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Products Tested
33
Hours of Research
41
Reviews Examined
Last Updated on May 23, 2023
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Dog house air conditioners and heaters can keep dogs comfortable and safe during inclement weather. Dogs cannot withstand the heat as well as humans because they have a hard time sweating with their limited sweat glands.
Dogs find it hard to stay hydrated in the summer months and stay dry in the winter and can suffer tremendously from not only freezing weather but snow and ice.
A dog house air conditioner and heater combo unit can keep outdoor dogs healthy and safe. Plus, they provide shelter from direct sunlight and help minimize air temperatures.
Quick Guide – Our Top Picks
Our Top AC For
Dog Houses
ClimateRight
Ease of Use
4.0
Cooling
4.0
Value
4.5
Our Score
4.2
Best AC For Large Dog Houses
ClimateRight CR10000
Ease of Use
4.0
Cooling
5.0
Value
4.0
Our Score
4.3
Best Evaporative Cooler
MightyKool K2
Ease of Use
4.5
Cooling
3.5
Value
4.0
Our Score
4.0
5 Best Dog House Air Conditioners Reviewed
1 - ClimateRight (2,500 BTU) – Our Top AC For Dog Houses
Ease of Use
4.0
Cooling Ability
4.0
Value for Money
4.5
Overall Rating
4.2
The ClimateRight Dog House air conditioner unit is our top pick for dog owners who want to make sure that their pooch is comfortable and cool during hot temperatures. This AC has a powerful 2500 BTU and can cool or heat up to 250 square feet.
This model is also lightweight and easy to install on the side of a dog house. It is compact and small, so it can fit on most dog houses.
It requires a standard 110V electrical outlet and comes with a hookup kit for simple installation. It’s also a relatively quiet model at 55 dB and won’t startle your dog.
This machine is also portable, so it’s easy to reposition inside the dog house over time to find the perfect fit.
Susan wrote on Climate Right, “I have a German Shepherd that I keep outside primarily because my wife is allergic to it. In the summer he gets pretty hot. This product has made it much easier for me to leave him outside knowing that he’s comfortable.”
This model is expensive, and dog owners will need to make sure it fits within their budget. Customers have also reported that the auto feature can fail on this model.
When the auto feature fails, the AC does not turn on automatically. This typically requires a part to fix or requires using the AC in manual mode.
This appliance has a dehumidifying feature, which is particularly helpful for people who live in humid environments.
Dogs can be affected by humidity as well, and it can be comfortable for them to dry out their dog house (as well as prevent mold). If you want a high-quality, powerful AC that can also provide heat for your dog, we recommend this model.
BTU | 2500 |
Volts | 110V |
Dimensions | 13.5 x 15 x 19 inches |
Noise Level | 55 dB |
Warranty | Yes, one-year limited warranty |
Pros
Cons
2 - ClimateRight CR10000 – Best AC For Large Dog Houses
Ease of Use
4.0
Cooling Ability
5.0
Value for Money
4.0
Overall Rating
4.3
The ClimateRight CR10000 ACH is best for large spaces and is perfect for big dogs requiring a large dog house with AC.
The model uses a standard 115V outlet and includes both auto-on and auto-off timers. This makes it easy for dog owners to save money and turn it off when the air is adequately cool in the kennel.
A remote control provides easy access to the system even when customers are inside of their home. As long as the home is positioned close enough to the house, customers can walk to the window and use the remote to change AC and heating settings for their dog.
This device is more than a dog house heater and air conditioner; it also provides fan-only settings and dehumidifier settings.
Ann wrote on ClimateRight, “This thing blows serious cold and great airflow. Not a problem chilling my woodshop in my garage. It is a bit heavy but a wheel cart worked out.”
Users have reported that this machine is heavy and expensive. At 104 lbs., this system may require another person for installation outside the kennel.
However, customers have said that it is easy to install and can be set up without a professional installer. A quick-connect hose is included as well as a wall flange kit.
A removable nylon mesh filter is also included so customers can wash and replace their filters at home. If you need a powerful air conditioning and heating unit for your home, this is a great model.
BTU | 10,000 |
Volts | 115 V |
Dimensions | 22 x 23.8 x 16.8 inches |
Noise Level | 61 dB |
Warranty | Yes, one-year limited warranty |
Pros
Cons
3 - MightyKool K2 – Best Evaporative Cooler For Dogs Riding In Cars
Ease of Use
4.5
Cooling Ability
3.5
Value for Money
4.0
Overall Rating
4.0
The MightyKool is the best dog air conditioner for the car. This AC is also great for dogs who go camping or spend time in RVs with their owners. Dog owners can turn off the traditional RV AC and save money while still cooling their pets off.
This dog car window air conditioner is compact and lightweight, weighing a mere 5lbs. You can quickly move it in and out of your car to use at campsites as well.
This evaporative air cooler is affordable and highly portable. It is made with simple, durable materials and holds up well with continuous use.
If you want full cooling for your dog’s house, then it isn’t the best fit. It does not provide complete air conditioning but instead blows 25mph cooler air at pets or passengers in the car.
This is mainly an RV AC, but can also cool other vehicles or small spaces. It does provide cool, fresh air, but cannot fully lower the temperature by 15-20 degrees.
This AC has limited controls and can be set to “off” or “on” at full blast. It cannot be set to a specific degree and simply blows cold air.
Installation is easy with this model. This model plugs into vehicles with 12V power outlets with ease. We recommend it for dog owners who frequently travel in cars with their pets.
BTU | Not Listed |
Volts | 12V |
Dimensions | 12 x 11 x 8 inches |
Noise Level | NA |
Warranty | Yes, two-year limited warranty |
Pros
Cons
4 - Wiland – Best Small AC/Fan For Dog Houses
Ease of Use
4.0
Cooling Ability
3.5
Value for Money
4.0
Overall Rating
3.8
The Wiland is the best small AC/fan for dog houses available. This model is the cheapest kennel cooling system on our list and perfect for dog owners on a budget.
This model is so small (less than 9 inches tall, wide, and high) that it can fit on top of desks and can be placed directly inside the home. LED lights are easy to use and can be used as a small nightlight for dogs who prefer a night glow.
Thanks to its three speed settings, you can easily choose the intensity you want. It will allow you to adjust wind direction. And using “evaporative atomization” cooling technology, the model keeps a dog away from the dry air and provides the mist.
This small air conditioner for dog house uses a 5V and can be plugged into a mobile USB adaptor, power bank, or a laptop USB charging portal. Plus, it also includes a humidifier.
The problem with this portable air conditioner for dog house is that it does not have a thermostat setting, and dog owners cannot control the temperature setting.
This model also is not powerful and cannot lower the outside temperature by 15-20 degrees as other, more powerful units can do.
If you live in an area where you simply need to reduce the heat in your kennel by 5 degrees or provide fresh air flow, then this is an excellent air conditioning unit. This device is also highly portable and can be used in a variety of settings.
BTU | NA |
Volts | 5V |
Dimensions | 8.5 x 6.3 x 6.1 inches |
Noise Level | NA |
Warranty | Yes, 30-day limited warranty |
Pros
Cons
5 - Akoma – Best For Heating Hounds
Ease of Use
4.0
Cooling Ability
0
Value for Money
4.0
Overall Rating
4.0
The Akoma Hound Heater is the best model for heating only on our list. This heater does not have any sharp edges, so dog owners won’t have to worry about their dog accidentally cutting themselves.
This heater also is fully enclosed, so dogs cannot burn themselves by getting too close to the heater.
The wide range of temperature options are great for all climates starting at 30 degrees Fahrenheit and moving up to 100 degrees Fahrenheit.
This model is also easy to install because it comes with a mounting kit that includes a mounting plate. This system is made out of steel and is both durable and reliable.
Scott on Walmart wrote, “I didn’t think this would work as well as it did. I live in Banning, CA where the winters can get cold. This heater works great and on colder nights, my dogs love to lay in their warm kennel. Hard to get them to come out sometimes.”
The model saves plenty of energy. This is because it disperses dry, safe heat up to 75-ft and runs only when required. With the help of the unit’s thermo-sensing bulb, you can set it as per needs and forget it.
However, this model does not offer an air conditioning option. This model also cannot heat a home that isn’t insulated.
We recommend adequately insulating your kennel before. If you want a powerful heater for your dogs to keep them warm, this is a great machine. It also comes with a one-year limited warranty.
BTU | NA |
Volts | 120V |
Dimensions | 10 x 4.5 x 10 inches |
Noise Level | NA |
Warranty | Yes, one-year limited warranty |
Pros
Cons
Dog House AC Units Compared
Considerations When Buying A Dog AC For Your Pet
Cooling & Heating Capacity (BTU)
Consider the cooling and heating capacity of the AC that you are purchasing to ensure that it can properly cool down your dog’s dog house.
For a dog house outdoors, it’s helpful to look for an AC with at least 2,000 BTU cooling capacity so that it has enough power and can cover the entire space inside the kennel. Higher BTUs are not only powerful, but they will also cool the area more quickly.
Cooling Area
Consider the kennel space and make sure that the portable AC unit you choose can sufficiently cool off the entire space.
We have listed the square footage that each AC can handle, and we recommend checking these specifications when choosing your AC model.
It is often helpful to choose a portable AC unit that can cool a larger space than the kennel because dog houses are not as insulated as indoor spaces and have an open door that allows cold wind to escape.
Energy Efficiency Rating (EER)
EER is the rating that determines how energy efficient your AC model is and how well it can cool surrounding air without using too much energy.
A high EER rating means that your model is energy efficient and can cool down the space quickly while using less energy. High EER ratings are not only eco-friendly but also save the dog owner’s money.
Related Article – How Much Electricity Do Portable AC Units Use
Installation & Voltage Requirements
Take into consideration the installation and voltage requirements of the AC. You will likely need to plug your AC into an outlet, and we recommend placing your dog house near an outlet.
Determine whether or not you want to choose an AC with a standard voltage connection or one that requires an adaptor. Make sure that you also review the installation instructions.
A professional can install the AC on the side of your dog house if you choose a unit with a trickier installation process.
Related Article – How Many Watts Does a Portable AC Draw?
Additional Features
Dog house evaporative air cooler units come with a variety of extra features such as an auto-timer, dehumidifier setting, electronic thermostat reading, LED display, and auto shut-off feature.
Review the added features on each unit and choose the AC unit that has the features you want for your dog’s dog house. The more features available on a unit, typically the more the unit will cost.
Price & Warranty
Most dog house air conditioners offer a one-year warranty, but a few brands may offer three to five-year warranties. Cost varies between $150 to $750.
The more expensive outdoor dog house air coolers/air conditioners are made with higher quality build materials and are more likely to last longer. The more costly models also tend to come with additional features.
Why Your Dog Needs An AC
Outdoor dogs need an AC in their kennel, or otherwise, they are likely to experience heatstroke. Nearly 50% of all dogs who suffer heatstroke will end up dying from the condition.
Hypothermia can also lead to death, as well as heart problems, kidney failure, and neurological problems. Dogs should ideally live in temperatures between 45 degrees and 80 degrees Fahrenheit.
Dogs have sweat glands on their feet but lack them on the rest of their body. This means that they have a difficult time regulating their body temperature when outdoor temperatures rise above 80 degrees Fahrenheit.
Humans have sweat (sudoriferous) glands all over their bodies and can better regulate their temperature. If your dog is an outdoor dog or spends considerable time during the day outdoors, then we recommend purchasing a large dog house with AC and heater.
How Dog House Air Conditioners Work
Dog house air conditioners and heater units are easy to use and easy to install for dog owners.
These air conditioners work in the same way as traditional portable air conditioners. The AC kicks on and dispels cool air throughout the dog house, which lowers the temperature and keeps a dog comfortable.
Kennel AC and heater combination units can be set to maintain a cool ambient or to heat the dog house and maintain a warmer temperature.
To use these units efficiently, we recommend insulating the dog house and placing the dog house close to an outlet (these units will need to be plugged in).
Related Article – How Does a Portable AC Work?
Installing And Maintaining A Dog House AC
To install a dog house air conditioner, first determine where the air conditioner unit will go. If your air conditioner comes with a mounting kit and mounting plate, use the plate to secure it to the wall of the dog house.
If not, place the unit on the floor or create your own mount with screws and L brackets.
You will also need to make sure that your dog house is located near an outlet because all dog house air conditioner units require an outlet for power.
If the installation process seems confusing, you can hire an HVAC technician to work on the dog house and perform the installation.
This may be best if you need to cut holes in the dog house, or you would also like to insulate the dog house for better temperature regulation.
To install the best dog house air conditioner, first determine where the unit will go. If your AC comes with a mounting kit and mounting plate, use the plate to secure it to the wall of the dog house.
If not, place the unit on the floor or create your own mount with screws and L brackets.
You will also need to make sure that your dog house is located near an outlet because all dog house units require power supply.
If the installation process seems confusing, you can hire an HVAC technician to work on the dog house and perform the installation.
This may be best if you need to cut holes in the dog house, or you would also like to insulate the dog house for better temperature regulation.
Maintaining your dog house air conditioner AC unit can help it last and save dog owner’s money over time.
We recommend starting with basic cleaning and maintenance activities each month.
When the unit is turned off, use a damp cloth to wipe down the exterior and to wipe down fan blades if any exist in the unit.
We also recommend washing the filter monthly if the air conditioning unit has a washable filter.
If not, remove the filter and replace it with a brand new filter.
We also recommend adjusting the fins on the AC unit to ensure that the air is properly moving through the dog house and cooling your pets.
Related Article – How Safe are Portable Air Conditioners?
FAQs
What are the dangers of leaving dogs unprotected outside?
When leaving your dog unprotected outside, you are subjecting your dog to possible danger from the weather if temperatures fall below 45 degrees Fahrenheit or rise above 80 degrees Fahrenheit.
Your dog can experience the adverse and possibly life-threatening effects of hypothermia and heatstroke.
Is it safe to leave a dog in a car?
No! It is never safe to leave your dog in the car. The temperature inside of a vehicle can move beyond 100 degrees Fahrenheit in as little as five minutes.
Dogs left inside of vehicles are likely to experience heatstroke. The products for cars on our list are for use sparingly, like when you need to run into the store to purchase milk.
Can dogs get a cold from an air conditioner?
Dogs can get a cold from an air conditioner if the fan is blowing directly on them, and the air is too chilled. The best way to prevent this is to choose an AC temperature setting that is comfortable but not too cooled.
For example, if it is 80 degrees Fahrenheit outside, then try setting your AC unit to a calm 71or 73. You don’t need to set the unit to 65 or 60 degrees Fahrenheit.
Are there ways to keep a dog cool without AC?
Yes, there are a few ways to keep a dog in house without AC. For example, you can place a fan near your dog’s dog house, make sure that your dog has plenty of access to fresh water, and use a cooling pad.
However, as temperatures rise above 80 degrees Fahrenheit, these methods will not be enough to cool down your dog safely. At that temperature range, only an AC unit can properly cool your dog off.
Related Article – Are There Alternatives to Air Conditioner Units?
Conclusion
Purchasing an air conditioner unit for the dog house or building a dog house with AC is the best way to ensure that your dog is healthy and happy during extreme weather conditions.
We recommend purchasing the ClimateRight Dog House air conditioner unit for your dog. This is the best dog house air conditioner on the market and will keep your pet safe during heat waves and comfortable during humid, hot days.
Our #1 Dog House AC
ClimateRight (2,500 BTU)
Ease of use
4.0
Cooling Ability
4.0
Value for Money
4.5
Overall Rating
4.2
