The EcoFlow Wave 2 is a portable air conditioner, heater, and fan that can be powered by a battery and solar panel. This compact device packs a lot of cooling and heating capacity for its size and could be a game-changer for some or a disappointment for others. It all depends on whether one believes EcoFlow’s marketing claims.
The heat pump’s ability to transfer heat in and out of a room is what makes these increasingly popular appliances so efficient. However, EcoFlow’s pitch for the Wave 2 is absurd and misleading. The company shows people using it inside a spacious living room, a large RV, on the deck of a boat, and outside at a campsite. Some backpackers even carried it into the mountains to use with a tent. One of several absurd and misleading images EcoFlow uses to promote the Wave 2 is shown.
The Truth Behind EcoFlow’s Marketing Claims
After a year of testing, I can assure readers that the Wave 2 will not cool or heat those spaces in any meaningful way as depicted. It certainly won’t raise or lower the temperature by 18 degrees Fahrenheit (8 degrees Celsius) in just five minutes, as EcoFlow claims. I’ve tested the $799 Wave 2 to both heat and cool a shipping-container-sized surf shack, and to cool both a campervan and a tiny bedroom in an old Portuguese farmhouse.
The fastest temperature change I’ve seen is an 8F (4.6C) drop in 30 minutes, well below EcoFlow’s claim. However, it also kept a room at 72F (22C) or below on a day that reached 99F (37C) outside. Its worst performance resulted in no temperature change at all.
Understanding the Wave 2’s Capabilities
Notably, in some climates, a 400W solar panel could conceivably keep the $1,199 Wave 2 with battery add-on running continuously without ever needing to plug it into a wall socket. The Wave 2 is certainly innovative and a very capable device in some limited scenarios — but it’s not the little miracle EcoFlow makes it seem.
Evaluating the Good and Bad of the Wave 2
The Verge Score for the EcoFlow Wave 2 is $799. The Good: A heater and air conditioner in one very portable device, optional battery provides up to eight hours of use, could run indefinitely when connected to a 400W solar panel, heat pump is super efficient.
However, there are also several negative aspects of the Wave 2. The Bad: Limited to very small, well-insulated spaces, EcoFlow oversells its abilities, most people will need more heating and cooling capacity, worrisome squeal and unresponsive buttons.
A Closer Look at the Wave 2’s Design
The Wave 2 is fitted with a compact compressor, condenser, and heat exchanger with air exhaust and intake pairs on both sides of the device that form two closed loops. The system works by moving heat from one loop to the other to either cool or heat the space you’re in. This ability to transfer heat instead of generating hot and cold air is what makes heat pumps so efficient.
JerryRigEverything has a good Wave 2 teardown that also explains how everything works in more detail. The Wave 2 is very small for an HVAC unit, measuring just 20.4 x 11.7 x 13.2 inches (518 x 297 x 336mm) and weighing only 32 pounds (14.5kg).
Testing the Wave 2’s Performance
I’ve tested the Wave 2 in several different scenarios to see how well it performs. In a shipping-container-sized surf shack, I was able to cool the space from 90F (32C) down to 72F (22C) in about an hour and a half. However, the performance of the Wave 2 varied depending on the temperature outside.
When the temperature was below 80F (27C), the Wave 2 performed well, cooling the space quickly and efficiently. However, when the temperature rose above 80F (27C), the performance of the Wave 2 began to decline. In one test, I was able to cool a space from 95F (35C) down to 75F (24C) in about three hours.
Comparing the Wave 2 to Traditional HVAC Systems
The Wave 2 is a portable air conditioner, heater, and fan that can be powered by a battery and solar panel. However, it’s not suitable for large spaces or extreme temperatures. In comparison to traditional HVAC systems, the Wave 2 has several advantages.
For one, it’s much more energy-efficient than traditional HVAC systems. The Wave 2 uses advanced heat pump technology to transfer heat instead of generating hot and cold air. This makes it a great option for small spaces or temporary cooling needs.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the EcoFlow Wave 2 is a unique and innovative product that offers a lot of potential benefits for users who need a portable air conditioner, heater, and fan. While it’s not suitable for large spaces or extreme temperatures, it’s a great option for small spaces or temporary cooling needs.
Its energy-efficient design and compact size make it an attractive option for users who want to reduce their carbon footprint. Additionally, the Wave 2 is relatively affordable compared to traditional HVAC systems.
However, there are also several drawbacks to consider. The Wave 2 is limited in its ability to cool large spaces or extreme temperatures, and its performance can vary depending on the temperature outside.
Overall, the EcoFlow Wave 2 is a great option for users who need a portable air conditioner, heater, and fan for small spaces or temporary cooling needs. However, it’s not suitable for large spaces or extreme temperatures, and its performance can vary depending on the temperature outside.