Patio misting systems
Patio misting systems or patio misting fans (sometimes called fog fans or mist fans)are a great way to keep cool during the hot summer days. But beware - once you try one of these you will no longer be able to live without one, they are that good!
Depending on where you live your summer may be long and intense or short and mild, but wherever you live keeping cool outside when it is hot is not so simple …
Until now.
So what are patio misting systems and patio misting fans?
Simply put misting or fog systems and fans are different methods for reaching the same goal – supplying a cool vapour or mist. The function of these outdoor cooling systems is similar for both types; water is pumped from a domestic or external water source through a pipe to a fan or specialized nozzles. With a decent system it is possible to stay cool outside by reducing the ambient temperature by 30 degrees (17°C) without wetness.
Let us look at cooling systems in a little more detail:
Low pressure systems run off the domestic water system which generally ranges at 60 – 70 psi (pounds per square inch). Such misting systems are generally low cost, easy to install do-it-yourself units comprising a hose, connected to the domestic water supply, and special nozzles
Medium pressure units require a pump and operate at around 100 – 200 psi. These systems offer a finer spray of mist than low pressure models, although the addition of a pump means that the costs are higher. Medium pressure units are perhaps the best choice with regards quality/price for most households and often do not have the drawback of annoying drips which may occur in the less expensive models.
High pressure misters run at around 800 pounds water pressure to well over 1000. The higher quality outdoor cooling misting systems produce really tiny droplets of 10-microns, that is approximately one tenth the size of a human hair.
The cost of your misting system will naturally depend on your choice of the system’s overall operational pressure (low, medium or high). Prices range from around $25 - $350 for low pressure units, expect to pay around $1000 for medium pressure units complete with pump. Complete high pressure units start at around $2,500 an go up to over $8,000 for quality high-pressure units. Misting fans range from around $500 upwards.
It is important that the nozzles in an outdoor patio misting system are metal, preferably brass, the holes should be about the size of a hair. With high pressure systems (800 – 1200 psi) the droplets evaporate when coming into contact with warm air, this reduces the surrounding air temperature without dampness. Naturally low pressure units are not able to force water through the nozzles at such high pressure, leading to larger droplets with will not evaporate so effectively.
To get the most from your patio misting system you should try to aim for a curtain of mist. This can be achieved by arranging the water tube (hose) around the roof section of a gazebo for example, this will provide a truly cool environment.
Some helpful links:
Patio Misting Systems – Perhaps one of the best places to start your search for the ideal mister: Misters, fog fans and mist fans cool the air in seconds! Bugs and dust hate them, we love them!
the Cool Patio Delux series – Click on over to our page which provides more information on staying cool as well as links to the market leader. Misty Mate - Cool Patio Delux series
In summary, if you live in a very warm climate and you would like to stay cool outside, patio mist systems or fans really are an effect means of reaching your goal. From the above you will have seen the price range and also a short technical explanation. Enjoy your search for coolness and come back often to visit us, we have heaps of information for you!
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