Mini 12v Air Conditioner

A 12V AC is a mini air conditioner that needs 12 volts of electric current to function properly. That means it can run on the 12V power supply available in many battery banks. 12 volts A/C units can be powered directly from 12V direct current (DC) because they have highly-efficient compressors which can work on a 12V current. 12V air conditioners are compact and portable. They can be plugged into the dashboard of a car, or other power sources rated 12V. Some 12V air conditioners for cars also run on portable power generators. Homeowners who live off-grid will find 12V DC air conditioners more efficient than larger air conditioners that run on 120/220v. 12V RV air conditioners can run off solar panels and battery banks or utility batteries in a recreation vehicle.

What Are Some Advantages of a 12V A/C?

12V portable A/Cs use less power than conventional 12V air conditioning unit. The 12V A/C gets its current directly from a 12 volts battery bank. That means there's no need to convert 12V direct current to 120V alternating current. At least 10 to 15 percent of energy losses are avoided. In some cases, 12V A/C units offer energy-efficiencies of up to 70% over conventional 120V air conditioners. A 12 volt A/C can work while the car engine or portable generator is switched off, if there is sufficient energy stored in a battery bank. That means you can keep the 12 volts air conditioning unit on at night without the noise of a generator.

Evaporative Cooler vs. Air Conditioner: Which Should You Choose?

Evaporative coolers are more economical than compressor-based air conditioners. They are more energy-efficient, and they allow fresh air to circulate. Unlike conventional air conditioners, 12V marine air conditioners allow you to keep doors or windows open. However, air conditioners are effective in all climates, while evaporative coolers work best in hot, dry climates.

Where Can You Use a 12 volt A/C?

12-volt air conditioners have multiple applications. Due to their small, portable design, they work best in recreational vans, cars, trucks, and small boats. 12V A/Cs can also be installed in cabins and homes that use off-grid power supplies. These A/Cs can keep a room cool all day in summer if there is a power source to charge the battery bank.