EcoFlow Wave 3 Portable Air Conditioner with Heater: A Canadian Guide

EcoFlow

EcoFlow’s award-winning WAVE series of portable air conditioners has revolutionized temperature control for Canadian outdoor enthusiasts and people living off-grid.

The EcoFlow WAVE 3 Portable AC offers a versatile and compact heating/cooling solution perfect for camping in a tent or car, RV adventures, relaxing at the cottage, or keeping your home comfortable, all without messy cords or being tied to the power grid.

But what exactly is the EcoFlow Portable AC + Heater, and how does it work?

Read on to learn more.

What is the EcoFlow Wave 3?

WAVE 3 is the latest addition to EcoFlow’s award-winning WAVE line of portable air conditioners and heaters.

It's a significant improvement over the original WAVE and WAVE 2 – providing enhanced cooling and heating, greater portability, a variety of charging methods, extended battery life, and more.

Unlike many “portable” ACs or space heaters that require a power source like a wall outlet to operate, the EcoFlow WAVE 3  + Add-On Battery is a truly wireless solution.

While other wireless portable ACs offer limited battery life, typically only 3-5 hours, EcoFlow WAVE 3, paired with the Add-On Battery, delivers up to 8 hours of cooling or heating between charges

It's also easily expandable with compatible EcoFlow DELTA Series portable power stations.

Now that you understand the basics, let's explore the details, starting with ideal use cases in Canada.

EcoFlow WAVE 3 Ideal Use Cases: Camping, RVing, Home Use, & More

Tent and Car Camping

Camping is a favourite pastime for many Canadians, but with rising summer temperatures and unpredictable weather, the EcoFlow Wave 3 offers a welcome escape from the heat or a cozy retreat from the cold, ensuring comfort both day and night.

With 6100 BTUs of cooling & 6800 BTUs of heating capacity, the EcoFlow WAVE 3 can lower your tent or vehicle temperature by 8°C or raise it by 8°C in just 15 minutes, making it perfect for summer or winter.

With EcoFlow WAVE 3’s flexible dual duct system, you can operate the unit inside or outside your tent or vehicle for optimal flexibility.

Looking to upgrade your camping experience to glamping? 

Pairing the WAVE 3 Portable AC with the EcoFlow DELTA 3 Plus is an excellent choice.

With 1800W of AC output (3600W surge ), the EcoFlow DELTA 3 Plus can keep all your devices charged and run your camping appliances for the entire trip.

You can even set up an outdoor movie night with a projector!

With expandable battery storage up to 5kWh, it's ideal for longer road trips or camping excursions.

Both the EcoFlow WAVE 3 and DELTA 3 Plus feature multiple charging options, including portable solar panels and vehicle alternator charging, enabling you to stay powered indefinitely off-grid.

RV and Van Life

More and more Canadians are embracing the freedom of RV or Van Life, spending significant time or even living full-time off-grid.

Larger motorhomes, such as Class-A and Class-C RVs, often have integrated HVAC systems…

But when you're parked for extended periods, you'll need an electrical hookup or other power source to stay comfortable indoors.


EcoFlow WAVE 3 + Add-On Battery is completely wireless when charged and can operate for up to 8 hours on a full battery, making it ideal for overnight RV adventures.

Extend the run time and power other RV appliances by pairing with an EcoFlow DELTA Pro 3 portable power station.

Many smaller trailers and Class B motorhomes lack adequate built-in HVAC systems…

Rooftop AC units are a traditional solution, but the EcoFlow WAVE 3 offers a compelling alternative.

Its compact size allows it to fit between the front seats of a Class-B RV, keeping the vehicle cool or warm while parked.

Home and Cottage Use

EcoFlow WAVE 3 can quickly cool or heat rooms (ideally 12 square meters to 16 square meters or less) in your home, whether it's a city apartment or a remote cabin in the woods.

Unlike window AC units, the EcoFlow WAVE 3 doesn't require permanent installation or mounting hardware.

You can easily move it between rooms to provide AC or heating where you need it most.

With the Add-On Battery, you’ll have access to multiple charging methods, making it easy to stay powered up using household electricity or solar panels if you're staying off-grid.

More on charging options below.

Key Features and Specs

Cooling and Heating Performance

Despite its compact size, the EcoFlow WAVE 3 delivers impressive power.

AC Performance

  • Cooling Power: Rated at 6100 BTU (British Thermal Units).

  • Fast Cooling: Drops the temperature by 8°C in just 15 minutes.

  • Testing Conditions and Performance Notes: Performance tested under controlled conditions of approximately 10 cubic meters at a starting temperature of 25°C.

Space Heating Performance

  • Heating Power: 6800 BTU (British Thermal Units)

  • Quick Warm-Up: Increases the temperature by 9°C in just 15 minutes.

  • Testing Conditions and Performance Notes: Performance tested and validated under controlled conditions of approximately 10 cubic meters with a starting temperature of 25°C.

Battery, Solar & AC Power

  • Battery Storage Capacity: 1024Wh with optional WAVE 3 Add-On Battery. Connecting a compatible EcoFlow portable power station or solar generator can achieve longer run times.

  • Solar Charge Input: Up to 400W of rated power. Requires portable or rigid solar panels and WAVE 3 Add-On Battery. Fully charged in 3 hours of peak sunlight.

  • AC Power: 700W of household electricity when plugged into a standard outlet. Fully charged in 2 hours.

Design & Installation

  • Flexible Dual Duct Design: EcoFlow WAVE 3's flexible dual duct design allows you to use it inside or outside the space you're cooling or heating, offering great flexibility in any setup.

  • Fully Wireless: When paired with the Add-On Battery and fully charged, no wires or cables are needed for operation.

  • Quiet Operation: Use sleep mode for quiet comfort while you rest. The operating noise of 44 dB is similar to that of a modern fridge and quieter than that of many window ACs.

Smart Features: App Control, Modes, and Automation

EcoFlow WAVE 3 is the most advanced portable AC and heater currently available.

It offers full remote control through the EcoFlow app, five preprogrammed modes, and customizable automations to suit your unique needs.

Smart Modes

  • Automatic Function: EcoFlow WAVE 3 monitors the ambient temperature and automatically switches between cooling and heating to ensure comfort whether you're sleeping or awake.

  • Sleep Mode: Enjoy quiet comfort (44dB) while you sleep.

  • Dehumidifier: It's not just the heat, it's the humidity. Set your desired moisture level, and the WAVE 3 will dehumidify to meet your needs.

  • Pet Mode: Keep your pets safe in your vehicle while you run errands during the summer heat. Set a temperature range from 25°C to 45°C to prevent heatstroke. Receive an app notification if the temperature is getting too high or the Add-on battery is running low.

  • Water Drain Alert: The EcoFlow WAVE 3's built-in water tank improves convenience and simplifies installation by storing wastewater inside the unit instead of relying on a drainage hose. You'll receive an App alert when the tank is almost full, reminding you to empty it.

Power and Compatibility

Add-On Battery and Extended Use

The EcoFlow WAVE 3 Add-On Battery provides 1024Wh of storage capacity and expands the WAVE 3's capabilities by enabling charging methods like solar panels and vehicle alternator charging.

Without the Add-On Battery, household electricity is required to operate the unit.

Solar Panels and Other Charging Methods

The EcoFlow WAVE 3 + Add-On Battery provides multiple charging options, helping you stay cool or warm anywhere, on or off the grid.

  • Solar Panels: 400W of solar input is perfect for recharging in sunlight with EcoFlow’s 400W portable solar panel or 2 x EcoFlow NextGen 220W Bifacial Portable Solar Panels to maximize energy capture. Third-party PV modules are also compatible. Charge in as little as three hours of direct sunlight. WAVE 3 Add-On Battery required.

  • AC + Solar Multicharging: By connecting the EcoFlow WAVE 3 Add-On Battery to an AC output and a 400W solar panel simultaneously during the day, you can fully recharge in as little as 75 minutes.

  • Vehicle Alternator Charging: Top up the WAVE 3 while you drive with EcoFlow’s 500W or 800W Alternator Charger. Go from flat to full in as little as 1.7 hours. Wave 3 Add-On battery required.

  • Car Power Outlet Charging (Up to 100W): Emergency charging in 10. 8 hours. Wave 3 Add-On Battery required.

Is the EcoFlow Wave 3 Worth It for Canadians?

If you value comfort and portability in a camping, RV, or off-grid AC and space heater, EcoFlow WAVE 3 is a premium choice.

While it's not the cheapest option, the initial investment is justified by its many benefits.

With an industry-leading cycle life of 4000 full charges/discharges before battery capacity drops to 80%, it can provide over 10 years of daily use.

Pros

  • Portability

  • Durability

  • Longevity: 10+ years of daily use

  • Fast Cooling and Heating

  • Extended Operating Times

  • Multiple Charging Options

  • Ease of Installation and Use

  • Wireless Operation

  • EcoFlow App Control & Monitoring

  • Customizable Smart Features and Modes

Cons

  • EcoFlow WAVE 3 Add-On Battery is required for full functionality

  • Not the cheapest option for portable AC

Final Thoughts

The EcoFlow WAVE 3 sets a new standard for portable cooling and heating, suitable for icy cold winters and hot summer months.

With multiple charging options, including solar panels and vehicle alternator power, staying comfortable off-grid or on the road has never been easier.

EcoFlow offers a wide range of Smart Devices, such as portable ACs, inverter generators, and refrigerators, to take your off-grid adventures to the next level.

Check out our selection today.

Off-Grid Power