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November 07, 2024Now Trending

air conditioned tent

When it comes to finding the perfect air conditioned tents, quality materials and reliable equipment are key. 

Whether you’re hosting a corporate event, wedding, or any outdoor gathering, investing in a durable tent that keeps your guests cool and creating a comfortable environment is essential. This allows you to focus on creating an unforgettable experience rather than worrying about the weather.

If you’re planning a longer event or hosting multiple gatherings, purchasing your own tent and AC units might be a more cost-effective option in the long run. We’ll walk you through everything you need to know—from determining how much air conditioning your tent requires to tips on climate control and selecting the best tent for your event.

How Much A/C Does One Need Based on Different Tent Sizes?

Curious about how much air conditioning your tent requires?

A general rule of thumb is to have 1 ton of air conditioning (12,000 BTUs) for every 150 to 200 square feet of tent space. Of course, the exact amount will depend on factors like the weather, the number of guests, and the setup of your tent.

Each ton of A/C typically requires around 2-4 gallons of fuel per hour to operate, depending on equipment efficiency and outdoor conditions. This means that as the cooling requirement (tons) increases, so does the fuel needed to maintain comfortable temperatures throughout your event.

Below are our recommendations for A/C needs based on popular tent sizes, along with the estimated fuel consumption and total cost:


Tent Size (Square Feet)

Recommended A/C (Tons)

Estimated Fuel Consumption (Gallons & Cost)

Estimated Total Cooling Cost

15x30 (450 sq. ft.)

2-3 Tons

20-40 gallons ($100 - $200)

$1,100 - $1,700

20x40 (800 sq. ft.)

4-5 Tons

40-60 gallons ($200 - $300)

$1,500 - $2,300

30x60 (1,800 sq. ft.)

8-10 Tons

60-80 gallons ($300 - $400)

$2,300 - $2,900

40x40 (1,600 sq. ft.)

8-10 Tons

60-80 gallons ($300 - $400)

$2,300 - $2,900

40x100 (4,000 sq. ft.)

18-20 Tons

80-120 gallons ($400 - $600)

$3,900 - $4,600


  • Recommended A/C (Tons): Shows the cooling power needed based on tent size.
  • Estimated Fuel Consumption (Gallons & Cost): The fuel needed to power the A/C units, with a cost estimate.
  • Estimated Total Cooling Cost: The combined cost for A/C and fuel for each tent size.

This guide provides an at-a-glance understanding of your cooling requirements, helping you keep any event space comfortable and enjoyable. Adjustments may be necessary based on factors like weather and event specifics. Let me know if you need any more details!

Ensure your event temperatures stay cool and comfortable, no matter the size of your tent. Whether you're hosting a wedding, corporate event, or festival, having the right AC is key to keeping your guests comfortable. Keep in mind that these estimates may vary based on your location, event duration, and specific conditions.

Need a Customized Outdoor Tent? Contact Us!

Looking to elevate your event with a beautiful and safe tent setup? Call us today, and our expert team will help you find the perfect canopy for your special day. Discover our multiple options by calling us at 920-431-0938.

4 Air Conditioner Options to Keep Your Tent Guests Chill

wedding tent

We know keeping your guests cool and comfortable is a top priority for any outdoor event. With so many AC options offered by event rentals, it can feel overwhelming, but we’re here to make it easy for you. Let’s walk through some of the most popular air conditioning choices for outdoor tents so you can confidently select the right equipment for your event.

1. Portable AC Units: Portable AC units are a versatile and easy-to-install option that works for a range of tent sizes. These units connect to your tent through ducts, providing consistent cooling to keep your event space comfortable from start to finish.

  • Best For: Small to medium-sized tents like pop-ups or high peaks (e.g., 15x30 to 20x40).
  • Pros: They’re easy to set up, relatively affordable, and perfect for short-term events.
  • Cons: They may not have enough power to cool large tents and do require ductwork.
2. Spot Coolers: Spot coolers are great if you want to focus cooling power on specific areas, like the dance floor or seating areas. These portable units give you flexibility to place cooling exactly where it’s needed most.
  • Best For: Smaller tents or targeted cooling within larger tents.
  • Pros: Lightweight and easy to move, spot coolers are ideal for localized cooling and specific zones.
  • Cons: They aren’t built for cooling large spaces and are best suited for focused cooling.
3. Chiller Units: If you’re planning a large event or hosting on a hot summer day, chiller units offer high-capacity cooling that can keep even the largest tents comfortable. These systems circulate chilled water to cool the air and are built for long-term use.
  • Best For: Very large tents or long-duration frame tent events.
  • Pros: They’re the go-to choice for large events and extreme heat, offering powerful and long-lasting cooling.
  • Cons: Chiller units can be more expensive and require specialized installation and additional space for equipment.
4. Evaporative coolers: For events in dry climates, evaporative coolers are a great, eco-friendly option. They work by drawing in warm air, passing it through water-soaked pads, and blowing the cooled air back into the tent, making them perfect for regions with low humidity.
  • Best For: Dry environments and moderate to large tents.
  • Pros: These units are energy-efficient, eco-friendly, and cost less than traditional AC units.
  • Cons: They don’t work well in humid climates and may not provide as much cooling power as standard AC units.

Maximize Comfort and Climate Control with Air-Conditioned Tents

tent rental with ac

Prioritize your guests comfort, and keep them cool with an air-conditioned tent that’s built to beat the heat. For the ultimate in temperature control, opt for a tent made from 16oz blockout vinyl, which completely blocks the sun, keeping the space shaded and significantly cooler.

Enhance climate control by fully enclosing your tent with sidewalls to keep the cool air in and the heat out. 

  • Choose from traditional sidewalls in solid white, clear, or with windows, depending on your event's style. 
  • For an even better seal and superior temperature control, consider upgrading to keder legs and keder sidewalls. This track system integrates the walls directly into the tent frame, providing a tighter, more secure seal that prevents warm air from seeping in and keeps the cool air locked inside.

If you’re hosting multiple events, renting tents and AC units can really add up fast. Here’s something to consider: If you plan on using a tent close to five times, buying might be the smarter move! Not only will you save money in the long run, but you’ll also gain the flexibility to host events whenever you want—without the hassle of renting each time.

Plus, owning your own tent means you can make it exactly what you need. With our customization options, you can create a tent that perfectly fits your space, choose colors that match your event's theme, or even add custom printing to make your tent truly unique.

We take pride in our American-made tents, built right here in the Midwest with craftsmanship and materials you can trust. Our tents are designed to last longer than imported options, and with our quick lead times, we’ll make sure your tent is ready when you need it.

Still deciding between renting and buying? We’re here to help! Our friendly team will walk you through everything you need to know, including the best air conditioning options and setup tips. Reach out today, and let’s make your event unforgettable!

Tony Ehrbar's headshot

Tony Ehrbar

Owner & CEO

Tony's entrepreneurial spirit is woven into the fabric of American Tent (an Inc 5000 company), shaped by his experience running a successful event venue & tent rental service. His recognition as the Young Entrepreneur of the Year in 2019 is a testament to his impact & dedication to his community. As the Co-founder and CEO of Renegade Plastics, Tony is leading initiatives in the tent industry to integrate eco-friendly, recyclable materials. Contributing as a board member for the Advanced Textiles Association (ATA) & the Green Bay Area Public Schools Foundation and being featured by Entrepreneur, Oracle, & Modern Weddings, Tony plays a pivotal role in enhancing the growth and success of the textile industry.

Order Your Event Tent Today!

If you enjoyed today’s entry, be sure to bookmark our blog page and check back frequently for the latest updates.

We regularly post helpful resources that can help you plan great events and learn more about our event tents.

Our friendly customer service team is always happy to answer any questions you have about pole tents, frame tents, and sidewalls, so don’t hesitate to reach out to us if you need more information!

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