Mist cooling systems offer affordable outdoor A/C
Whew, it’s hot out there. Inside our homes, we have the option of turning on the air conditioning, but what about outside?
With the current trend toward outdoor living, it’s important to find a way to beat the heat so that you can enjoy grilling, dining, partying or plain old relaxing in your backyard — even when the mercury soars. Mist cooling just might fill the bill. WHAT IS MIST COOLING?
Mist cooling is a system that works to lower the surrounding air temperature by a process of evaporation. A mist line, consisting of PVC pipe installed 8-10 feet above ground level, sprays out minuscule water droplets, which flash evaporate instantly. The energy exchange involved in this flash evaporation process cools the surrounding air extremely effectively, reducing temperatures in the vicinity by as much as 35 F on very hot days.
Residential systems range in complexity from a small portable mister fan to a powerful misting device that is designed to be permanently hardwired in place, while huge misting towers are available for commercial use. IS MIST COOLING ECO-FRIENDLY?
Misting is a green method of cooling. Unlike a conventional air conditioner, the system uses only water to lower the temperature and, as a result, does not give off any dangerous greenhouse gases, such as ammonia, chlorofluorocarbons or sulfur dioxide.
Mist cooling will benefit those family members and guests who suffer from allergies or other breathing problems by filtering out airborne dust and pollen. It is also a natural, cruelty-free deterrent to flying insect pests like wasps.
True, misting systems do consume a certain amount of water, but it is only a fraction of the amount required to produce hydroelectricity sufficient to power an air conditioning unit. In addition, an experienced HVAC technician can install the system so that it will conserve water by doubling as irrigation for a raised-bed or container garden on your patio or deck. OTHER ADVANTAGES
A mist cooling system is simple to set up and to keep in good repair, with only two moving parts — the pump and the fan’s motor. In terms of maintenance, basically all you need to do is ensure a steady water supply and clean out the mister occasionally.
The system is energy-efficient and inexpensive to run, at about only oneeighth of the price of using your air conditioning. Cost to install a mist cooling system is also relatively low compared to air conditioning. The pipe of a hardwired misting system may be winterized against freezing and bursting, making it safe to be left in place throughout the year. DISADVANTAGES
Mist cooling is best suited to regions which have a very hot, dry climate in summer. At more moderate temperatures, or when the outdoor air is already quite humid, this type of cooling is not as effective.
What’s more, the humidity that a mist cooler produces may cause damage to your wooden deck or to items such as smartphones or other electronic equipment.
If it is not regularly cleaned and maintained, a mist cooling system can become a health hazard, acting as a breeding ground for mosquitoes, mold and mildew, and Legionella bacteria, which can cause such illnesses as Legionnaire’s disease and Pontiac fever.