Summer weather has arrived, but that doesn't mean you have to sweat through it. In fact, you can enjoy your deck or patio all summer and stay comfortable. Just add an affordable evaporative cooler to your deck or patio. Summer cookouts and backyard hangouts will never be the same.
Not familiar with evaporative coolers? You’re in for a nice (and cool) surprise:
- What are Evaporative Coolers?
- Why They’re the Best Choice for Cooling Patios
- Find Yours: Patio and Deck Evaporative Coolers
- Additional Evaporative Cooler Benefits
- Other Patio Cooling Options
What are Evaporative Coolers?
Evaporative coolers are one of the best ways to keep your patio cool in the summer months. Also known as swamp coolers, you’ve probably seen these portable machines in commercial-grade models on the sidelines at NFL games. You just didn’t realize it.
They quickly cool down players by blowing cool, moisturized air on them. Evaporative coolers for your outdoor living space are just residential versions that are much more affordable.
What They Do
Unlike most outdoor cooling solutions, evaporative coolers can actually reduce the temperature on your deck or patio as much as 25 degrees F.
They use the natural process of evaporation, cooling the temperature by adding moisture to the air, instead of just circulating it.
Note: These aren’t misting fans, so you won’t feel droplets of water when they blow air on you.
How They Work
Evaporative coolers use water-saturated media pads and a powerful fan to quickly cool down patios and decks. Water from the reservoir in the cooler, or from an attached garden hose is pumped to soak the media pads. The fan blows hot air through them, adding moisture to the air. Evaporative cooling feels very similar to the coolness you experience standing near a waterfall.
Where to Use Them
They’re designed specifically for use in outdoor and semi-outdoor spaces. Evaporative coolers are the best way to keep decks, patios, covered patios, and screened-in porches comfortable.
Why Evaporative Coolers are the Best Way to Cool Outdoor Spaces
Looking for hot deck solutions isn’t easy. There are a lot of things to consider. Luckily, evaporative swamp coolers check all the boxes.
- Portable Design: Evaporative coolers come with large wheels, so you can easily roll them where you need them. Residential models are light-weight (without water), so they're easily transported to a storage space when not in use.
- Affordable Price: Most outdoor evaporative coolers cost around $300 up front and include all rigid media pads, and some have digital controls and a handy remote for easy operation.
- Efficient to Use: You can run your evaporative cooler for hours without worrying about your electric bill. Since they don’t use compressors like air conditioners, they cost a fraction of an AC's operating cost.
- Heavy-Duty Exteriors: Most evaporative coolers are made with rotomolded polypropylene exteriors, which can take the harsh summer sun through years of use.
- Immediate Air Cooling: When summer temperatures soar, you need immediate cooling. Most solutions only offer minimal improvement, and they don’t actually cool the air like an evaporative cooler.
Find Yours: Patios and Deck Evaporative Coolers
The following evaporative coolers are some of the highest-rated outdoor models by customers:
Hessaire MC37M
A Sylvane customer favorite! This 3-speed evaporative cooler is easy to move and has recently received an upgraded design. Use the simple control panel for immediate outdoor cooling.
- Ideal For: Medium-to-large decks and covered patios
- Dimensions: 37 x 17 x 25 in. (H x W x D)
- Max. CFM: 3,700
- Reviews: 4.7 Stars from 197 Reviews
Champion CP70 Ultracool
This is one of the most lightweight evaporative coolers and is common in small shops, garages, and patios.
- Ideal For: Small decks and covered patios
- Dimensions: 38.5 x 19.5 x 11.5 in. (H x W x D)
- Max. CFM: 700
- Reviews: 4.6 Stars from 20 Reviews
Hessaire MC61M
This is one of the most lightweight evaporative coolers and is common in small shops, garages, and patios.
- Ideal For: Large, commercial-sized patios and decks
- Dimensions: 45 x 28 x 17 in. (H x W x D)
- Max. CFM: 5,300
- Reviews: 4.8 Stars from 76 Reviews
Additional Evaporative Coolers Benefits
- Tailgating, camping trips, and home workshops will never be the same.
- The powerful fan is strong enough to help keep bugs and pests away.
- Keep outdoor pet areas and even stables or barns cool.
- Select models come with cup holders for resting drinks.
- Look for evaporative coolers with auto-swinging louvers to distribute cool air evenly around your entire space.
Other Patio Cooling Solutions
If you aren't entirely sold on the idea of an evaporative swamp cooler, take a look at some other options for outdoor cooling.
Misting Fans
Misting fans don’t actually cool your air, but they do offer comfort. A breeze to circulate stagnant air and mist will help make you feel better, especially in dry areas. The EcoJet Bob is a popular misting fan because it offers:
- Compact design that sits on a table
- Affordable price
- Adjustable mist output
- Heavy-duty design for outdoor use
- Powerful disc technology
For commercial patio comfort, consider an industrial misting fan that cools down large spaces and can be mounted to walls for permanent use.
Residential Fans
While residential fans aren’t generally approved for outdoor use, some are designed for outdoors, and most can be used in covered porches and screened-in patios. These fans are available in pedestal, tabletop, and floor styles and will add extra comfort to your space.
The Lasko Outdoor Living Fan actually is designed for use outside on a deck or patio. It's weather-resistant and UV protected, and its tower design doesn't take up a lot of space. With features like automatic oscillation and a 10-foot power cord, it's simple to place and provides air circulation over a wider area.
Updating Your Patio
Other ways to shield you from the sun on hot summer patios:
- Install a permanent ceiling fan (if your space is covered)
- Purchase shades and shade structures
- Add trees and plants, which also add moisture to the air and help keep it cool.
Summary
With evaporative coolers, you can keep your outdoor space cool, easily and economically. Other options include outdoor fans, misting fans, and ceiling fans for covered spaces, as well as plants and shade structures.
Still Have Questions?
Have questions about evaporative coolers or other cooling products? Contact our cooling product experts at 1-800-934-9194 for any questions.
