A portable air conditioner is an invaluable piece of equipment that will serve you well in many different ways. It can cool you more effectively than a traditional fan will, while still being portable so that you can carry it around with you – unlike traditional AC units.
Today we’re looking at the Zero Breeze Mark 2 portable AC unit, which is a great tool to have on the go. The Mark 2 has been released following the great success of the original Zero Breeze, which was made thanks to a successful Kickstarter campaign.
Now the Mark 2 is the new kid on the block, being released just three years after its popular older sibling. But does the Mark 2 compare to the older model, and how does it hold up against other portable ac units on the market?
Today we’re aiming to answer these questions, as well as whether or not this is the right model for you. Let’s get started, shall we?
A Little More On The Zero Breeze Mark 2
If you’ve ever used an air conditioner, you might agree with the rest of us when we consider it to be one of the best inventions in the world.
When summer temperatures reach a new record, an AC unit can be a saving grace. If you’re lucky, you’ll be able to install an AC unit within your home to remain cool throughout the day.
However, it’s not always practical to install an AC unit within your home. You might be renting, or you might not want to spend money installing an air conditioner in a house that you know you won’t be living in forever.
And what happens when you want to enjoy the benefits of AC outside? With a traditional machine, you can’t.
That’s where a portable machine comes in. These can be taken on trips as well as used around the house, so you can enjoy the benefits anywhere and everywhere.
For this reason, as well as many others that we will look into later, the Zero Breeze Mark 2 is a great find. However, the price tag might be enough to put some people off.
It is an expensive AC unit, with the basic package costing just shy of $1000. This is without the battery pack.
The Plus package comes with a battery, and you’re looking at an additional $400 for the pleasure. You can also get the Plus Extra package that comes with two batteries, which is more expensive still.
These prices are higher than other AC units on the market, so is it worth the extra cost?
Here is a quick rundown of the specification that comes with this air conditioner, to give you a quick glimpse of what you’ll be getting.
Modes: Cool, Fan, Sleep, Super Cold
Speeds: 4
BTU: 2,300
Cooling Capacity: 650 Watts
Sound Level: 52 decibels
Cooling Rated Input: 240 Watts
Climate Type: T1
Rated Voltage: 24V DC
Dimensions: 20 x 10 x 11 inches (L x W x H)
Weight: 16.5 pounds
Moisture Protection: IPX4
There are some great improvements within the specifications from the original Zero Breeze AC unit. The BTU rating is higher in the Mark 2 and therefore it can cool larger areas with ease, as the BTU of the predecessor was only 1,100.
While the BTU of the Mark 2 might still seem quite small, it’s worth noting that it is also smaller in size and comes with the option to plug into mains power. Other portable AC units with a higher BTU are often larger and only battery powered.
Zero Breeze Mark 2 Key Features
There are many features that come with this air conditioning unit, so let’s take a look at these now to give you a better idea of what your money is going towards.
Air Conditioning Abilities
As you might imagine, the most important thing with any AC unit is that it can actually deliver the cooling effect that we so desperately crave in the summer. If the AC unit cannot bring the temperature down within a space, it’s not going to be worth your money.
The most important thing that you take from this article is that the Mark 2 actually does work in cooling a space down, without the need for water or ice. Within seconds of turning this machine on, it is already blowing cold air into the room.
With a rating of 2,300 BTU, the Mark 2 is not designed to cool an entire house down. It would be better suited in a single room with the door shut to single it off from the rest of the house.
The ideal space to use the Mark 2 in would be one of 20 to 40 square feet, and you’ll feel the difference in temperature almost immediately. It can actually lower the temperature in said room up to 30 degrees Fahrenheit within just 10 minutes!
There is the option to use this air conditioning unit to cool the entire house, but this would be better done at nighttime when the temperature is already low.
Overall, this is a good option to cool smaller rooms effectively than a large house. You will find this to be true for the majority of portable AC units on the market.
Adjustable Power Options
You can either use the Zero Breeze Mark 2 AC unit with mains power or battery. If there is an outlet available for you to use, simply plug the AC unit into it with the included wire and you’re done!
If you’re using the air conditioner outside or somewhere without available outlets, however, you can use the battery power instead.
The batteries have a run time of between 3 and 5 hours, so you can enjoy the cool air for a decent amount of time before the battery runs out.
If you have purchased the pack without the included batteries, you can use your own 24V battery, if you have one.
Noise Level
Unfortunately, all AC units are going to be loud. While some are quieter than others, they are always going to be perceived as noisy. This can be annoying if you want to sleep with your air conditioner on, as the noise might keep you awake.
The Mark 2 comes with a noise level of 52 decibels, which is a similar noise level to a fridge. To put it into perspective, a conversation at home is rated 50 decibels, so the Mark 2 is slightly louder than this.
So, if you can live with the noise that your fridge makes, then you should be able to live with the Mark 2. However, the AC unit will often be closer to you than the fridge is, which might make the sound more noticeable and annoying.
It’s up to you whether you think that you can live with this noise level. It is worth noting that there is a Sleep Mode integrated within the Mark 2, making it quieter when this mode is activated. This might help you to sleep better with the AC unit on.
Extension Ability
The Mark 2 comes with an extension pipe which you can attach to the air conditioner before pointing it towards you. This allows you to feel the cold air in a more targeted way so that you can enjoy the benefits of the AC unit more.
This feature is also beneficial for compact areas where you don’t want to lose any of the cold air. Some placements of the air conditioner could be restrictive of the cooling effect, but with the extension pipe, you won’t notice it at all.
Dual-Hose Pipes
The Zero Breeze Mark 2 has two hose pipes within it, which can remove heat from an enclosed space as well as cooling it with cold air. This helps the AC unit to cool the space more effectively, keeping you comfortable in a shorter amount of time.
Different Functions
There is more than one function with the Mark 2, and you’ll be getting much more than just an AC unit. This device can also be used as a fan with a light on top, which is perfect for warm days where an AC unit isn’t necessary.
There is also a sleep function on this air conditioner, as well as a super cold boost which can deliver cool air even quicker than the usual function.
Summary
Overall, the Zero Breeze Mark 2 air conditioner is a great little portable device for many different needs.
If you enjoyed the original Zero Breeze AC unit, then you’re going to like this one even more due to the improved features such as the better cooling efficiency, longer battery life, and aesthetics.
The AC unit is heavier than you might expect and therefore can be a little difficult to transport, and the price point is higher than other AC units on the market.
However, we think that the added price is worth it as this air conditioner actually works and is a lifesaver during the hottest temperatures.
