By the time you decide to go for an outdoor air conditioner, you probably know that you’re going to be spending a lot of your time outdoors, and because of that, other indoor options get automatically eliminated. The only viable option that anyone looking for the best outdoor air conditioner will most likely consider would be a portable evaporative cooler. One of the main reasons for this is linked to the ease with which they work, as they depend on the natural cooling effect that occurs during evaporation to create a cool breeze. This means that you won’t even require that much energy to run. If you have a balcony where you’d like to sit and still remain unbothered by the smoldering summer heat, then a portable evaporative cooler like the Portacool PAC2KCY01 cyclone may be worth looking into. You may also want to know how it compares with other top-rated air conditioners.
Why We Like It – Portacool PAC2KCYC01
The Portacool PAC2KCYC01 is well capable of cooling an area that’s up to 700 square feet, and with a 16 Gallon water tank in tow, you’ll probably have it running for a long time before it runs out of water. If you’re only looking to cool down a smaller room, then consider the Zero Breeze Mark 2.
- Large 16 Gallon Water Tank Capacity
- 700 Square Foot Cooling Capacity
- Durable, rust-free, molded polythene housing
- 2 directional fan louvres
Performance
The Portacool Cyclone PAC2KCYC01 has a 700 sq ft cooling capacity, making it perfect for a large size balcony. At 16 gallons, its water tank is also much larger than that of the Luma Comfort EC110S, but if you don’t want to be running back and forth refilling it, you can also hook it up to a standard hose that provides a continuous water supply. The airflow direction from the fans on the evaporative cooler is able to adjust only vertically, and this may be a disappointment to some as it provides somewhat limited air delivery.
Energy Efficiency
Energy use by the Portacool PAC2KCYC01 is fairly low, as the unit will only draw about 5.6 amps for the pump and the motor. You shouldn’t really notice any significant jump in your electricity bill even if you have it on for most days, so it’ll save you a lot more money than the air conditioners that have motors ever will. Just like the Newair Portable Air Conditioner, the Portacool AC can also be used to humidify dry air, though it really wouldn’t be recommended for indoor use. Another portable outdoor unit worth checking out is the Portacool PACCYC06.
Filtration
Like any other evaporative conditioner, the Portacool cyclone has got built-in filters that ensure that there aren’t any unwanted particles being distributed around your room. After an extended period of use, it’s actually recommended that you have the filter washed, but if it deteriorates in its functioning due to wear and tear, then it’d be better to have it replaced. For a unit without a filter, you’ll want to read our Lasko T42951 review.
Durability
Similar to the Lasko 7050, the Portacool evaporative cooler is also backed by a 1-year warranty, so should you experience any unforeseen issues with your unit, do not hesitate to reach out to Portacool’s customer service center through the “contact us” button on their website.
Value
The housing of the Portacool PAC2KCYC01 makes it very difficult to tamper with, and also weather resistant. It’s got a rust-free, leak-proof molded polythene housing, that keeps it in good condition even after years of use. On its bottom, there are caster wheels that make it much easier to move around, and with such an easy control panel to workaround, you’ll never have a hard time getting it to work.
Portacool PAC2KCYC01 Wrap Up
Headquartered in the United States, Portacool is well known for manufacturing a wide variety of air conditioning solutions, and evaporative coolers are just one of them. Chances are also high that you might not have heard of the company before, so don’t hesitate to have a look at their Amazon page and find out what other first time customers had to say about their experience with their products.
