HVAC systems go out at the worst possible time.
In our case, we were packing to move when I noticed our thermostat kept going dark. It was a blown fuse. We’d flip it back on, only for it to go out again.
It turned out, some thingamabob in our relatively new unit needed to be replaced. No big deal…but, of course, the part had to be special ordered. And it was a holiday weekend. And temps were supposed to hit the 80s.
I immediately hopped on Amazon. There had to be a gadget that would keep us cool for a few days. Most were pricey, but the Evapolar evaCHILL Portable Air Conditioner was surprisingly affordable. And it got decent reviews.
I ordered it, and in true Amazon fashion, it arrived the next day. Over the next few days, I became very familiar with this little device. Luckily, I can share with you what I found out.
Evapolar evaCHILL Portable Air Conditioner
Specs:
Price: $98.98.
Dimensions: 1.65 pounds.
Power Consumption: 7.5 watts.
Noise level: 25 to 50 decibels.
Pros:
- Compact size.
- Easy setup.
- Highly portable.
Cons:
- Limited power.
- Frequent water refills required.
- Not as effective in humid environments.
The Setup: Desperation, Sweat and One Very Easy Process
When I retrieved the package from the porch, I had a hard time believing it was so lightweight and compact. Yes, the reviews and product description had mentioned that fact, but it still took me by surprise.
The evaCHILL comes in a small, attractive box. Everything you need is inside, including:
- The evaCHILL unit.
- Replaceable cartridge.
- Micro USB power cable.
- Funnel.
- User guide.
- Stickers.
Everything was packed neatly inside. No excess plastic or messy packing peanuts. Best of all, it’s super easy to set up. Just use the funnel to insert water, plug it in, power it on and enjoy the breeze.
Not Quite an Air Conditioner
Before you press the “buy” button on this one, it’s important to understand the tech behind it. The term “air conditioner” can be a bit misleading. A/C units use refrigeration, and the evaCHILL doesn’t have a condenser or refrigerant inside.
No, the evaCHILL is actually an “evaporative cooler,” which means it cools air by evaporating water. A unit this size can cool a smallish room, but it does this by adding moisture to the air. If you’re in a hot, muggy room, all you end up doing is adding unneeded moisture to an already humid area.
In our case, we had some things working against us. The house exceeded 80 degrees over that long weekend, and in Tennessee, humidity is a way of life. It also didn’t help that our living room was fairly large with high ceilings.
Still, I set it next to me, combined with a fan, and it did seem to cool me down a little. And some online reviews are from people who keep it on a desk to provide a little extra cooling in an already air-conditioned space. I can see the benefit of that. You could bump up the A/C a few notches and use the evaCHILL to concentrate the cooling on you while you’re working or relaxing after a long day.
Evapolar evaCHILL Portable Air Conditioner
The Good: It’s Useful…With Limits
There’s plenty to like about the Evapolar evaCHILL, especially if you’re planning to use it in a dry, less-than-sweltering room. Here are some things that stand out:
1. Looks Great on a Desk
The device features an impressive design. It’s small and sleek, with a simple white build that blends well in any environment. If you have it on your desk at work, chances are, most people won’t even notice it. Which brings me to my next benefit.
2. Whisper Quiet
Over the weekend, I ran the device all day and night. It was next to me as I slept, on my desk while I worked and on the table next to me on the sofa. The gentle hum was barely noticeable. In fact, I had it running next to my fan, and the fan was louder.
3. Lightweight and Portable
As I mentioned, I moved my evaCHILL around a lot. It was easy enough to do. In fact, not only is the device lightweight, at less than 2 pounds, but even when it was full of water, nothing leaked.
4. Easy to Use
Setting up and using the evaCHILL was surprisingly easy. I was worried that the process of inserting water would be complicated, but the funnel made sure water went directly into the basin. I don’t think I ever even lost a drop of water in the process.
The Not-So-Good: “Air Conditioner” Is a Stretch
I think calling the evaCHILL an air conditioner in branding sets expectations a little too high. I’m sure “evaporative cooler” wouldn’t sell very many units, especially since most of us are typing the words “portable air conditioner” (or some variation) into search.
1. Barely Moves the Temperature Needle
Full disclosure: I didn’t have a thermometer to check the air temperature while I was using it. I did notice, though, that the room with the evaCHILL was no cooler than the rest of the house. As long as I sat directly in front of it, with it pointed at my face, I could feel the cooldown, but it’s not going to make a dent in an 80-degree, humid room.
2. Needs Dry Air
I live in Tennessee, where the air is basically soup during the months between mid-spring and early fall. Unfortunately, evaporative coolers need dry air. I didn’t realize it at the time, but all I was doing was adding more moisture to an already humid situation. If you’re in a dryer climate, your results may be different.
3. Water Refills Are Frequent
The user manual promises up to nine hours of use on one tankful of water, but that assumes you’re operating it on low. I ran it on high all weekend and run times were closer to five to six hours. Yes, that’s inconvenient, but it also means you likely won’t be able to make it through eight hours of sleep without needing a refill.
4. One-Person Use Only
I wanted a solution that would cool down an entire room, even if it was a smaller room with low ceilings. The evaCHILL can’t do that, so it’s limited to solo use. Yes, you could buy two units, but that’s double the expense and twice as many water reservoirs to keep refilled.
Day-to-Day Use: Cool Hopes, Tepid Results
I’ll be honest. When I plugged in the evaCHILL and powered it up, I fully expected a blast of relief. But instead of a long, “Ahhhhhh,” my evaCHILL was met with a shrug and a, “Well, that’s slightly better. Or is it?”
I kept it next to me throughout the day, but I don’t sit still all day, so having it not cool a larger area was an inconvenience. My husband hogged it at his bedside the first night, but by the second night, he was handing it over to me. He said he didn’t feel a difference. It’s possible, though, that he was being a gentleman.
After the part came in and the HVAC was up and running again, the evaCHILL was slipped into a moving box. It’s in the storage closet in our new house. I hope, with all my might, that I never have to use it again. But if the air goes out in the future, I’ll definitely give it another try. A little evaporated water is better than nothing when you’re burning up.
The Verdict: Blowing Hot Air
If, like me, you expect this device to operate like an air conditioner, you’ll be severely disappointed. Think of it like a fan blowing misty air your way — similar to a misting fan without the mist.
Will the Evapolar evaCHILL replace your broken-down air conditioner? No. But if you’re looking for a little cooldown at your desk, it can work. Just be prepared to replenish the water every few hours or so, and you’ll be set.
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