Top-Rated Portable AC for Summer for Greenhouses (Supplemental Cooling): An Actionable Guide

Greenhouses are essential for creating an ideal growing environment for plants, offering controlled conditions to promote healthy growth year-round. However, during the hot summer months, maintaining the right temperature in a greenhouse can be a challenge. While natural ventilation methods, such as open windows and roof vents, can help, they are often insufficient in extreme heat. This is where portable air conditioners (ACs) come in, providing supplemental cooling to maintain a steady and comfortable environment for plants.

In this guide, we'll explore the top-rated portable air conditioners for greenhouses, focusing on units designed to provide effective, efficient, and supplemental cooling during hot weather. These models offer great cooling performance without overloading your energy bill or requiring complex installations.

Why You Need Supplemental Cooling for Your Greenhouse

A greenhouse traps heat from the sun, and the internal temperature can rise rapidly, especially during the summer months. This can lead to a number of issues for both the plants and the overall growing environment:

• Heat Stress: Plants can suffer from heat stress, resulting in wilting, dehydration, or even death if temperatures are not kept within a safe range.
• Humidity Control: Excess heat can increase humidity levels, creating an environment where mold and fungal diseases thrive.
• Inconsistent Growth: Fluctuating temperatures can result in inconsistent plant growth, which can affect the yield and health of crops.

Portable air conditioners help combat these challenges by providing additional cooling to complement other ventilation systems in the greenhouse. They offer several benefits:

• Energy Efficiency : Many portable AC units are designed to consume less power, making them cost-effective for use in a greenhouse where electricity costs can accumulate.
• Easy Setup : Unlike traditional AC units that require complex installation, portable units can be set up quickly and moved around as needed.
• Supplemental Cooling : When combined with natural ventilation, a portable AC provides an extra cooling boost to ensure consistent temperatures throughout the day.

Now that we understand why supplemental cooling is important for greenhouses, let's dive into the best portable AC options to consider for keeping your greenhouse cool during the summer.

1. Whynter ARC-14S Dual Hose Portable Air Conditioner

• Price: $500 - $600
• Best For: Large greenhouses that require strong cooling power and efficiency.

Key Features:

• 14,000 BTU Cooling Capacity: This unit is designed to cool larger spaces, making it ideal for mid-sized to large greenhouses. It can cover areas up to 500 square feet, providing ample cooling during hot summer days.
• Dual Hose System : The Whynter ARC-14S uses a dual hose design, which increases the cooling efficiency and reduces the strain on the compressor. This is particularly important in a greenhouse environment where efficient air circulation is essential.
• Energy Efficiency : The ARC-14S uses eco-friendly refrigerant (R-410A), which is more energy-efficient and has a lower environmental impact than older refrigerants.
• Dehumidification : This AC unit doubles as a dehumidifier, which is important for greenhouses where high humidity can cause mold and mildew problems. The ARC-14S helps reduce excess moisture in the air, creating a more balanced environment.
• Quiet Operation: Operating at around 56 dB, it's quieter than many other models of similar capacity, allowing it to cool without disturbing the quiet atmosphere of your greenhouse.

Why It's Great:

The Whynter ARC-14S is a powerhouse unit that provides efficient cooling while maintaining lower noise levels, which is perfect for large greenhouses. Its dual hose system ensures that the cooling process is faster and more energy-efficient, and its dehumidifying feature is an added benefit for controlling humidity levels.

Pros:

• Dual hose system for increased cooling efficiency.
• Energy-efficient with eco-friendly refrigerant.
• Quiet operation compared to similar units.

Cons:

• Higher price point.
• May be too large for small greenhouses.

2. BLACK+DECKER BPACT14WT Portable Air Conditioner

• Price: $350 - $450
• Best For: Medium-sized greenhouses requiring efficient cooling without excessive power consumption.

Key Features:

• 14,000 BTU Cooling Capacity : With the same cooling capacity as the Whynter ARC-14S, the BLACK+DECKER BPACT14WT is suitable for medium-sized greenhouses up to 500 square feet.
• Compact Design: The unit's compact size makes it a good fit for greenhouses with limited space, offering powerful cooling without taking up too much room.
• Dehumidifier Mode : This portable AC also has a dehumidifier function, making it ideal for managing moisture levels in your greenhouse. It helps prevent the growth of mold, mildew, and fungal diseases by keeping the humidity in check.
• Auto-Restart : In case of a power outage, the BPACT14WT will automatically restart, keeping your greenhouse environment stable without manual intervention.
• Energy Efficient: This model is designed with energy-saving features, ensuring that it runs without excessively increasing electricity costs.

Why It's Great:

The BLACK+DECKER BPACT14WT offers a great combination of cooling power, compact size, and energy efficiency. Its dehumidifying capabilities make it especially useful in greenhouses where moisture control is crucial to plant health.

Pros:

• Compact and space-saving.
• Dehumidification helps prevent fungal growth.
• Auto-restart feature is helpful during power outages.

Cons:

• The cooling capacity might be too much for smaller greenhouses.
• Some users report that it can be a bit noisy.

3. Honeywell MO08CESWK Portable Air Conditioner

• Price: $350 - $450
• Best For: Greenhouses that need a quiet, efficient unit for supplemental cooling.

Key Features:

• 8,000 BTU Cooling Capacity : Ideal for smaller to medium-sized greenhouses (up to 350 square feet), the Honeywell MO08CESWK provides sufficient cooling without overwhelming smaller spaces.
• Quiet Operation : Operating at just 53 dB, the Honeywell MO08CESWK is one of the quietest portable air conditioners, which makes it a good choice for environments where low noise is important.
• Dehumidification : The built-in dehumidifier helps reduce excess moisture in the greenhouse, preventing mold and maintaining a healthier growing environment.
• Energy Saving Mode: This model includes an energy-saving mode that helps optimize the cooling process and reduce electricity consumption, making it perfect for those looking to minimize operational costs.
• Easy Installation : It comes with a convenient window venting kit that makes installation quick and straightforward, without the need for professional assistance.

Why It's Great:

The Honeywell MO08CESWK is a great option for smaller greenhouses where quiet operation and energy efficiency are crucial. Its low noise and dehumidification feature make it ideal for creating a stable environment for plants without causing disturbances.

Pros:

• Quiet operation makes it perfect for small spaces.
• Energy-saving mode helps reduce electricity consumption.
• Built-in dehumidifier to maintain balanced humidity levels.

Cons:

• Cooling capacity is limited for larger greenhouses.
• It may struggle in high humidity areas without frequent maintenance.

4. Evapolar evaSMART Portable Air Cooler

• Price: $250 - $350
• Best For: Extremely small greenhouses or those in dry climates.

Key Features:

• Evaporative Cooling Technology : Instead of traditional refrigeration, the EvaPolar evaSMART uses evaporative cooling, which is more energy-efficient and environmentally friendly.
• Whisper-Quiet Operation: Operating at just 30 dB, this model is nearly silent, making it an excellent choice for small greenhouse environments where noise levels must be kept minimal.
• Compact and Portable : The evaSMART is lightweight and small, making it easy to move and store. It is ideal for spaces that require cooling without the need for a large unit.
• App-Controlled: This unit can be controlled via an app, providing convenience for remote temperature adjustments.
• Eco-Friendly : The EvaPolar unit doesn't use refrigerants or Freon, making it a greener option for those conscious of their environmental impact.

Why It's Great:

For smaller greenhouses or dry climates, the EvaPolar evaSMART provides an eco-friendly and ultra-quiet cooling solution. Its evaporative cooling system is perfect for arid regions where traditional AC systems may not be as effective.

Pros:

• Ultra-quiet operation.
• Compact and easy to move.
• Environmentally friendly, using evaporative cooling.

Cons:

• Best suited for small greenhouses or dry climates.
• May not offer sufficient cooling for larger or more humid spaces.

5. MIDEA MAP08R1CWT Portable Air Conditioner

• Price: $350 - $450
• Best For: Small greenhouses that need an efficient, space-saving cooling option.

Key Features:

• 8,000 BTU Cooling Capacity: This unit is ideal for smaller greenhouses or rooms up to 150 square feet, providing efficient cooling without overwhelming the space.
• Compact Design : The MIDEA MAP08R1CWT is sleek and modern, making it a good fit for greenhouses with limited space.
• Quiet Operation: Operating at a relatively quiet 52 dB, this model is great for greenhouses where noise can be disruptive.
• Self-Evaporative Technology: The unit utilizes self-evaporating technology, meaning it automatically removes condensation, reducing the need for manual draining.
• Energy Efficient: This unit is designed to optimize power consumption, keeping your energy bills low while ensuring adequate cooling.

Why It's Great:

The MIDEA MAP08R1CWT is perfect for small greenhouses or spaces where efficient cooling and noise control are important. Its compact size and self-evaporating feature make it easy to maintain while keeping operational costs low.

Pros:

• Compact design suitable for small spaces.
• Self-evaporating technology reduces maintenance.
• Quiet operation compared to other portable units.

Cons:

• Limited cooling capacity for larger greenhouses.
• May not be as effective in humid climates without additional ventilation.

Conclusion

When choosing a portable air conditioner for your greenhouse, it's important to consider factors like the size of your space, the climate you're in, and the level of noise you're comfortable with. Whether you have a small, medium, or large greenhouse, the right portable AC unit can help provide supplemental cooling, maintain optimal humidity levels, and promote healthier plant growth during the hot summer months.

The models reviewed in this guide offer a variety of options to suit different needs, from powerful dual-hose systems like the Whynter ARC-14S to quieter, eco-friendly models like the EvaPolar evaSMART. By selecting the right unit for your greenhouse, you'll be able to enjoy a cooler, more controlled growing environment without sacrificing space or energy efficiency.