There are several types of portable coolers available on the market, and each operates and functions in slightly different ways. One of the most unique, and which operates very differently from other cooling products, is known as an evaporative cooler.
At 1 Source Portable Air, evaporative coolers are just one of several different portable cooling rental types we offer. What exactly is an evaporative cooler, and what are some important areas to consider when renting one? Let's take a look.
As its name indicates, an evaporative cooler works through the process of evaporation. The practice of evaporating water to produce a cooling effect is a very old concept, dating back to the early years of human history with ancient Egyptians and their use of fans or wind catchers.
The technology has come a long way since then, and current models can offer substantial relief to individuals and businesses alike that are experiencing oppressive heat. Evaporative coolers are also versatile in nature and can be used in both indoor and outdoor settings.
Essentially the cooler works by pulling in hot air, passing it through a moist filter or pad, and then pushing the now-cooled air back out into the surrounding environment. As water evaporates from this filter, it absorbs heat from the surrounding air and in turn cools it down.
One of the most common applications for an evaporative cooler is residential cooling. Although not portable, swamp coolers are regularly installed on the roof of a residential building or as a ground-mounted horizontal unit. In fact, this is how evaporative coolers were originally designed to be used. However, the introduction of more advanced technology has allowed for their use to be expanded to outdoor applications as well.If you're renting a portable evaporative cooler, there are several things to think about. Read on for more details.
A key factor to consider when renting portable evaporative cooling equipment is the relative humidity of the area you'll be using it in. As we mentioned, water plays an important role in this type of cooler, and if there isn't enough water present, it can result in a decreased cooling effect.
Conversely, portable swamp coolers should not be used in areas where the relative humidity is higher than 80%. If your intended environment falls into this category, an alternate cooling solution should be considered. For areas with high relative humidity, we often recommend portable AC units with misting capabilities or high powered fans that can push out even more powerful amounts of airflow to help increase the cooling effect.
Another important consideration when renting portable cooling equipment, in this case evaporative coolers, is the temperature range you'll be dealing with. If it's going to be in the upper 80s or 90s, evaporative cooler rentals will likely still be your best bet to keep things comfortable for everyone. However, you may want to strongly consider adding portable cooling equipment that is also equipped with a misting feature. These units can increase evaporation and maximize cooling output.
Other vital factors to think about when renting portable evaporative coolers are the levels of enclosure and ventilation. In situations where there are heat sources around, or in outdoor spaces with limited ventilation like tents, the cooling effect of evaporative coolers will be greatly diminished.
When renting a swamp cooler for use in these sorts of situations, it's important to make sure there’s adequate space between the cooler and any heat sources, as well as proper ventilation. Otherwise, you may end up needing to rent a different type of cooler altogether.
Having a convenient water source is also critical to keeping your evaporative cooler working properly. Portable cooling units usually come with a reservoir for water, which is typically around 20 gallons in size. This should be enough to last several hours, but it's important to have easy access to a water source for refilling.
If you're in an outdoor setting, a nearby hose will likely suffice. If you're indoors, however, you may need to rent portable cooling equipment with its own built-in water supply. That way, no matter where the unit is located or what kind of space you're using it in, there will always be enough water to keep it functioning.
It's also important to keep safety top of mind when renting portable evaporative coolers, especially if you have young children or pets around. For example, swamp coolers usually operate using a water pump and filter system. This setup means that there are moving parts that can be dangerous if touched by little hands or paws.
To prevent accidents, it's important to be sure that the portable cooling equipment you use has a safety feature in place that keeps moving parts out of reach. This will help protect yourself, your children, and your pets while they're enjoying their time outdoors or indoors on hot days.
As evidenced above, there are a number of important things to consider when renting portable evaporative coolers. By taking the time to match your situation with the right cooling unit, you can rest easy knowing that everyone involved will be kept safe and comfortable, no matter what.
For more on this, or to learn about our evaporative coolers or other portable cooling rentals, speak to the staff at 1 Source Portable Air today.
