A s the air conditioner requires us to keep all the windows and doors closed, we end up trapped in our homes in summer. We breathe the artificial breeze of the AC and dream of slightly cooler days when the sun will allow us to throw a patio barbecue party.
Businesses that have their activity centered mostly in a warehouse or a garage have plenty to suffer during a heatwave as well. Workers struggle to breathe through the heat, and some may experience dizziness, dehydration, or even a heat stroke. This leads to poor work performance and slower business development.
The only alternative that seems viable in both cases is a misting fan. The offer is broad, ranging from small, spot-cooling models to industrial units that can ensure a cooler ambient in factories. But is a device of this type as efficient as the companies present it? We are about to find out.
The misting fan produces a fine cool mist and blows it away, lowering the temperature of the surrounding air as a result. It can cover large surfaces and is usually used outdoors, although placing it indoors is possible, as the mist is fine enough not to deposit on surfaces and create puddles. Commercial units can be used in garages, warehouses, greenhouses, or factories to ensure a more comfortable atmosphere with low energy costs. Find both residential and commercial-grade models alike in our ranking of the best outdoor misting fans where options abound to help you find the right product.
How does it work?
Three processes stand behind this technology, namely convection, conduction, and evaporation. Once you understand how each of these methods works, it will be clear how your fan operates to keep the air cool around you:
- Convection - A process that implies the removal of heat through currents of air or water. In this case, the air blown by the fan reaches your skin and swipes some of the heat away. However, for this to happen, the air released by the unit should be cooler than 98 degrees Fahrenheit, which is the normal body temperature.
- Conduction - Describes the temperature transfer that happens when a body comes in contact with a good heat conductor (like water). A mister bombards you with a huge number of fine water droplets, each of them cooler than your body’s temperature. They will keep their coolness even if they travel through extreme heat, as the process of evaporation appears and swipes away any part of the water that becomes warm.
- Evaporation - When heat acts upon the mist, it turns into gas and gets absorbed by the air. Thus, humidity is increased.
A misting unit combines a high-pressure water pump and a fan to release fine mist into the air. It usually comes with a special nozzle where a garden hose can be connected, but some models may come with a water recipient. Thus, once the water source is available and the unit turned on, the water rises to the pump where it is divided into droplets and released through a mist nozzle. The blades spread the mist along with the cool air.
Party Tip: Add a fogging kit to your unit and create marvelous visual effects. If you are the owner of a casino, restaurant, or nightclub, you can use this option to dazzle your customers.
How a Misting Fan Can Benefit You
Is there something you gain if you pick a mister over other air cooling methods? Well, there’s plenty to gain, as long as you use it in the right spot and pick the right model. Here are the advantages of installing a misting device:
Pro #1 - It clears impurities from the air
When the air bears more water, the polluting particles in the atmosphere become larger and heavier. This increased size makes it so that airborne particles can no longer pass through our cilia and end up in the lungs. Therefore, if humidity is increased, it reduces the number of particulate matter in the air. Nevertheless, this parameter should be carefully monitored. If the air moisture stays too high for too long other contaminants may find a good medium to grow and spread. Mold and bacteria can multiply fast if the RH passes 60%, and you will become more prone to infections, colds, and breathing illnesses.
Pro #2 - It is energy-efficient
The misting technology’s biggest competitor is the air conditioner, but when we compare the power consumption rates of the two systems, we observe that a small window AC will consume around 900 watts, while one of the most powerful fans you could purchase won’t pass 300 watts. If we take into consideration that 1 gallon of water can generate 7,776 BTUs/hour, almost as much as an 8,000 BTUs air cooling unit but at a cost that is three times lower, we must admit that the efficiency of a misting unit is incontestable.
Pro #3 - It is cheap
Once again, when compared with an AC unit, the fan wins. With a price range considerably lower than an air cooler, and practically no installation, it is truly an at-hand solution against the heat. In many cases, installing a central cooling system will require drilling holes and home remodeling which will generate additional costs. With the alternative, you just connect the garden hose to the nozzle/ fill the bucket with water, plug the unit in, and enjoy the mist.
Pro #4 - It is portable
It is usually lighter than any portable air conditioner and much easier to move. So, a fan is a much better choice when you’re looking to cool off in different areas of the house since you can relocate the unit a lot easier compared to an AC, be it a portable model.
…And Where It Fails to Impress
In some cases, this fan may not be the best pick. Here are its disadvantages:
Con #1 - It might add too much moisture into the air
If you live in an area where humidity is already high in the summer, a machine that will put more water into the air is the last thing you will need. Excessive humidity can fill your rooms with mold and make you feel even more uncomfortable. If the air is too humid, the sweat on your skin won’t be able to evaporate, and, thus, your internal temperature will raise making you feel even hotter. Indoor humidity should stay between 30% and 60%. If the measurements show a higher RH indoors, you should consider running a dehumidifier to keep your home dry and safe.
On the other hand, southern inhabitants will definitely enjoy a good humid breeze when the air is so hot that it evaporates the water in glasses. In this case, the boost of humidity will prevent the effects associated with dry air like aggravated allergies, asthma, breathing problems, skin itchiness, eye itchiness, and dry skin.
Con #2 - Some home adjustments may be required
As mentioned, the fan needs to be connected to a source of water. But, in many cases, it may not be as accessible as expected. If the source of water is too far from your patio you may need to buy a longer hose or do some plumbing work before you install your new device. Plus, although systems that use the natural pressure of the water at home, most of them require a pump to be effective, and this increases their price considerably.
Maintenance Work to Expect Down the Road
Although there’s some work to do, if you follow some easy steps, this will become a routine job that will get easier and easier to perform. Plus, you will only do it two or three times a summer when the unit is in use.
How to clean the fan head:
- Unplug the unit and move it to an open space where you can disassemble it.
- Unbolt the grill and remove it. Wash it with water and mild soap, making sure to remove all the dirt.
- Remove the blades and wash them with the same water-soap solution.
- Wipe all the components with a dry cloth and place them back into the fan.
How to clean the nozzle:
- Remove it from its place
- Tap it gently on a hard surface to remove any calcar deposits.
- Let it soak for 15 to 20 minutes in a special nozzle cleaning solution.
- Dry it with a clean cloth and place it back.
At the end of these operations, plug the unit back in and check if everything is working properly. If you notice some water leaks, it may be time to replace the nozzle. On the other hand, if your unit seems to lose power or doesn’t start anymore, you will need to have it checked by a specialist.
Bottom Line – Is This an Investment Worth Making?
The portability of a misting fan combined with its low energy consumption rate and the large range of benefits makes it a popular choice among customers. But is it worth all the money? My answer is an unequivocal yes! It doesn’t just provide the simple cooling breeze that is typical for fans but rather sends a refreshing misting breeze your way to help you cool down in the most effective manner possible. For outdoor spaces, this can be your best ally to beat the summer heat.