treat yourself to some much-needed comfort!
Tips for a Sweat-Free Night (Or Day)
Conclusion
The Ecoflow Wave 3 ain't just another fancy gadget - it's a trusty partner that'll help you conquer those oppressive summer heatwaves. But remember: big results require some DIY finesse. And for those who are always on the move, there's no need to miss out on the action – the optional battery will let you take the Wave 3 wherever you go!
But don't go splashing the cash on the battery right away. The Wave 3's impressive performance is enough to make a noticeable difference in most small spaces. Only when you find yourself constantly on the go without access to a power outlet should you consider investing in the additional battery.
Sources: ntv.de
- Heatwave
- Summer vacation
- Campers
- Smart home
The Ecoflow Wave 3, an energy-friendly air conditioner, is suitable for various small spaces, including motorhomes, garden sheds, and dorm rooms. Its unique employment policy, featuring two hoses, allows it to draw in air from the outside, nearly matching the performance of dual-unit air conditioners.
If you're seeking a tech-savvy DIY project, the Wave 3's performance can be optimized by installing a DIY air conditioner insert made with a Plexiglas sheet and connecting flanges. This setup ensures that all air flows through the hoses, enhancing the Wave 3's cooling efficiency.
In terms of lifestyle and home-and-garden improvements, the Wave 3 can transform a sweltering attic or camper into a comfortable living space, offering relief during heatwaves and summer vacations. By following the given tips, you can ensure a sweat-free night (or day) and better sleep quality.
