Living off-grid has several challenges. But, you can not accept the hot summer days without an air conditioner. Off-grid living is a complete lifestyle, not a survival scheme.
You might live in a tiny house or off-grid travel trailer, but you need a cool temperature to stay safe during the summer.
A high-quality off-grid air conditioner maintains temperature and consumes low energy. You will get a stable solution for hot weather when you are disconnected from the grid.
There are several types of air conditioners for off-grid living and you have to select one that fits most of your needs.
In this writing, we present the best air conditioner for off-grid living and a complete buyer’s guide. Let’s explore.
Contents
Why Do People Need Air Conditioners For Off-Grid Living?
You need an air conditioner to keep your room cool or hot. Excessive heat or cold can reduce the body’s energy and cause severe problems.
An air conditioner will maintain the temperature in your house or room to keep you cool in summer and hot in winter.
With an air conditioner, you can control the temperature of your off-grid house. It will make your living place more comfortable when you are away from home.
In general, off grid-grid living houses or trailers come with a compact and space-savvy design. An air conditioner will make the space suitable for your living.
Buyer’s Guide: What To Look For In A Good Air Conditioner For Off-Grid?
A buyer’s guide will help you to select the best air conditioner for off-grid living. You can compare the features and options among different models.
Similarly, you can understand the features that are most suitable for you. We include some significant key features of a good off-grid living air conditioner.
Energy-Efficiency and Voltage
Remember, you are living off-grid and disconnected from the grid. So, you need an energy-efficient air conditioner for off-grid living.
A low-voltage air conditioner will consume less energy and run with a small power source would be best.
Ease of Installation For Your House
High-quality air conditioners are easy to install. The design is suitable for DIY and professional installation. Compare the installation features and options before selecting an air conditioner.
Always try to install air conditioners with a low lightweight design. It will enable you to complete the task effortlessly.
Aesthetics For Your House
When you have a unique house for off-grid living, you have to add all the appliances by maintaining the design aesthetics.
Analyze the space where you want to install the air conditioner and search for the model and type that will be ideal for your house or room.
Warranty
The warranty ensures quality after-sales service of an air conditioner. A good air conditioner comes with a warranty and replacement features.
Make sure that you will get the fastest service. It is important for off-grid residents. You can not stay without an air conditioner on hot days.
MIDEA EasyCool Window Air Conditioner
- 3 IN 1 COMFORT - The Midea EasyCool Window Air Conditioner unit has three modes to help your house, apartment, office, or room be as comfortable as possible. It can cool a space up to 550 sq. ft. quickly, circulate air with its 3-speed fan, or reduce humidity utilizing the dehumidifier mode..core material : Copper.Control Type : Electronic
- ENERGY EFFICIENT - The EasyCool window air conditioner is Energy Star certified to help save you money throughout the year. There are also multiple custom settings to help you be even more energy-efficient like Eco mode and an EasyTimer feature to program a schedule that fits your needs.
- QUIET & EASY TO USE - This window AC unit is quieter than a household refrigerator. The intuitive LED display and remote control (batteries included) allow easy setting of time, temperature, and mode from across the room. The removable and reusable air filter protects your family and living space from dust and pet hairs.
Best Air Conditioner For Offgrid Living Reviews
Here we review the best 11 air conditioners for off-grid living. We research several options and key features to get the best products with the value of the money.
Our goal is to introduce high-quality air conditioners that will make your off-grid living easier. We prioritize experts’ opinions and reviews of the current users to get the right information. Let’s explore the best off-grid living air conditioners.
| Types Of Air Conditioners | Amount Of Electricity Consume(Wattage) |
| HotSpot Energy DC4812VRF | 960 Watts |
| Swamp Coolers | Starts With 450 Watts |
| Living Shade | Requires No Electricity |
| Water Cooling | Natural Cooling System |
DC Powered Solar Air Conditioners
First, we include the DC-powered solar air conditioner and it is the most efficient cooling system for off-grid living.
The HotSpot Energy DC4812VRF is designed with sustainable energy consumption features. It will reduce your operating costs when living off the grid.
Overview:
- Complete Air Conditioner System
- Up to 24 Hours Operation
- Variable Speed Options
- No Inverter Needed
- Anti-Corrosion Technology
- Heat Pump Unit
- Solar Deep Cycle Batteries
- Charge Controller
- Remote Control
- WiFi Controller
This DC-powered solar air conditioner will give you the maximum output with low electricity consumption. You will get a complete solar and electrical system to keep your off-grid house cool.
The system runs with solar deep cycle batteries, and you can get 24 hours operation based on the energy production rate.
It runs directly on DC power and you don’t need an inverter. Besides, the durable design will perform in any place with anti-corrosion technology.
You will have WiFi operating option with this air conditioner. Enjoy the quiet operation of this air conditioner in the lap of nature.
Pros
Quiet Operation
Easy to Install
Easy to Maintain
Cons
A vacuum pump is usually needed to charge the system with refrigerant if/when needed.
Hybrid systems
Traditional air conditioners reduce the temperature and make your room cool. On the contrary, hybrid air conditioning systems are used both for heating and cooling your home.
It is a combination of a gas furnace and an electric heat pump that gives you more control of the temperature. You can use a hybrid air conditioner in winter and summer.
This is the best idea for off-grid living, and you don’t need a heater in the winter season. It will reduce energy consumption and appliances costs.
Pros
User-Friendly Operating System
Reduce Installation Costs
Cons
Expensive
Commercial Cool Air Conditioner with Heat
- QUIET & POWERFUL: Our 18,000 BTU cooling with 17 SEER and 19,000 BTU heating with 9 HSPF split room air conditioner is your real solution to a controlling your air temperature. This mini split ac/heating system will keep you cool and comfortable during the summer and toasty warm in the winter. The iFeel function allows you to set room temperature regarding the position of the remote control, ranging from 60 ° - 90 ° Fahrenheit throughout all seasons and year-round at a quiet 45/52.6 db.
- 4-in-1 FUNCTIONALITY: This mini split system has 4 energy-efficient modes that exceed expectations to ensure optimal performance in home ventilation needs: Cool, Heat, Fan & Humidify. Additionally, air conditioner comes with 4-way air flow direction and Low, Medium & High speeds for cooling, heating and fan-only functions. Dehumidifier can impressively extract up to 67 pints of water in a 24-hour period.
- EASY TO INSTALL: Putting in your 18K BTU cooling/19K BTU heating room air conditioner is truly hassle-free. DIY installation has never been easier with a full installation accessory kit, quick connector and pre-charged line set for indoor (35.43" x 12.20" x 8.86") and outdoor (31.50" x 21.46" x 12.40") unit. In addition to a removable washable filter, this superb wall air conditioner also comes with a detailed installation manual and access to excellent customer support, if needed.
Solair World
When searching for the best option, the Solair World air conditioners are at the top of the list. These 100 percent off-grid air conditioners use no electricity.
It will reduce your operating costs and allow you to expand the temperature control period.
It is a combined solar and battery system that is the best choice for off-grid houses. The manufacturer has different models. You can check them here.
Pros
No Electricity Required
Low Energy Consumption
Cons
Need to maintain the battery power.
Absorption Based Air Conditioners
The absorption air conditioner is a mechanical system driven by heat energy. With a chemical process, it will change the temperature and turn low-pressure vapor into high-pressure vapor.
The most common chemicals of this system are water, ammonia, and lithium bromide. Natural gas is the most common power source for this type of air conditioner.
The use of an absorption air conditioning system in off-grid houses will reduce operating costs. The system is less harmful than traditional air conditioners and suitable for off-grid places.
Pros
Cost-Effective Operation
Suitable for Off-Grid Living
Cons
Requires Cautious Operation
Swamp Coolers
Next, we have a portable cooling option that comes with convenient user options. Like traditional air conditioners, a Swamp Cooler reduces heat but slowly.
The windows and doors of an air-conditioned room need to be closed. It provides cool air and makes the space comfortable. But, a Swamp cooler maintains the flow of air. You have to open windows and doors to control the airflow.
Pros
Portable and Handy Design
Eco-Friendly Operation
Low Cost
Cons
It Works Slowly
Water Cooling
Let’s use natural resources as an alternative to air conditioners. If your off-grid house is located beside a stream, river, spring, or any other source of cool water, you can use the ancient water cooling system.
In this system, a fan and heat exchanger spread water throughout the wall of the house and reduce temperature. It is easy to install in modern homes.
A water-cooling system is perfect for an off-grid lifestyle when you don’t have excessive energy.
Pros
No Electricity Required
Affordable Installation Cost
Cons
Need Stable Water Source
Living Shade
Living shades will provide you with a natural cooling system. Your off-grid house can be benefited even from a small tree.
You can plant fast-growing trees around the sides of the house to protect sunlight. You don’t need any device, energy source, or air conditioner.
Make sure that you have planted sufficient trees on the east and west of the house.
Pros
Reduce Temperature Naturally
No Device/Appliances
Cons
Time-Consuming
Thermal Batteries
Thermal batteries reduce cooling costs and enable you to eliminate an air conditioner from your house. It is ideal for off-grid houses to keep the interior cool.
This low-cost method will protect the walls from being heated during the day. A special construction layer of earthbags controls the temperature like a cave.
Pros
Fast/Low-Cost Process
Perfect for Off-Grid Houses
Cons
Need A Lot of Earthbags
Insulation
If you provide more insulation for a building, it will work great and reduce the heat. You can use this common way instead of an air conditioner for off-grid living.
In this process, you have to install insulated doors, spacious windows, and wall attic fans. You can also use heat-insulating materials under the roof.
Pros
Sustainable Process
Cons
Comparatively Slow Process
Earth Cooling
Earth cooling is a low-cost heating process for off-grid houses. Here, you will get the cool temperature from the underground. You need to install an underground pipe in your room. It will eliminate the heat from the floor.
Pros
Easy Process
Cost-Effective
Cons
Less Efficient
Event Horizon Solar and Wind Inc
Finally, we include a renowned company that manufactures and supplies solar products for off-grid houses. Event Horizon Solar & Wind Inc are providing solar power solutions for 21 years.
You can use their solar system and off-grid cooling products to keep your house cool.
Pros
Establishes Company
Latest Technology
Cons
No Issue Found
4 Tips To Save Energy For Off-Grid Living
Starting energy-saving habits is a challenge for off-grid living. You spend years with different utilities in city life. Now, you are disconnected from the grid and have limited energy.
So, you have to reduce energy consumption and maximize the power output. Here are some tips that help you to save energy for off-grid living.
Reduce Electrical Usage and Demand
If you have a huge electricity demand, you can not save energy. You have to reduce the electrical appliances and usage.
Only include the most necessary appliances and eliminate those that are not mandatory. Calculate daily power consumption and make a basic plan.
Use Energy-Efficient Appliances
If you use energy-efficient appliances, you can save a great amount of energy per day. You have to purchase the latest devices to ensure the best service with low energy consumption.
Turn off other devices when using high-energy appliances like washing machines, heaters, and dryers.
Add Appliances Carefully
Don’t add new devices or appliances without calculating the power production and calculation. If you have extra energy, you can add devices.
Otherwise, the system will be unable to run both old and new devices in your off-grid house.
Use Air Conditioner Alternative
The best way to reduce energy consumption is to find alternatives for high-power devices. An air conditioner or washing machine requires high voltage and consumes more electricity.
To reduce energy consumption, you can use the alternative for these high voltage appliances.
Best Air Conditioners for Off-grid Living FAQs
Can you run an air conditioner off-grid?
You can run the air conditioner off-grid with an alternative power source. The most reliable option is to use solar systems with batteries. It will give you a stable energy source for electrical appliances.
How do I keep my off-grid cabin cool?
If you use an air conditioner, it will keep your cabin cool. Besides, you can use the power of nature and make a spacious design where more air passes through the cabin.
How much does a solar air conditioner cost?
A solar air conditioner costs about $2,000 to $5,000. It depends on the quality, capacity, installation process, and many more. You can check the best solar air conditioners here.
Are there solar-powered air conditioners?
Yes, there are solar-powered air conditioners, and this device has a high demand for grid-tied and off-grid living.
Conclusion
Finally, you got the best air conditioning ideas for off-grid living. If you want to explore off-grid life, you can use the natural process instead of powerful air conditioners.
Getting sufficient energy is a challenge for off-grid living, and you have to calculate the energy consumption rate before installing any device in your house.
Don’t go for an expensive solution and use natural resources as much as you can. It will give you an eco-friendly solution and a comfortable living place.
