Welcome to my extended review of the EcoFlow Wave 2 portable air conditioner! In this post, I’ll be providing my thoughts on the Wave 2 after using it extensively day-to-day in my van.
I initially covered the Wave 2 in an unboxing and first impressions video on my YouTube channel. Now that I’ve had the chance to really put it through its paces and use it in various conditions, I wanted to give a more in-depth review. The Wave 2 is definitely not a cheap device, so it’s important to really understand its performance and value after living with it for an extended period of time.
Throughout this review, I’ll cover aspects like the cooling and heating abilities, noise levels, battery performance, and overall usability. My goal is to provide helpful insights from real-world use that can help you determine if the Wave 2 is right for your needs. I’ll share tips on how I’ve integrated it into my vanlife as well.
So whether you’re considering the Wave 2 yourself or just want to hear my experiences with this innovative portable AC, read on for the full scoop!
Unboxing and First Impressions
As referenced in my previous unboxing and setup video (linked here), the Wave 2 has excellent build quality with a sturdy and durable exterior housing. However, this does add considerable weight, making it less portable than some alternative personal A/C units. The battery pack in particular contributes a significant amount of heft. This is the tradeoff for the unit’s power – it’s built solidly to provide effective and strong heating and cooling.
While “portable” A/C units aim for convenience and ease of transport, the Wave 2 leans more towards premium performance and effectiveness over lightweight portability. You can feel the quality when lifting the unit, but be prepared for the weight. Factor this into your usage – for a fixed install in a van, weight matters less. But for moving between locations, it takes some muscle. Still, the sturdy build inspires confidence in the unit’s abilities. Power and effectiveness over portability.
Cooling Ability
The Wave 2 portable air conditioner excels at cooling small spaces, making it ideal for van life and camping. I was thoroughly impressed with how quickly and efficiently it lowered the temperature inside my van, even on the hottest summer days.
Whereas many inexpensive portable ACs struggle to keep up on high heat, the Wave 2 has no problem cooling a well-insulated van or small room down to a comfortable temperature. It has a powerful compressor and fan that generates a strong, concentrated stream of cold air. I found it comparable to a window unit or small ductless split AC in terms of raw cooling power.
Of course, performance will vary based on insulation, sun exposure, and other factors. But the Wave 2 handily outperformed other portable ACs I’ve owned. On Max mode, it can cool almost as fast as a full-size window unit. Even on Eco mode, which uses less power, it keeps the space a comfortable temperature with the vent hose installed.
The Wave 2 also cools more quietly than many cheaper portables that have loud, rattling compressors and fans. While not silent, the noise is tolerable for living and sleeping. For an appliance that packs this much cooling power, I was satisfied with the sound levels. Overall, the Wave 2 sets a new standard for portable air conditioning performance.
Heating Function Performs Well
I was pleasantly surprised by how well the EcoFlow Wave 2 performed as a heater. During some recent cool nights when temperatures dropped close to freezing, I tested out the heating mode. The Wave 2 puts out a significant amount of heat that easily kept my van warm and comfortable.
Unlike some portable heaters that just blow lukewarm air, the Wave 2 produced a steady stream of legitimately hot air. It created a very cozy environment and completely cut through the chill. On the coldest nights, it only took about 10-15 minutes for the Wave 2 to heat up my van.
The great thing is the heating mode functions just as well as the air conditioning mode. I never felt like it struggled or had to work hard to warm up the space. The heat output is very comparable to the high cooling power.
After using it for heating on multiple cool evenings, I can confidently say the EcoFlow Wave 2 performs extremely well as a portable heater. For vanlifers and campers wanting a unit that can both cool and heat your living space, the Wave 2 delivers ample heating that makes cold nights much more comfortable.
Fan Mode
The Ecoflow Wave 2 has a useful fan mode that I didn’t focus on much in my initial review. It’s fairly basic – you can control the fan speed and aim the airflow where you need it.
I found the fan mode works pretty well for circulating air on mild days or nights when you don’t need full heating or cooling. It seems powerful enough to move the air around my van. The sound isn’t bad, similar to some of my other fans on lower settings.
It’s a handy feature to have and makes the Wave 2 more versatile. If I just need some air movement or gentle heating/cooling without running the whole A/C or heater, the fan mode does the trick. It doesn’t use a ton of power either, so it’s efficient for battery and solar operation.
Overall, a simple but useful mode that expands when and how I can use the unit beyond just the main cooling and heating functions. It’s great that Ecoflow included it.
Noise Level
The EcoFlow Wave 2 operates at a reasonable noise level – it’s definitely audible when running, but it’s not overly loud or disruptive. I’d compare the fan noise to a typical household fan on medium speed. It produces a constant hum rather than any irritating buzzing or rattling sounds.
When using the air conditioning function, the noise increases slightly as the unit ramps up to cool the space down. But even at max power, it’s comparable to having a loud conversation in terms of ambient volume. I found I could sleep comfortably with it running on eco mode overnight.
The heating function is a bit louder and has more of a blowing air sound, but it’s still not excessive. Overall, the Wave 2 hits a good balance of power versus noise output. The fan and internal components seem well-engineered to keep unnecessary noise to a minimum. While audible, the sound blends into background noise after a short time. For van or RV living, it’s likely quieter than your existing systems.
Placement and Portability
Finding the optimal spot to place the EcoFlow Wave 2 unit in your van is important for regular use. Since it’s on the heavier side at around 37 pounds without the battery attached, you’ll want to find a location where it can stay put most of the time.
I found that placing it on the floor behind the passenger seat works well in my van build. It’s out of the main walkway but still accessible. The unit takes up a decent amount of floor space though at 15.7 x 11 x 12.2 inches. Make sure you have enough room for it.
While the Wave 2 is portable compared to a window or stand AC unit, it’s still bulky to move around frequently. If you’re using it for just occasional camping trips, be prepared to lift and carry the unit in and out of your vehicle. Having a dolly or wheeled platform can make this easier. But for regular use in a van, optimize its placement so it can stay stationary.
The battery does add considerable weight when attached. I’d estimate the total weight jumps to around 60-70 pounds with it connected. So that’s something else to factor in for portability if you’re using the battery. Overall, solid build quality and powerful performance comes with the tradeoff of increased weight.
Battery Life
The EcoFlow Wave 2 comes with a separate battery pack that allows you to power the unit without being plugged into a wall outlet. The battery definitely adds considerable weight, clocking in around 20lbs. Battery technology still has a ways to go before providing truly impressive off-grid power, but the Wave 2 battery performs adequately for an appliance of this size.
On Eco mode you can expect around 6-7 hours of runtime for cooling or heating. That’s not too shabby for a portable AC unit. Running it in Max mode cuts the battery life down to just 2-2.5 hours though, so Eco mode is recommended to maximize usage.
Charging the battery is simple with the included power cord. You can plug into any wall outlet to recharge. There’s also a solar input that allows you to connect solar panels and charge the battery that way. The unit won’t run on solar power alone, but you can top off the battery throughout the day while you’re out and about. Then when you return to your van in the evening, you’ll have a full battery ready to keep you comfortable.
The Wave 2 battery seems best suited to intermittent off-grid use rather than continuous. Plugging into shore power or a large solar generator can provide the most convenient unlimited runtime. But the included battery does give you the flexibility to cool down or warm up occasionally without any cords.
Venting Setup
Properly venting the Wave 2 is crucial for it to run efficiently. The unit is designed to vent air out the top and take air in from the back. This allows for continuous airflow and prevents the warm or cool air from just recirculating within the van.
Ideally, you want to attach the included venting hoses and run them outside the vehicle. The top hose vents out the hot or cold air being generated while the back hose pulls in fresh air from outside. Venting both sides makes the unit work optimally.
If venting the back isn’t feasible in your setup, at minimum you’ll want to vent the top hot exhaust air outside. Running a hose straight up through your roof vent is an easy way accomplish this. I’ve found attaching it to my MaxxAir fan works perfectly to eliminate the hot or cold air.
Venting just the top and leaving the back unvented will reduce efficiency somewhat but the unit still performs adequately. I tried it both ways and found venting just the top gets the job done. However, for max efficiency venting both sides is recommended if you can set it up.
Not venting at all is very ill-advised. With no ventilation, the hot or cold air has nowhere to go and just recirculates. You end up with an uncomfortable muggy environment rather than truly cooling or heating the interior. The fan mode will still work but the AC and heater perform poorly without any ventilation.
Condensation and Draining
The Wave 2 uses an internal self-evaporative system to handle moisture buildup from cooling operation, eliminating the need for a drain in most environments. I found this system works very effectively, as I did not observe significant condensation collecting during use.
The unit does come with an external drain hose that can be attached to the rear port if needed. Simply remove the rubber plug and connect the hose to drain water as required. I tested this by tipping the unit to empty any internal reservoir, but found little to no moisture discharged in my climate. The self-evaporation system seems to recirculate condensation efficiently without an external drain.
Overall, the lack of a constantly dripping hose is a huge plus in my small van. The self-contained moisture handling removes a common hassle, and the option to add a drain hose is there if ever needed in very humid conditions. This flexible and low maintenance approach to condensation makes operation cleaner and more convenient.
App Integration Makes Control Easier
The EcoFlow app available for iOS and Android devices provides easy remote control and monitoring. I was pleasantly surprised by the app integration when I downloaded it. The app connects via Bluetooth and shows the current status and settings for the unit.
With the app, I can power the unit on or off, switch between the modes (cool, heat, fan), adjust the target temperature, and see the current intake and exhaust temperatures. The interface is clean, intuitive, and updates in real time as you make changes. I especially like that I don’t need yet another remote control and can use my phone instead.
The app also allows you to customize the name of your unit, update the firmware, and configure other settings. Overall, the app integration makes controlling and monitoring the Wave 2 even more convenient than using the built-in display and buttons. I’ve found it handy for quickly adjusting the unit from bed when needed.
The ability to power on the unit remotely is also great. As long as it’s plugged in and set to standby mode, I can use the app from a distance to start up the cooling or heating before I get back to the van. It’s a small but useful feature that improves the overall experience.
Off-Grid Power Options
The Wave 2 can be powered off-grid using solar panels or portable power stations, providing more flexibility for vanlife and camping.
To use solar panels, connect them to the solar input port on the side of the unit. This will charge the battery during the day, allowing you to run the Wave 2 in the evening. The unit itself cannot run directly on solar panels and must have battery power.
For larger off-grid power, portable power stations like the EcoFlow Delta Pro work well. With an 800W power draw, the Wave 2 needs a power station rated at least 1000W. Using Eco Mode, the Delta Pro’s 2016Wh capacity can run the Wave 2 for 25+ hours on a charge. This gives you full AC and heating all night without needing shore power.
The Wave 2’s off-grid capabilities make it ideal for remote camping or places without electrical hookups. With solar or a power station, you don’t need to rely on outlets to stay cool or warm in your van. The ability to recharge via solar gives continuous off-grid use.
Is It Worth It?
Whether or not the EcoFlow Wave 2 is worth the investment is ultimately subjective and depends on your needs, budget, and how much you value certain features. However, looking at it overall:
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The Wave 2 is not cheap, but you get what you pay for in terms of build quality, power, and performance. This is a serious, high-capacity portable AC unit.
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For cooling and heating small spaces efficiently, the Wave 2 delivers. It can transform stuffy van environments into comfortable living spaces. The cooling and heating abilities seem evenly matched.
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While “portable” is in the name, the Wave 2’s weight means you won’t want to move it around frequently. Find a semi-permanent home for it in your vehicle.
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Battery life is a mixed bag. The external battery adds a lot of weight. In Eco mode, expect 6-7 hours of runtime. The Max mode drains the battery much faster.
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The app’s remote control features add great convenience. No need for yet another remote in your van.
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Off-grid power is feasible with a solar generator like the EcoFlow Delta Max. But runtimes will be limited.
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For serious cooling in hot summer months, the Wave 2 is a potential game changer, especially if you have shore power.
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If you want an integrated cooling + heating + power solution for your vehicle, the Wave 2 + Delta Max bundle starts looking very appealing.
Overall, while not lightweight or bargain-priced, the Wave 2 delivers premium performance. If you need serious climate control and treat yourself to the best, it will justify the investment.
Ideal Usage Scenarios
Based on my testing, here are some of the best applications for the EcoFlow Wave 2:
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Cooling small spaces like vans, campers, and RVs. The Wave 2 excelled at cooling my van even on hot summer days. Its compact size makes it easy to fit in tight spaces.
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Heating small spaces like vans, tents, etc. I was surprised at how well it worked for taking the chill out of my van on cool nights. Much more effective than I expected.
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Using it as a standalone A/C or heater by powering it with a large power station like the EcoFlow Delta Max. You can run it for 30+ hours this way in eco mode without having to worry about shore power.
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Quick room temperature regulation. The app and remote control make it easy to quickly cool down or heat up an area when needed. I often use it right before bed or first thing in the morning.
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Drying out damp areas. I was able to easily direct the heated air flow to dry out a wet spot in my van very effectively. Would be great for drying out a tent too.
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Running it as a fan only to circulate air on mild days. This saves power but still allows you to take advantage of the strong air flow.
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Occasional use for things like outdoor events, camping trips, etc where you just need temporary cooling or heating. It excels in these short-term applications.
The Wave 2 is powerful enough for regular use in small spaces, but definitely shines brightest for temporary cooling, heating, drying, and air circulation needs.
Conclusion
After using the EcoFlow Wave 2 portable air conditioner for an extended period in my van, I can confidently say it is a game-changing device for small space cooling and heating. Despite the high price tag, I believe it’s worth the investment for the premium build quality, outstanding performance, and convenient app control.
The Wave 2 excelled at cooling my van even on hot summer days. It puts out a surprising amount of heating power as well, keeping me comfortable on chilly nights. The fan-only mode is great for air circulation. Noise levels are tolerable, akin to other off-grid gadgets.
While the battery does add considerable weight, it provides the freedom to use the Wave 2 anywhere without shore power. I found the best strategy is recharging the battery via solar during the day to run the A/C at night. Venting hot/cold exhaust out of the van is critical for efficiency. The app makes operation incredibly easy.
For vanlifers and RV owners wanting compact yet powerful temperature control, I highly recommend the EcoFlow Wave 2 portable A/C. It’s an investment, but delivers invaluable comfort for living and camping off-grid. With creative power arrangements like solar charging, it can handle most cooling/heating needs in a small space. Overall an outstanding product that significantly improves off-grid living.