Summertime is the perfect time to purchase an evaporative cooler. Not only can they keep you comfortable when the temperatures soar, but they are also a great way to save on energy costs. If you are in the market for a new evaporative cooler, be sure to check out our Best Portable Evaporative Cooler Consumer Reports. We have compared some of the best models on the market and can help you find the perfect one for your needs. So whether you are looking for a small personal cooler or something that can cool down a large area, we have you covered. Keep reading to learn more!
What is a portable evaporative cooler?
Portable evaporative coolers are compact units on wheels that can be moved from room to room, or even outside onto a deck, as long as there is a power supply. Unlike built-in systems, portable units are designed to cool a room or a person rather than a whole house. They work the same way as built-in units. An internal fan draws warm, outside air into the unit. Inside the unit are wet filter pads and, as the warm air passes over them, their water evaporates. This creates cooled, humidified air that is then blown into your room. As with built-in systems, you need to keep a window open when you are using a portable evaporative cooler indoors so that condensation does not build up.
Portable evaporative coolers are relatively inexpensive, ranging from less than 100 dollars up to 1000 dollars. They are very cheap to run, costing about three to seven cents an hour for electricity, plus less than one cent an hour for the water used by the device. Portable units have to be topped up with water at a rate of about one to four liters an hour, so make sure you have an adequate water supply.
Energy usage will depend on the size of the unit and the area you are trying to cool. To get a rough idea of what size unit you need, take the volume of the room to be cooled, and divide it by two – this gives you a final cubic meter output. Choose a best portable evaporative cooler consumer reports to suit a room of that cubic meter output.
Benefits of using a portable evaporative cooler?
Super Energy Efficient: Using portable air coolers is very cost-effective to cool your place without spending much money on electricity. Swamp coolers cost up to 50 percent less than air conditioners that use refrigerated cooling systems. Imagine that, a 36-inch swamp cooler working for 8 hours typically costs you less than 1 dollar! Because the operating costs needed are only for water and electricity. Even some swamp cooler designs do not need any electricity.
Zero Emissions: Since the system leaves a low level of carbon footprint, it produces no emissions. Unlike other traditional cooling systems, the evaporative cooler has no refrigerant gas or compressor. Furthermore, it releases no toxic chemicals into the air. Swamp cooling systems use no refrigerants that potentially harm the environment. Most refrigerant chemicals used in air conditioning systems deplete the earth’s ozone layer. As a result, they cause global warming to occur.
Prevent Air Pollution: The cooler is fitted with a filter to help filter out odor-causing pollutants and dirt from the indoor atmosphere. Consequently, the quality of indoor air in your rooms will be improved significantly. Apart from being eco-friendly, the cooler additionally safeguards the rooms of your home from air pollution. The Airy Plant is yet another highly innovative product widely used to purify air in an efficient way without energy.
Portable and Practical: You can easily drag the cooler to any room. You can also pack the device easily, as it was designed to be moved around effortlessly.
Cost-Effective Setup: Unlike the traditional air conditioners, you can set up your best portable evaporative cooler consumer reports in an inexpensive way. These systems are cost-efficient considering there is no need to set aside any amount for installing the device. You can buy the evaporating cooler from the online stores and simply install it in any of your rooms. After a certain period has elapsed, it is recommended that you clean the water tank, the motor, and filter components. Thankfully, you can perform the tasks with no prior expertise or experience.
Adds Moisture: The evaporative cooling devices boost the level of moisture inside your home. Therefore, if you live in a region that experiences dryer climatic conditions, the cooler will come in handy. The standard AC systems have a major downside. Unlike the evaporative cooler, the traditional AC units take out moisture from the environment indoors. Note that eliminating moisture from the indoor atmosphere potentially causes breathing difficulties. Furthermore, it is likely to cause cracking or drying of skin.
Features that you should know about portable evaporative coolers
Control panel and Remote control: Most of the air coolers come with a timer; it helps you to set a sleep time on the device. This option is very helpful if you do not want to let the cooler work all night long. All the modern air coolers come with a remote control to provide comfort and convenience when you choose from the modes.
Coolings pads: The efficiency of these coolers is linked to the design aspects of the cooler pads and the amount of humidity present in the air. Aspen Cooling pads are generally more affordable and easier to replace or install. Furthermore, they are more biodegradable and more effective compared to the synthetic versions, but the synthetic versions last longer. Cellulose pads are also referred to as honeycomb cooling pads. Just like the name suggests, these pads actually resemble a honeycomb. These are thicker than Aspen Pads, have minimal maintenance needs, and provide longer durability. While they might cost slightly higher, they are more efficient. As a minimum, they should preferably be 90 mm thick to enable them to provide more effective cooling of air.
Water tank: Hose Connector – Some units come with a garden hose connector also known as an Automatic Water-level Controller. Through this connector, you can attach an ordinary garden hose to your unit. This will ensure there is a continuous and steady supply of water flowing to the cooler. This saves you the hassle of pouring water into the reservoir manually. Water Level Indicator – In the case of there is no water level controller feature in the air cooler, it should include a water level indicator instead. If there is no automatic water level controller, you will have to fill the water holding tank manually. This water level indicator will show when enough water has been placed in the tank subsequently, minimizing the risk of leaking or flooding the floor by filling in too much water.
Water Inlet and Drain Valve: For optimal cooling, fill up the tank using a mug or water pipe through the tiny inlet. This is the easiest way to top up the water to the maximum level. The Drain Valve, on the other hand, enables frequent change of water to avoid mold and mildew growth.
Airflow: Air cooler airflow is also measured by cubic meters per hour. The CMH means the amount of air cycled into your area each hour. It is a good way to buy the right air cooler size by calculating the cubic meters per hour required for your place.
The airflow also depends on a blower or a fan used by the evaporative cooler. Fans can create airflow with low pressure but in large volumes; they are usually used in big air coolers. On the other hand, Blowers can produce high-pressure airflow at high volumes and are often used in smaller air cooler models. While choosing a best portable evaporative cooler consumer reports, you should also find the models with multiple speed settings. It is one of the ways to adjust the temperature in the room by controlling the airflow; most portable air coolers with the 3-speed regulator at least. Except, the feature of automatic louver movement is especially important for swamp coolers, it can ensure the flow of cool air in all directions.
Factors to consider when buying a portable evaporative cooler
Cost: Portable evaporative cooler units can range from around 100 dollars to 1000 dollars for home versions, and go over 10,000 dollars for units for commercial use. The difference in cost can relate to a lot of different factors, the main one being how powerful the evaporative cooler is. If you want a best portable evaporative cooler consumer reports that will cool a large living room space, then you should expect to pay more than for one that is designed for a small bedroom. Many portable evaporative coolers also double as heaters or dehumidifiers and those extra uses will usually tip the cost upward, as will extra features like remote controls or programmable timers. As with most products, going with a brand known for making quality portable evaporative cooler that will last a long time may cost you more upfront, but save you money on not having to bother buying a new one for many years to come. As you likely know, evaporative coolers use a lot of energy, so the price tag on the product itself is a small part of the whole story of what a portable evaporative cooler will actually cost you. According to Energy Star, about 13 percent of an average home’s energy bill goes to cooling costs. Make sure you take energy efficiency into consideration when considering which options are the thriftiest. And finally, do not forget other ongoing costs, such as replacement air filters. Find out how much a replacement filter will cost and how often you will need to buy a new one. If the filter needs to be replaced frequently, those costs will add up fast.
Size: Some people buy best portable evaporative cooler consumer reports with the intention of keeping them entirely in one room. If you fall into the latter category, then it is important to choose evaporative coolers that you can move easily. Be aware of both the size of the evaporative coolers and their weight. Will it fit in your car? Can you reasonably pick it up on your own? Does it come with wheels for easier portability? Even if you aim to keep it in one spot for the long term, you need to make sure it will fit in that spot. Measure the space to be sure the product specifications match what you have room for. And consider if you will need to re-arrange the room for it to work in the spot you have chosen and whether or not you are okay with that.
Energy Use: Fortunately, Energy Star does have a handy directory of the best portable evaporative cooler consumer reports they have rated that even makes it possible to compare how specific models perform in terms of energy efficiency. If saving on energy costs is important to you, you should also prioritize finding an evaporative cooler with a programmable thermostat that will automatically switch off when your room reaches the temperature you have set it for.
Ventilation: Portable evaporative coolers vent out hot air, which means you will need to keep yours close to a window. Most portable evaporative coolers will come with a window venting kit and clear instructions on how to set the evaporative coolers up so that it vents properly. For the most part, they are all pretty simple to set up, which makes them easy to move from room to room. If you are hoping to keep your evaporative coolers in a location that is a way away from the window, then check the maximum width the window kit can extend to. Some models have kits that will allow you more flexibility on where you put the evaporative coolers, but others will need to stay close to the window. Depending on the model you buy, you may be able to buy an extension hose or vent kit that will allow you to move it to a more convenient spot.
FAQs about best portable evaporative cooler consumer reports
What are some of the drawbacks of using an evaporative cooler?
One of the drawbacks of using an evaporative cooler is that they can be less effective in drier climates. They can also be noisier than other types of cooling devices.
Where should I place my evaporative cooler?
You should place your evaporative cooler in a spot where it will get plenty of airflows. The cooler should also be in a place where it will not be blocked by furniture or other objects.
How often do I need to clean my evaporative cooler?
You should clean your evaporative cooler whenever the filter becomes dirty. The frequency of cleaning will depend on the type of filter and the amount of use the cooler gets. consult your owner’s manual for specific instructions.
What is the warranty on an evaporative cooler?
The warranty on an evaporative cooler will vary depending on the manufacturer and the model of the cooler you purchase. Most evaporative coolers come with a one-year warranty.
Can I use my evaporative cooler in the winter?
Yes, you can use your evaporative cooler in the winter. However, you will need to set the cooler to a higher temperature to avoid freezing the water in the unit.
Can I use my evaporative cooler in my car?
No, you should not use your evaporative cooler in your car. Evaporative coolers are not designed to be used in closed spaces and can damage the unit
What is the difference between an evaporative cooler and a swamp cooler?
The main difference between an evaporative cooler and a swamp cooler is that a swamp cooler is designed to be used in wet environments, while an evaporative cooler should not be used in wet environments. Swamp coolers are also less expensive than evaporative coolers.
What is the difference between an evaporative cooler and a dehumidifier?
The main difference between an evaporative cooler and a dehumidifier is that an evaporative cooler uses water to cool the air, while a dehumidifier removes moisture from the air. Evaporative coolers are also less expensive than dehumidifiers.
What is the difference between an evaporative cooler and a window air conditioner?
The main difference between an evaporative cooler and a window air conditioner is that an evaporative cooler uses water to cool the air, while a window air conditioner uses refrigerant. Evaporative coolers are also less expensive than window air conditioners.
What is the best evaporative cooler for me?
The best portable evaporative cooler consumer reports for you depends on your specific needs and preferences. Some factors to consider include the size of the unit, how many rooms it will cool, the type of climate you live in, and how much noise the unit makes.
How often do I need to replace the water in my evaporative cooler?
The water in your evaporative cooler should be replaced every few days, depending on the climate and the amount of use.
>>> See more: How Portable Evaporative Cooler work (Best portable evaporative cooler consumer reports)
Conclusion
Portable evaporative coolers are becoming more and more popular each year. As the weather gets hotter and hotter, people are looking for ways to stay cool without turning on their air conditioner. If you are in the market for a portable evaporative cooler, we hope our consumer reports will help you find the best one for your needs. We have included a variety of different models so that you can find the perfect fit for your home or office. Hopefully, this information will help you find the best portable evaporative cooler for your needs and budget. Have you tried using a portable evaporative cooler to beat the heat? Stay cool this summer with the help of our consumer reports!
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