It’s a basic universal truth: air conditioning is wonderful…and expensive. But when temperatures rise and it becomes too hot to work, productivity drops dramatically and employee health and safety is compromised.
One solution that’s gaining traction in industrial environments is the portable evaporative cooler. It’s a cost-effective, energy-efficient way to cool large spaces, especially in hot, dry climates. But are they right for you?
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Let’s take a look at eight key factors to consider when deciding if an evaporative cooler is the right solution to the hot months of the year.
8 Considerations for Choosing an Evaporative Cooler
Evaporative coolers are worth the cost…if you invest in a high-quality model that excels in the following factors:
1. Performance
The first factor to consider when it comes to evaporative coolers is their performance with regard to coverage area and cooling efficiency. Portable units come in different sizes capable of covering a range of areas from smaller rooms like garages and studios to huge spaces such as warehouses and service bays (6,500 square feet, or 600 square meters).
Evaporative coolers also offer increased efficiency as well. Unlike traditional air conditioners that use refrigerant to cool air, evaporative coolers use the natural process of evaporation to lower temperatures. They’re most effective in dry climates (below 60% humidity) where the cooler air can absorb more moisture.
The industry’s top models, like the Cool-Space® series from Big Ass Fans, can reduce indoor temperatures by as much as 33°F (18°C).
2. Run Time
A portable evaporative cooler’s run time depends largely on the size of the unit’s water tank. Smaller units need refilling every few hours, while larger models can run for up to 10 hours on a single fill thanks to their massive tank capacities.
3. Air Quality
Evaporative coolers can improve air quality by drawing in fresh air from outside and capture large particulates in the air. Look for cooler models that come equipped with heavy-duty, washable dust filters that trap dust, pollen, and other airborne irritants.
4. Odor
Since evaporative coolers rely on water evaporation, they don’t produce any strange smells into your home after start-up. (The manufacturing process creates an initial odor that dissipates quickly after the unit has been flushed with water and a cleaning tablet inserted). However, if the water tank isn’t cleaned regularly, mildew or algae growth can cause odors. When comparing models, you’ll want durable materials that are easy to clean and maintain regularly.
5. Greenguard Gold Certification
It’s vital that the air we breathe—especially in a workspace—is free from harmful pollutants. Greenguard Gold certification ensures that a cooler meets stringent chemical emissions standards, which is particularly important for people with allergies or asthma. Considered the gold standard, Big Ass Fans’ Cool-Space coolers use 8-inch-thick cross-corrugated formulated cellulose media treated with thermosetting resin to guarantee low chemical emissions for healthier indoor air quality. Big Ass Fans products do not introduce any harmful VOCs (volatile organic compounds) like other models on the market.
6. Warranty
The length of a warranty tells you how much confidence the manufacturer has in the quality and durability of its products. The best brands offer up to five-year warranties for their portable evaporative coolers, including options for extending the coverage for longer periods.
7. Manufacturer Customer Service
Evaporative coolers, while structurally simpler than air conditioners, require regular maintenance for optimal performance. You want to purchase from a manufacturer with a responsive and knowledgeable customer service team that can help you troubleshoot problems, answer set-up or operational questions, and guide you through proper maintenance procedures. Great customer service can save you time, frustration, and potentially the cost of a service call.
8. Total Cost of Use
The sticker price of a portable evaporative cooler is only one aspect to consider when evaluating its total cost. A seemingly inexpensive cooler might have high maintenance costs or require frequent part replacements, driving up the total cost over time. But an evaporative cooler with a higher initial price tag but lower maintenance requirements and superior energy efficiency can save you money in the long run.
The best evaporative coolers require minimal maintenance and are designed for quick and easy cleaning. Regular rinsing of the water tank and filters is typically all a unit needs to keep running effectively.
Ultimately, you’ll want to answer three key questions about an evaporative cooler’s total cost of use: What are the maintenance costs? How much energy and water does it use? How many years will the unit last and perform at an optimal level?
Big Ass Fans’ Cool-Space Evaporative Coolers: The #1 Choice
When considering all eight factors above, Big Ass Fans‘ Cool-Space evaporative coolers stand out as the best choice for industrial environments. They provide unbeatable performance with a range of sizes to suit just about any space, extended run time with large water tanks, improved air quality with heavy-duty filters, and Greenguard Gold certification for peace of mind.
We also back our evaporative coolers with the industry’s longest warranty and exceptional customer service.
If you live and work in a hot, dry climate, evaporative coolers are an excellent solution for keeping your team cool and productive. By considering coverage area, cooling efficiency, run time, air quality, odor control, certifications, warranty, customer service, and total cost of use, it’s easy to see why Big Ass Fans’ Cool-Space coolers provide the best overall quality and value.
