Now that summer’s arrived, it’s time to break in the new patio set and fire up the grill. Unfortunately, temperatures are burning up from coast to coast; who wants to BBQ in triple-digit temperatures, right?
Well, never fear as there is a perfect outdoor (and indoor) cooling solution: portable evaporative coolers, also known as “swamp coolers.” Evaporative coolers are an underrated cooling appliance because of the misconceptions about them floating around. Let’s clear these up to see if this is the right cooling option for you.
Isn’t it just a glorified fan?
Not at all. Unlike a fan, which just blows warm air around in a room, an evaporative cooler will lower the temperature. If you’ve ever set up a fan in front of a bucket of ice, you’ve experienced at a rudimentary level, how an evaporative cooler works. As the air hits the ice, the evaporation lowers the temperature of the air. It’s similar to the sensation of feeling a cool lake breeze. This cooling mechanism is how evaporative coolers are different from a regular AC that uses a compressor and refrigerant to create cold air.
How well does it cool?
It depends on the climate. Evaporative coolers increase the humidity in the air so they are better suited for drier climates or the outdoors. For indoor use, they are generally, the most effective in environments with a maximum relative humidity of 60% or less.
For outdoor use, they’re useful even if the humidity is a bit higher, making them perfect for running while you BBQ or while the kids are playing in the backyard.
TIPS FOR STAYING COOL
Summer’s here, and it’s getting hot outside!
Don’t run the risk of potentially getting heat stroke from BBQing or gardening in your backyard during a heatwave. Here are our top tips to help you keep cool while you’re outside.
- Strategically set up shade
If your yard is exposed to the sun, block it out by investing in a patio umbrella or canopy in a light colored fabric. Look for UV-resistant and all-weather material for long-lasting durability. - Get a (better) outdoor cooling solution
Fans will just circulate warm air, providing minimal relief. If you truly want to be cooler outside, consider a portable evaporative cooler from a reputable brand like Honeywell. Models like the Honeywell CO60PM Outdoor Evaporative Cooler are designed to be used outdoors, so they’re weatherproof and UV resistant. Best of all, unlike a fan, it will actually lower the temperature of your space. Plus, there is little maintenance involved as you can connect the cooler directly to your garden hose, so there is no need to keep refilling the water tank. Lastly, evaporative coolers are economical to run. Per the Department of Energy, evaporative coolers use only about a fourth as much energy as traditional AC units. - Dress for maximum cooling
Black or dark blue outfits are not suitable for the outdoors; they’ll absorb the sun and make you feel even hotter. Stick to loose-fitting, lightly colored clothing made of 100% cotton or sweat-wicking material. And of course, don’t forget a wide-brimmed hat and sunscreen! - Stay hydrated with an icy drink
Keeping your body hydrated keeps your body temperature down. Keep a pitcher of iced water with you while you’re in the backyard. For healthy hydration option, dress it up with a squeeze of lemon or cucumber slices.
Article provided by JMATEK
