Space Considerations for Your Event's Spot Coolers

July 7, 2023

There are several things you might be thinking about if you're planning on renting one or more spot coolers for any upcoming summer event, and space will be at or near the top of any such list. How much space does a given spot cooler cover? Will you need just one, or more than one? Where should these be placed? These kinds of questions and more are important to think about as your event nears.

At 1 Source Portable Air, we're happy to offer a wide range of cooling equipment rentals for any need, including spot coolers that are ideal for various outdoor or hybrid events. Here are some basics on how spot coolers work, the kinds of space they cover, and some additional considerations in this area.

How Do Spot Coolers Work?

For those unfamiliar with spot coolers, they are portable units that use refrigerant-based air conditioning and cooling to lower the ambient temperature in a given area. Spot coolers can be connected to a power source via an extension cord or generator, and typically include wheels for easy maneuvering.

If you want to make it simple, just think of a spot cooler as a smaller, portable version of an air conditioner. This makes them ideal for outdoor locations, since they can easily be moved around as needed and require no permanent installation.

What Kind of Space Does a Spot Cooler Cover?

The size of the spot cooler you rent will determine how much space it covers. Spot coolers are measured in terms of tons of cooling power they can provide, and a general rule of thumb here is that you need one ton of cooling for every 150 square feet (roughly).

Now, this will depend on a few additional factors as well:

  • Wall types: Is your event fully outdoors, or are there tents or other structures being used? Will the spot coolers be set up inside or outside of any given walled area?
  • Number of people: How many guests are you expecting to attend your event? The number of people present can have an effect on how much cooling is needed.
  • Insulation: How well a given area is insulated can affect how much cooling power you need, and spot coolers may have to work harder in certain areas than others.

That said, the 150-foot marker is a good barometer for your planning. At 1 Source Portable Air, our spot coolers range from 1 ton to 1.5 tons of capacity, and we're happy to work with you on the perfect solution for your event.

Where Should Spot Coolers Be Placed?

Once you've determined how many spot coolers you'll need, it's important to think about where they should be placed. Generally speaking, spot coolers will perform best when placed in open, shaded areas that are close to the activity they are intended to cool.

That said, you should also consider any potential safety concerns or other issues that may arise from having a spot cooler in certain places. For instance, if you're setting up a spot cooler near an outdoor dining area, make sure guests won't be exposed to excess noise or other distractions. And if your event will be in a larger open-air space, consider how the coolers might affect wind flow and air circulation.

Remember They're Portable

As you're planning for your event and choosing the right spot cooler, it's important to remember that these units are highly portable. This means you can adjust your setup as needed throughout the day or evening, adding more coolers into the mix if temperature levels get too high - or removing them once the festivities have wrapped up.

This also means that if needs change within the life of your event, you can easily move spot coolers around to meet those needs.

When it comes down to planning for your summer event and renting a spot cooler or more, 1 Source Portable Air is here to help. Our friendly staff will be happy to answer all of your questions and suggest the best solution for your event.

To learn more about any of our cooling solutions, contact us at 1 Source Portable Air. We look forward to hearing from you!