One of the features of the 2000 Olympic Games in Sydney, Australia, was the sophisticated cooling system used to cool both the spectators and athletes. Instead of a costly air conditioning system, water under high pressure was instantly vaporized into a fine mist which provided a cool respite to the high temperatures that can plague Australia. This system of cooling, once the domain of institutions and companies, is now becoming a part of domestic outdoor living in the hotter parts of our country. In fact, cool misting systems are joining the barbecue and the insect zapper as one of the staples of the backyard patio.

How It Works

Mist systems work on the principle of thermal dynamics. Moving water is compressed in pipes, increasing its pressure, and then forced through one or many nozzles which breaks it up in to a very fine mist. When this cloud of fine H2O particles comes in contact with the hot atmosphere it instantly evaporates which provides a cooling effect, up to 35 degrees Celsius with some systems.

Low Pressure Systems

Some cooling mist systems can be run off the pressure from the home. These are "Low Pressure" systems and operate on a similar principle as putting a thumb over the end of the hose. It creates a decent pressure and cools off the area but the water droplets are large. Most low pressure hardware comes in kits of PVC pipe and fittings which enable it to attach to any standard hose faucet. This is enough power to mist a 10 X 10 foot area drop the temperature 20 degrees. They are also the least expensive of the systems and, because they are tied to the water pressure of the home, there is a chance of clogging. This could be a real inconvenience on a hot day. Most systems start at around $100.

Fan-Powered System

These are relatively inexpensive systems which rely on the power of a fan to mist an area. A nozzle is built into the fan and the action of the fan breaks up the water into a mist. The plus for these systems is that they are portable and can be either mounted in just one area or moved around. You can even buy a kit to transform a regular fan into a mister for around $35. As it is meant to be an indirect system you wouldn't want to be the direct path of this fan.

Medium Pressure Systems

Adding a pump to the water flow can greatly increase the pressure which means that the cooling is greater. These "Medium-Pressure" systems – 100 to 200 pounds of water pressure - are a good match for the average home because the starting price is not prohibitive for the amount of cooling you can achieve. These start at around $500.

High Pressure (Fog) Systems

These are the type of misting system that is used in commercial locations but there are models suitable and cheap enough for homeowners as well. Because of the powerful pumps these systems “atomize” water – making the particles smaller -which means that more mist can be obtained by using less water. So in areas where water is expensive this system, although more costly, could turn out to cheaper in the long run with fantastic misting abilities – not to mention being easier on the environment. High pressure systems, in effect, create a curtain which not only cools but prevents hot air from reoccurring in the cool area.

Whatever your misting or cooling needs - patio, greenhouse or commercial – get Renovation Experts to help you. Credit for the images used in this article goes to Green House Megastore.