BookmarkAll About Patio Misting Systems
Use patio misting systems for cool summertime fun
Summertime is the season of patios and porches, barbecues and decks. But for those who live in regions of high heat and humidity, even outdoor leisure time can feel exhausting after just a few minutes.
Patio misting systems are an ideal way to make every summer enjoyable. Outdoor misting systems literally draw the heat right out of the air, reducing temperatures by as much as 20 to 30 degrees in a surprisingly short time.
How patio misting systems work
Patio misting systems cool the air by instigating the natural process of evaporation. An outdoor misting system sends water through a series of spray nozzles that disperse the water into the air in droplets so small they're practically invisible. When these droplets enter the air, they evaporate almost instantly, but not before they've absorbed heat from the surrounding atmosphere.
How much cooler outdoor misting systems can make the air depends on the temperature and humidity levels in your area. Patio misting systems work best in regions with high temperatures and lower humidity levels.
High humidity levels prevent thorough evaporation, so if relative humidity is 70 or 80 percent, you might see a temperature drop of 10 or 15 degrees. If the humidity level is closer to 40 percent or lower, patio misting systems can induce temperature reductions of over thirty degrees.
Water consumption
Patio misting systems are typically set up about 8 to 10 feet above ground, with misting nozzles set at intervals of 2 feet. These intervals can be decreased or increased depending on whether you have a low-pressure or high-pressure outdoor misting system.
High-pressure outdoor misting systems will use more water because of the strength of the misting system pump. If water consumption is a concern for you, low-pressure patio misting systems can provide atmospheric comfort while keeping water waste to a minimum.
A low-pressure patio misting system will use around 1/2 gallon of water per nozzle every hour. Many patio misting systems feature 10 nozzles, so that works out to 5 gallons of water used per hour. Considering how much water is used to fill outdoor swimming pools, or even by children playing with hoses or lawn sprinklers, outdoor misting systems provide extremely efficient use of water resources.
System types and maintenance
Outdoor misting systems can feature perimeter misting, misting fans, or even both. One inexpensive way to make the best use of your patio misting system is to set up an outdoor fan or two in the area to move the cool air around.
Outdoor misting systems are relatively low-maintenance products. The misting nozzles can sometimes get clogged up. You can prevent this by keeping the surrounding area free of dirt and debris, or by cleaning your patio misting system as needed with a detergent mix or specially designed cleaning product.
You should also take down your patio misting system at the end of the summer, and keep it stored in a clean and dry place.
More information on misting systems