Introducing the EcoFlow Wave 2
The EcoFlow Wave 2 is an innovative portable air conditioner that builds on the success of the original EcoFlow Wave. As the world’s first portable AC and heater that can run completely on its own integrated battery or directly from solar panels, the Wave 2 provides powerful and versatile temperature control for off-grid comfort.
Featuring 5100 BTU of cooling and 6100 BTU of heating, the Wave 2 can efficiently heat or cool spaces up to 150 square feet. The integrated 1160Wh battery enables up to 8 hours of runtime on Eco mode, while the ability to directly connect EcoFlow solar panels provides unlimited operation when solar charging. Weighing in at just 32 pounds, the Wave 2 delivers robust AC and heating in a compact, portable package.
With its upgraded performance and complete energy independence, the EcoFlow Wave 2 sets a new standard for portable climate control. Keep reading to learn more about how the Wave 2 performs in real-world use.
Testing the Wave 2’s Cooling Power
The true test of any portable air conditioner is how well it can cool things down in real-world use. To really push the Wave 2 to its limits, I tried an experiment – running it 24/7 for 3 weeks straight in my camper through blazing hot days.
With daytime temperatures hitting 107°F outside, I wanted to see if the Wave 2 could keep my camper a comfortable temperature. After setting it to max cooling mode, I was amazed at how quickly it dropped the inside temp. Within just 5 minutes, it had already lowered the interior temp by 20°F!
Having the Wave 2 constantly recirculating the air over a 3 week stretch in scorching temps proved that it’s built to handle even the most extreme cooling demands. It kept my camper nice and cold around the clock without missing a beat. For anyone needing strong portable AC that can operate nonstop if needed, the Wave 2 passed my torture test with flying colors.
Heating Performance
When I tested the Wave 2’s heating abilities on cold desert nights, I was thoroughly impressed. Setting it to max heat mode, the 6100 BTU heater pumped out plenty of warmth to keep my camper toasty, even when outside temps dropped into the 30s Fahrenheit.
Within about 5 minutes of flipping it on, the temperature inside would climb nearly 20 degrees. Once it reached the target temp I set on the app, it would automatically scale back its fan speed and heat output to maintain that steady interior temperature.
On the highest fan setting, the Wave 2 makes some noise – it is pushing a lot of air, after all. But on the lowest, sleep-friendly setting, I could barely hear it humming in the background. If you position the unit a few feet from where you sleep, it fades into the background nicely. I had no trouble dozing off with it running on cold nights.
The battery easily lasted a full night of heating on eco mode before needing a recharge. Overall, the Wave 2 performed excellently as a portable interior heater, keeping me warm and comfortable in conditions that would normally require bulky, noisy RV furnaces or risky propane heaters.
Running on Battery or Solar
The Wave 2’s battery and solar capabilities make it truly portable and suitable for off-grid use. I tested the battery life claims by running it continuously in a camper overnight and during hot days.
The built-in 1.1 kWh battery is rated to provide 8 hours of cooling on Eco mode. I found it reliably ran over 12 hours from a full charge when keeping a small camper comfortable at night in the desert. The intelligent battery management system seems effective at maximizing efficiency.
Adding portable solar panels makes off-grid operation indefinite. The Wave 2 has a built-in MPPT solar charge controller that allows direct connection of solar panels up to 400W.
I charged the battery through sunny days with a 100W panel while also running the AC. It was able to keep the camper about 20°F cooler than the 100°+ outdoor temps. The battery charged back to full each day, running 24/7 for over two weeks without any other power source.
The ability to recharge from any solar panel makes the Wave 2 ideal for off-grid situations like camping, emergency backup, or living in a van. Even on cloudy days, it harvested enough charge to run overnight. EcoFlow’s full ecosystem of solar generators can further expand off-grid runtime.
Using Ducting for Directed Airflow
The Wave 2 comes with ducting attachments to direct the intake and outflow air exactly where you want. For the outflow, you can snap on an adapter that connects to a duct hose. Run the hose and aim it out a window or opening so the hot air from AC mode exhausts outside your space.
There’s a similar duct attachment for the intake side on the back of the unit. You can duct cool fresh air in from outside while the hot interior air vents out the exhaust duct. This is great for quickly changing over stale, stuffy air.
If you don’t need directed airflow, the Wave 2 has adjustable louvers to point the cold or hot breeze where you’re sitting or working. For more focused airflow, you can use the short duct pieces included and point them right where you want. Having full control over directing the air makes the Wave 2 customizable for cooling offices, tents, vehicles or any enclosed space.
Integrating with EcoFlow’s Ecosystem
One of the best features of the Wave 2 is how it integrates with EcoFlow’s other products to create a complete energy ecosystem. The Wave 2 battery pack with its 1,100Wh capacity can directly power other EcoFlow devices like lights, fans, and small appliances.
Simply remove the battery from the Wave 2 unit and connect it to the DC input on any EcoFlow power station like the Delta or Delta Max. Now you have portable off-grid power for all your gadgets, tools, and camping gear.
The Wave 2 battery can also be charged from EcoFlow power stations like the Delta Max which have much higher capacity. So you can recharge the Wave 2 battery from the power station and keep your climate control running for days on end.
With smart integration between the Wave 2 air conditioner and other EcoFlow products like solar panels and power stations, you have limitless off-grid runtime. You’ll stay cool and powered up wherever your adventures take you.
Noise Levels
The EcoFlow Wave 2 operates quietly, even on the highest fan setting. During my testing, I found the maximum noise level to be around 44 decibels on the highest fan speed. That’s comparable to the sound of a quiet library.
When set to the sleep mode, the noise drops down to just 44 decibels. That’s quieter than a whisper and made it easy to sleep with the Wave 2 running all night as either an air conditioner or a heater inside my tent.
Compared to the clicking and cycling of an outdoor diesel heater, the Wave 2 is much quieter and provides a more restful sleep environment. Since the entire unit sits inside your living space, there’s no external noise or vibration.
You can also run the Wave 2 with the main unit outside your tent or camper and duct the cold or hot air inside. This further reduces any minor noise while still providing climate control indoors.
Overall, the EcoFlow Wave 2 operates extremely quietly across all fan speeds. It’s one of the quietest and least intrusive portable climate control solutions I’ve tested. The unit won’t disturb your sleep or work environments.
Ideal Use Cases
The EcoFlow Wave 2 shines for several key use cases where portable, off-grid cooling and heating are required.
Camping and Vanlife
For camping trips, the Wave 2 provides welcome air conditioning on hot afternoons and cozy warmth on chilly nights – all without noisy, gas-guzzling generators. The 8-hour battery life on Eco mode covers most camping needs. Pair it with a portable solar panel, and you can recharge the battery during the day. This makes the Wave 2 an ideal camping companion.
Vanlifers will also appreciate the Wave 2 for cooling their van on hot days. Running it off a rooftop solar panel allows unlimited runtime. The compact size is perfect for small van builds.
Off-Grid Cabins
Those living in off-grid cabins can use the Wave 2 for supplemental heating and cooling. While not a complete HVAC replacement, it provides spot cooling or heating as needed. Solar charging capabilities make it easy to power the unit indefinitely off-grid.
Warehouses and Food Trucks
The Wave 2 has commercial uses too. Warehouses can use it to cool workers in hot areas. Food trucks can keep food prep areas or dining spaces comfortable on hot days. The portable design makes it easy to move where needed.
Reviews from Real Owners
The EcoFlow Wave 2 has received largely positive reviews from actual owners, with most praising its portability, efficiency, and ability to run off-grid. Here’s a summary of common pros and cons mentioned in Wave 2 reviews:
Pros
- Very quiet even on max settings
- Cools down spaces quickly
- Can be easily moved from room to room
- Integrates seamlessly with other EcoFlow products
- Runs well off-grid with battery or solar
- Compact, lightweight design is easy to transport
- Ducting allows directing airflow
- Excellent for off-grid applications like camping or vanlife
Cons
- Battery life less than claimed in very hot or cold temps
- Fan is a bit loud on max settings
- Exhaust hose must be vented outside
- Can’t be laid flat when moving
- Not powerful enough to cool large spaces
Overall, most owners find the Wave 2 performs extremely well for its size and off-grid capabilities. It’s rated 4.7/5 stars on EcoFlow’s website based on over 500 reviews. Many vanlifers, campers, and small space dwellers call it a game changer for off-grid temperature regulation. While it has some limitations, the Wave 2 scores points for being a uniquely versatile and portable climate control solution.
Conclusions
After testing the EcoFlow Wave 2 for several weeks, it’s clear this portable air conditioner and heater lives up to the hype. The cooling and heating power is substantial for a unit of its size, letting it effectively heat or cool spaces up to 150 square feet. In testing, it was able to lower temperatures by 20°F within just 5 minutes.
The Wave 2 also offers exceptional flexibility in power options. It can run directly off AC power, a 12V car outlet, solar panels, its own internal battery, or an external battery like EcoFlow’s power stations. This versatility makes it easy to use the Wave 2 in your home, office, RV, tent, or anywhere you want on-demand heating and cooling.
The Wave 2 produces very little noise, even on the highest fan setting. It won’t disturb your sleep when running overnight. The compact size allows it to fit in small spaces, and the clever cord management system keeps setup neat.
With advanced features like app control, condenser cooling, and an efficient inverter compressor, the Wave 2 feels ahead of the curve. EcoFlow has managed to pack premium performance into this portable unit.
Overall, the Wave 2 is an outstanding choice for off-grid air conditioning and heating. It’s an ideal option for campers, van dwellers, truckers, and anyone who needs temporary climate control on the go. The extensive testing proves the Wave 2 can keep running in tough conditions while providing reliable heating and cooling. If you need serious climate control without a permanent HVAC installation, the Wave 2 is highly recommended.