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Temperatures are rising, and many places are already seeing heat waves. Are you ready for the Texas summer heat?

If not, or if you’re looking into climate control solutions anyway, you might be interested in learning about the innovations of evaporative cooling. In this post, we’ll be talking about everything evaporative coolers.

What is an Evaporative Cooler?

An evaporative cooler is a type of air conditioner that cools the air through the power of evaporation. As water evaporates, turning from a liquid into a gas, it cools whatever it’s touching.

You’ve probably noticed that the air is cooler around a body of water on a hot, sunny day. That’s evaporation at work! That’s also why we sweat; our sweat evaporates off our skin and cools us down.

Evaporative coolers harness this power in order to work as air conditioning. The unit takes in the hot air around it and sends it across its cooling pads.

The pads soak up water from a tank in the cooler, like a sponge, and saturate all of its layers. Water evaporates off the pads, cooling the air. The unit then releases that cooled air back into the room.

Why Use an Evaporative Cooler?

There are many benefits to using an evaporative cooler over other air conditioning systems:

• Evaporative coolers lower the temperature in a room by up to 20 degrees without sucking out all the humidity. Even in humid environments, traditional air conditioners can lower the humidity level in a building to the point that people inside can experience dry skin. Evaporative coolers cool the air using water, so humidity doesn’t get lost along the way.
• Evaporative cooling can clean the air, reducing allergens. When water evaporates, it leaves behind any non-water stuff. Air that passes through an evaporative cooler, especially one equipped with allergen reducing microfiber-enhanced cooling pads, gets cleaned through evaporation. Any gunk that may have been in the air gets stuck in the pads instead of your nose.
• By using water instead of Freon to cool down the air, evaporative coolers are more environmentally friendly than traditional air conditioners.
• If you are conscious about energy consumption, evaporative coolers use less than half the electricity an air conditioner uses. Evaporative coolers only use 1.5 kilowatts of electricity, which is good for the planet and your wallet.
• You can even use an evaporative cooler outdoors. If you want to sit out on the porch or patio but it’s just too hot, an evaporative cooler can cool down your favorite spot and make it usable again.

Evaporative Coolers: Facts and Figures

Did you know that an evaporative cooler can save you up to 30% on your energy bill? It’s true! The cost of running this type of cooling unit only costs about one dollar per 8 hour day using home electricity.

They’re not just for cooling tiny rooms, either. At Preferred Climate Solutions, we offer Portacool evaporative cooling units. Their JetStream 220 unit can cool up to 700 square feet, and that’s just the smallest unit. The largest we offer is the JetStream 270, which can cool up to a whopping 5,625 square feet at a fraction of the cost of operating a traditional air conditioning unit.

Cons of an Evaporative Cooler

We’ve talked about the benefits of evaporative cooling, now let’s look at the aspects that may make it the wrong choice for your needs. Here are the cons associated with an evaporative cooler:

• Frequent Maintenance

Because evaporative coolers are constantly passing the air through their cooling pads, sediment can build up in the unit. When using the cooler constantly, such as during summer, the pads and filters need to be changed as frequently as once per month. Otherwise, you’ll need to change them twice or more while they’re in use.

You will also need to check for and clean out any sediment buildup throughout the unit regularly. The unit requires deep cleaning every year to keep it running smoothly and safely. However, you can perform all the routine maintenance by yourself without having to call in a professional.

• Not Ideal for Humid Climates

Evaporative coolers add humidity to the air as part of their operation. Because of this fact, they can’t work as effectively in places that are already humid, if at all. In places that are mildly humid, an evaporative cooler may add humidity and exacerbate any problems with humidity such as mold growth.

• Not Ideal for Locations with Limited Access to Water

As you can imagine, these machines use water. While they are environmentally friendly in the sense that they aren’t using harmful Freon to cool the air, they are not ideal for use in places that frequently experience droughts. You should also refrain from using them when your area is under water use restrictions.

They would be effective in desert climates, but not without free and ready access to water. If you’re conserving water, don’t use an evaporative cooler.

• Not as Cold as an Air Conditioner

Evaporative coolers cool the air naturally. As with a lot of natural things, it’s not as powerful as industrial solutions. Where an air conditioner can get you pretty much as cool as you want, evaporative coolers are limited to about a 20 degree or less decrease in temperature.

If it’s 115 degrees in the shade, an evaporative cooler might help a little but it won’t get your house down to a cool 72 like a traditional air conditioner might.

As we discussed, evaporative coolers are a natural, energy efficient method of cooling that can save you a good chunk of money on your energy bills. They use water instead of Freon to cool the air, and even clean the air as they cool it. However, they do have some drawbacks, mostly depending on where you live and how much maintenance you’re comfortable with.

If you’re interested in trying out an evaporative cooler for yourself, we can certainly help! At Preferred Climate Solutions, we’ve been providing the Dallas-Ft Worth, Austin and Houston areas with top of the line HVAC services for the better part of 17 years. Contact us today to ask about our evaporative cooler renting options or for more information. We have the experience to help you with all your heating and cooling needs.

Spot coolers are a great way to cool off in the summer heat. They’re efficient, affordable and compact. In this article we will address some of the top things you should know about spot coolers.

How Spot Coolers Work

Spot coolers work by sucking in the air around them and sending it across a closed-loop coil which contains refrigerant. The coil not only cools the air but also reduces the humidity of it.

After the air passes over the coil, the supply vent pumps cold air back out into the room. Most spot coolers have adjustable vents so you can point the cold air wherever you need it. The cooler releases any excess heat up through a flexible tube usually connected to a ceiling vent or pointed out a window or door.

Condensation from the cooling and dehumidifying process collects in a container. When the container is full, the spot cooler automatically shuts off to allow you to empty the container of water. Once you return the empty container, you can restart the cooler cycle.

Spot coolers cool and dehumidify their immediate surroundings. So, they are a good option for rooms that require consistently low temperatures and humidity levels. Because they only cool a small area, spot coolers are ideal for cooling select locations such as server rooms without the inefficiency of using the central cooling system.

How to Install and Use a Spot Cooler

Spot coolers are easy to set up and use. Once you have one, either by purchasing or renting it through Preferred Climate Solutions, the next step is to take it to the location where you need it.

There is no installation involved with using a spot cooler, so your next step is to set up the exhaust vent and plug in the unit. Simply connect the exhaust tube to a ceiling vent, point it outside, or point it away from the area you want to cool if you are using it outside. Now all you have to do is plug it in and play, or in this case turn the unit on.

When you are finished using the spot cooler or the water tank gets full, make sure the unit is turned off. Remove the container and empty it outside or into a drain, then replace the container.

How to Maintain a Spot Cooler

Maintaining a spot cooler is easy. All you have to do is replace or wash the air filter regularly, and keep the unit clean.

How to Know What Size Spot Cooler You Need

Spot coolers come in a range of capacities. They are rated based on their BTU.

You might see spot coolers listed as being between 1 ton and 5 tons. They don’t weigh that much, though. The unit “ton” refers to the BTU, which is the heat load it is rated for.

A 1 ton spot cooler, or 12,000 BTU, will sufficiently cool up to two people in normal summer temperatures. If it is especially hot, upwards of 100 degrees, you will need a spot cooler with a higher BTU.

To make sure you get the right unit for your needs, make sure to have the following information ready when you go to get a unit:

• A rough estimate of the amount of people that will be in the cooling zone.
• The dimensions of the space you want to cool. These dimensions should include not only the square footage but also the ceiling height if there is one.
• Whether you need a spot cooler for indoor or outdoor use.
• What type of space are you looking to cool with a spot cooler. For example, is it an office space or a workshop?
• What you will be cooling. Electronics have different cooling needs than people.

Being able to provide this information will help us determine what type of spot cooler you need. Contact us for a consultation if you are not sure what type of spot cooler is right for you.

How to Decide if a Spot Cooler Will Work For You

If you are considering different air conditioning options, you may be considering a spot cooler. Spot coolers are great for all kinds of applications. What sets them apart from other air conditioners is their efficiency and portability.

Spot coolers are effective air conditioners that don’t make as much noise or use as much power as central air conditioning. They can cool and dehumidify a small area quickly without affecting the rest of the space.

Whether you should choose a spot cooler for your cooling needs depends on a few factors:

First, do you have the right conditions for a spot cooler to work properly? Spot coolers work best when they have sufficient room around the unit to pull in air and have a good place to let out hot air from their exhaust tube. A spot cooler would not be a good choice for cooling an area if you want to hide the unit in a confined space.

Second, do you have a place for the exhaust to go? The unit needs to be able to let off hot air to run. You will need access to a window, door or vent through which the exhaust can go if you will be using the unit indoors. 

Third, is the environment you want to cool free of airborne debris? While spot coolers have filters, they will not be as efficient in, for example, a wood shop where there is a lot of saw dust in the air.

Now that you know the top things you should know about spot coolers, you’re ready to get cooling! We at Preferred Climate Solutions have over 17 years of experience serving the Houston, Dallas-Ft Worth and Austin areas and solving their climate control needs. If you are interested in renting a spot cooler or getting more information, contact us today.

Any Texan knows that a spot cooler is one of the most popular kinds of cooling appliances sold in the market today. It is a small device that helps lower the temperature in a limited area. 

These devices are considered to be more affordable and efficient in their function than other cooling appliances. In addition, unlike air conditioners, spot coolers do not distribute cool air throughout a room. 

Instead, they concentrate the cool air in one area. Anyone who has used an air conditioner in the past may find this to be a significant advantage. 

But you don’t have to convince us. Here at Preferred Climate Solutions, we know full well the benefits of renting our spot coolers. Read on to find out about the ultimate summer solution with a spot cooler.

What is a Spot cooler?

What is a spot cooler? In short, a spot cooler is a device that cools a small area of the room, and can be used in a variety of ways to benefit you and your home. 

They come in a wide range of sizes and are often used to help with hot weather, or even to cool down parts of a room that get too hot. Spot coolers are usually less expensive than whole house air conditioners, but they aren’t intended to cool the entire home.

Advantages of Getting a Spot Cooler

• These devices are considered to be more affordable and efficient in their function than other cooling appliances. 
• In addition, unlike air conditioners, spot coolers do not distribute cool air throughout a room. 
• They concentrate the cool air in one area. 

Anyone who has used an air conditioner in the past may find this to be a significant advantage. The warm air from an air conditioner tends to get blown to other parts of a room as well, making the temperature in the room less than ideal.

They Can Be Used in Many Environments

If you are looking for cooling solutions for your home or office, then you have come to the right place. Spot coolers are versatile and you can use them in many ways. 

The main reason why spot coolers are preferred over traditional air conditioners is that they are compact and can be placed in corners. This makes them ideal to place in small offices or in conference rooms.

A spot cooler can be perfect for taking with you on a weekend getaway or something like a camping trip for example. What a way to cool down a tent on a muggy day or night in the woods!

They Have a Programmable Thermostat

Spot coolers have a programmable thermostat which makes it possible to set the temperature you want the cooler to be at. This is a great feature since the temperature of your room tends to fluctuate throughout the day and night. 

This means that you can always count on the temperature of the cooler to be the same. This is something that you will not get with a non-programmable thermostat since it will only have one set temperature.

 Spot Coolers Are Quiet

One of the benefits of these units is that they are typically quieter than larger models. Spot coolers are exactly what their name implies: they are compact, lightweight models that are best suited for smaller spaces like offices, classrooms, or dorms. 

The average spot cooler runs around the same volume as a normal conversation, roughly 60 decibels. You definitely won’t be distracted by the unit.

Renting Spot Coolers Will Save You Money

Spot coolers can save you a lot of money if you rent rather than buy one. 

Prices for renting a spot cooler is extremely affordable depending on how many hours a day you need it and for what length of time. For businesses, the lower cost of renting a spot cooler rather than buying one is offset by the fact that the rental costs are deductible as a business expense.

Spot Coolers Fit Into Areas Where Traditional Coolers and Air Conditioner Cannot

Spot coolers fit into areas where traditional coolers and air conditioners cannot, to cool down rooms, kitchens and computer areas. 

These compact and personal cooling systems are very popular as they will reduce the temperature in the room where they are installed by as much as 15 degrees. 

Some spot coolers have built in batteries, so they can be used for anywhere from one to three hours. These handy little spot coolers can be used in a truck, a boat, or even for camping.

Spot Coolers Require No Real Installation

Spot coolers offer a great alternative to keep your home at a comfortable temperature without having to rely on noisy and expensive air conditioning. Plus, they don’t require installation and can be easily moved between rooms. 

The coolers can be useful in many places. Whether you want to use one in your living room, your bedroom, or the kids’ bedroom, they can be moved around quickly and easily to suit your needs.

They Can Be Used for Outdoor Events

These can be used for outdoor events as well, and many people who are holding an outdoor wedding or other event end up using these spot coolers because it’s a more cost effective way to cool down the guests.

Why Preferred Climate Solutions Can Keep You Cool This Summer

Whether you need heating or cooling solutions, Preferred Climate Solutions has got you covered. We’ve been proudly serving the Austin, Houston and Dallas-Ft Worth areas for over 17 years now. 

That lets you know we have a vast wealth of experience along with a great reputation. For more information about spot coolers just contact Preferred Climate Solutions anytime.

Why is the demand for evaporative coolers increasing? The demand for evaporative coolers is increasing due to the ever-increasing annual temperature and cost effectiveness of the coolers.. 

Evaporative coolers are a cheaper alternative to the conventional air conditioners that uses water for cooling the air inside the house. However, people shouldn’t confuse them with air conditioners. 

We know all too well here at Preferred Climate Solutions just how popular evaporative coolers can be. These coolers only need sufficient water supply and electricity. The coolers are environmentally friendly, too.

Let’s take a look at more reasons why the demand for evaporative coolers is increasing.

What Are Evaporative Coolers?

Evaporative coolers are a lightweight and portable cooling solution that uses water as the cooling agent. These are highly effective and efficient cooling devices that offer superior results compared to conventional air conditioners. 

Evaporative coolers are equipment used for the cooling of water in a closed container. They use water as the cooling agent. The cooling effect of the water is responsible for the efficiency of the evaporative coolers. 

This cooling effect dissipates the heat from the stored water through evaporation. Evaporative coolers can be built to order and customized to the exact needs of the client, but renting them is a far more efficient solution.

How Do Evaporative Coolers Work?

The use of evaporative coolers is considered as one of the best solutions that will eliminate the heat from the house. This technology works on the principle of evaporation. 

The heat is taken out of the air and evaporated into a cooled water. Some evaporative coolers can effectively convert 20 to 25 percent of the heat in a house into cooler temperature by the use of proper heat-absorbing materials. 

They effectively cool the house when the temperature exceeds 30°C (86°F). Most of the companies which manufacture evaporative coolers are offering the evaporative cooling products with a three-stage cooling system.

Why Are Evaporative Coolers So Popular?

Energy Benefits

Efficiency:

• Evaporative coolers use very little energy to cool the air. The requirement for electricity and water supply in air conditioners are very high, which make evaporative coolers quite expensive. 

Regulation: 

• Evaporative coolers are manufactured according to the regulations set by the authorities concerned. They are energy-efficient and do not emit gases that can cause pollution. 

Health Benefits Efficient: 

• Evaporative coolers can be energy-efficient and cool the air with a low heat load. In contrast, the air conditioner consumes a lot of electricity and water for cooling the air, which leads to a rise in the electricity bills. 

Reduce Pollution: 

• Evaporative coolers can reduce air pollution by preventing the heat from being released.

Allows the Windows and Doors to Stay Open

The coolers are designed in such a way that the cool air can be directed to the inner side of the house and enter the windows and doors. The coolers are very easy to install, and one can take them out of the container and place them wherever required. 

This feature allows the user to control the temperature at a particular location. These coolers are very easy to use and simple to understand.

The user needs to turn on the evaporative cooler and when the water evaporates, the temperature of the air inside the house falls considerably. The evaporative cooler units can easily filter the air, because they are designed with filters on the top.

Environmentally Friendly

Another advantage of buying an evaporative cooler is that it is environmentally friendly. Evaporative coolers use minimal water and do not release any emissions when the water is being evaporated. On the other hand, air conditioners release smoke and dust that pollute the air. 

The major advantage of evaporative coolers is their low production cost. The producers have to invest a lot of money in making air conditioners and coolers. However, an average user is likely to pay a much lower amount for the Evaporative Cooler. 

The evaporative coolers are a much lighter alternative to the traditional air conditioners. Thus, the Evaporative Cooler has a lower energy consumption. Hence, this is another advantage of buying or renting an evaporative cooler.

Lowers Your Utility Bills

The evaporative coolers are energy-efficient as well. This cooling method is preferred for the summer. Therefore, the evaporative coolers save a lot of electricity by lowering the temperature. 

Due to their efficient and effective cooling, evaporative coolers can be employed on a large scale. As a result, they can save a lot of money every month. 

These cooling systems do not use any oil or other chemicals, which reduce the maintenance cost. Our Portacool units only cast around $1.00 per 8-hour day on average to use. How’s that for a low utility bill?

Easy Maintenance

The evaporative coolers are easy to use as the evaporative coolers are connected through a short tube that allows the air to run into the unit, thus preventing the temperature from fluctuating. 

As the water evaporates from the cooler’s body, it cools the air that flows through the evaporative cooler. The water is reused for cooling the body of the evaporative cooler. 

When you rent your unit from us, we’ll handle any maintenance issues. All you need to do is enjoy the benefit of cost-effective cooling and waste reduction.

Very Quiet Operation

There is an assured minimal noise created by the evaporative coolers, especially when you are in a room with the cooling units in place. Evaporative coolers have the lowest maintenance required. However, you need to replace the water and the fluid every 6 months. 

The evaporative cooler produces a lesser amount of water as compared to the air conditioner. The fluid evaporates when the air becomes cooler. It evaporates as a natural process. 

These units can be moved outdoors if the air temperatures exceed 100 degrees Fahrenheit. You can place the evaporative coolers outdoors since the units are designed to perform well outside. There are less chances of overheating inside the unit because of the air intake and exhaust.

Preferred Climate Solutions an Handle Your Cooling Needs

The growing need for energy efficiency is a major factor driving the growth of the evaporative cooler market. Advancing technologies for evaporative coolers are further fuelling the market. 

At Preferred Climate Solutions we know all about the benefits of evaporative coolers. We’ve been taking care of our customers for over 17 years in the Austin, Houston and Dallas-Ft Worth communities. You can have trust that we know a thing or two about cooling your home or business.  Contact Preferred Climate Solutions today to start your cooling solution.

For millennia, mankind has sought protection from the elements. We build houses, light fires and now use air conditioning to stay cool. Our homes offer protection from extreme heat and cold. However, that protection only goes so far.

When it comes to mobile protection from high temperatures, portable air conditioning units quickly bring the mercury back to a more reasonable level. In the event of an emergency, including a heat wave, a portable air conditioning system can protect you, your loved ones and your assets.

What is Portable Air Conditioning?

To understand the benefits of portable air conditioning you need to understand the concept behind it. Portable air conditioning works like indoor air conditioning in that it lowers the temperature of a given space. However, portable air conditioning functions indoors and outdoors, from open to partially closed spaces. Preferred Climate Solutions offers Portacool cooler for efficient and effective relief. 

Using evaporative cooling, Portacool’s Jetstream line of coolers can lower temperatures by as much as 20 degrees. Incredibly efficient, they draw very little power given their capabilities. They come in a variety of sizes, the smallest of which cools up to 1,125 square feet while using less electricity than a standard household toaster.

You can set these air conditioners up wherever you need them given their small size. They come on wheels for easy maneuverability. So whether you need to cool down your workshop or just offer some relief to your guests by the pool, a portable air conditioner has you covered. 

The Dangers of Heat

Too much heat can be dangerous for people and animals alike. When temperatures get too high, people risk conditions such as heat stroke, heat exhaustion and dehydration. The only cure when things get too hot is, of course, cold air or water. Any kind of physical activity that takes place in hot environments presents a risk to participants. 

When a person suffers from heat stroke or any heat-related illness, they require medical attention and a cool environment to fully recover.

Portable Cooling at Sporting Events

Athletes run the risk of encountering a heat-related illness during especially hot days in the summer months. All that exercise increases the body temperature already. So when you throw in a heat wave or just a hot day, the results could be deadly. 

At any organized sporting event, the venue should offer a way for athletes to cool down quickly in the event of a heat-related illness. Portable coolers offer this protection and can be placed wherever you can get an extension cord to them. 

For instance on a hot day during a football game, the medical staff should have access to a cooler they can quickly turn on if the need arises. A small tent would work best to capture and contain the cold air, but the Portacool coolers can still operate in the open air. 

This way, when an athlete overheats they can get immediate relief for a full recovery. Additionally, anyone in the crowd can get cooled off should they suffer from a heat-related illness.

Portable Cooling at Events

Large public or private outdoor events also need to offer some sort of protection from extreme heat. While not every space can or should be air conditioned, portions of that space must have access to it. For example, the medical tent at any concert or outdoor event should have portable air conditioning units in it. That way, should someone suffer a heat-related illness they can receive the proper medical attention as soon as possible. 

Other outdoor areas including amusement parks, fairs and receptions can benefit greatly from the added protection of a portable cooler.

Without the assurance offered by portable air conditioning, event goers and organizers run the risk of jeopardizing themselves or their patrons. And since you can put portable coolers just about anywhere you can get power to them, there is no excuse not to have them.

Protecting Livestock

Most farm animals do not have the option of coming inside and getting some cold air. So when a heat wave hits, livestock are often left vulnerable and unprotected. Farmers and livestock caretakers should use portable coolers to protect their animals from the elements just as they protect themselves.

Most mammals do not fare any better in extreme heat than humans. Putting a few Portacool coolers in a barn or shed gives livestock the ability to survive in a hot and harsh environment. Giving them access to water only goes so far, especially since that water will heat up eventually just like the oxygen around them. 

Renting a portable cooler before a heatwave could save your livestock a whole lot of suffering.

Cooling Down the Workplace

During the summer months many workers must brave extreme temperatures without any hope of remaining indoors. And sometimes the workplace is directly under the sun. Any company working outside must offer its workers some sort of safety from heat-related illnesses during especially hot days.

Having a portable cooler on the job site allows your crews to keep working in safe temperatures. Even outside of an emergency a portable cooler can help boost productivity by giving workers some relief. When they do not have to fight the elements they can focus more on the task at hand. 

Getting Portable Air Conditioning

Preferred Climate Solutions can handle anyone’s air conditioning needs throughout the State of Texas. We offer a variety of portable coolers and outdoor air conditioning systems to offer protection from extreme heat. Air conditioning does not only help out in an emergency, but also during regular outdoor events. 

We offer 24/7 support, as well as onsite delivery to all of our customers. Browse our rental offers today and take the first steps towards creating a safer and more comfortable environment.

With summer fast approaching the urge to get outside and take in some fresh air becomes overwhelming. Instead of staying cooped up indoors you can move your gatherings outside to enjoy nature and some sunlight. Unfortunately, that beautiful sunlight usually brings some serious Texas heat along with it. 

Still, outdoor events hold much more appeal than indoor ones. They require less preparation and less cleaning up afterwards. If the weather cooperated all the time we would have almost every event outdoors. 

Thankfully, you can always rent an outdoor air conditioner to create a comfortable space on even the hottest of days.

What is Outdoor Air Conditioning?

Outdoor air conditioning functions basically the same as its more popular indoor variant. You would use outdoor air conditioning to cool environments without access to traditional air conditioning. Most outdoor air conditioning applies to events held in marquee tents during events such as weddings, parties and receptions.

You can also use outdoor air conditioning for basically any mostly closed space, such as barns, old buildings not in use and outdoor, open-sided structures. Outdoor air conditioners help create cool and enjoyable environments so that you can fully enjoy the outdoors.

Sports facilities might also require outdoor air conditioning during events to keep participants and spectators comfortable.

Types of Units

Like indoor air conditioning, outdoor air conditioning units come in several varieties. Each system has a different power output, meaning that it can cool a certain sized space to a certain temperature. 

The area a system handles is referred to as cubic feet per minute (CFM). Outdoor air conditioning systems come with a range from 2000 to 12,000 CFM. This means that in one minute they can cool up to 12,000 cubic feet. 

Each unit’s cooling capabilities are measured in British thermal units (BTU). The higher the BTU, the more cool air a unit can produce. Most outdoor systems range from 60,000 BTU to 450,000 BTU. 

Finally, consider the amp requirements of each unit. These typically range from 20 to 100 amps. 

You can stack several units on top of each other for larger spaces or when you desire a colder environment. Trailer mounted, you can bring your air conditioning system just about anywhere.

What to Consider with Outdoor Air Conditioning

Before you jump right into it and rent an outdoor air conditioning system, you need to keep several factors in mind. Outdoor air conditioners come in many variants, each suited for a particular space or environment.

They come in different sizes, models, power variants and with different features. Keep these factors in mind when making your final decision. Additionally, you should always present your specifications and needs to your rental expert so that they may use their knowledge and experience to help you. 

Consider Your Event

Before you look at an outdoor air conditioning system you must first consider the outdoor event you plan to hold. The event determines the venue, and the venue determines your air conditioning needs. For example, you may wish to hold an event under a marquee tent. In that case you must then consider the size of the tent.

When holding an event in a more permanent structure such as a barn or an unoccupied building, your needs will shift again. A barn might offer better insulation than a tent so you may not need as powerful of an air conditioning system. However, you need to also consider how closed of a space you will need serviced. The more open the space, the more powerful of an air conditioner you need to compete with the elements. 

Larger venues might require more units or more powerful units. Keep in mind that outdoor air conditioners operate based on cubic feet. You can find the cubic feet of your venue by multiplying length, width and height. Do not confuse cubic feet with square feet, which only considers length and width. 

Once you select a venue, an air conditioning technician and expert can help you narrow down your options to find the right air conditioner. 

Consider Power Options

The ability to use different air conditioners depends entirely on your power supply. Keep in mind your power capabilities so that you do not rent a system you cannot sustain. Also make sure that you can supply adequate power to the outdoor event site. Whether you use extension cords, generators or will hook directly into a power supply depends on your venue.

Fortunately, Preferred Climate Solutions offers climate control units internal transformers and power distribution to keep from dragging down your entire power supply. So long as you can supply the power, the units will handle it from there.

Consider Desired Temperature

Air conditioning can turn even the hottest rooms frigid. Think about how cool you want your event and then select a system with that temperature goal in mind. You may only wish to keep things a few degrees cooler than the summer heat. Or you may wish for your guests to enjoy your outdoor event comfortably in full attire.

Once you decide on how cool you want your space you can pick a system to match those needs. The higher a unit’s BTU measurement, the more cold air it can produce. Preferred Climate Solutions offers air conditioning with thermostats for precise temperature control.

Renting an Outdoor Air Conditioning System

When planning an outdoor event in Texas, Preferred Climate Solutions can take care of all of your air conditioning needs. We offer a variety of different units in different sizes suitable for any outdoor event. In addition to a high quality system, we offer on-site delivery to all of our customers. With 24/7 service, we can get you set up and taken care of whenever you need us. 

No matter your event, Preferred Climate Solutions has the cool air you need. Find out more about our air conditioner rentals today!

Hey, we at Preferred Climate Solutions know all too well that the summers in Texas are brutal. We also know that this isn’t the case for all of us. Some of you like the heat!

Air conditioning units are a common feature in many homes and businesses. But they tend to be pretty expensive to buy and install. There are other ways to cool your home, though, that don’t require a large purchase or professional installation (unless you are renting).

One of these is evaporative cooling. It’s a process that works by using air to lower the temperature of something else, usually water. 

You can easily rent one of nearly any size you need. Let’s take a look at some benefits of using evaporative coolers.

What Is Evaporative Cooling?

Evaporative cooling is the type of air conditioning in which the air temperature is cooled using the power of evaporation. When water evaporates, it is converted from liquid to gas.

In this case, the evaporation of the water leads to a drop in temperature. This is why a damp cloth feels great on a hot day. The dampness lowers the temperature of your head as the water evaporates. 

How Does an Evaporative Cooler Work?

An evaporative cooler automates basic evaporation to effectively lower the air temperature in your home. 

Generally, there is a fan, hood, water tank, and some extra controls to regulate everything. The process starts when the cooler starts to draw air through it. The warm air will then pass over the wet cooler pads. 

The pads get wet from absorbing water from the cooler’s tank. The pads have many layers to add surface area. The water on the surface of the pads evaporates, and the cool air is circulated. 

This can lower the air temperature in your rooms – often by up to 20 degrees. Then it blows this cold air into your room, where you can enjoy yourself on a warm day. 

What Are the Benefits of Evaporative Coolers?

Fresh Air

One of the best benefits of using an evaporative cooler is its air-cleaning abilities. The cooler constantly pulls in air from all over your home or business. This air must pass through the evaporative pads within the cooler itself, cleaning the air. 

If you or family members suffer from allergies, there are alternative pads with enhanced microfibers that can greatly reduce allergens in the air. These alternative pads are great for eliminating irritants that can cause respiratory flare-ups also.

Ecological

An Evaporative Cooling Unit is a great way of keeping your home cool, especially if you live in a humid area where air conditioners are not as effective as they should be. 

They work by using a water pump and a series of tubes to draw outside air through a wet pad which cools the air down. This cooled air is then pumped through your home. This system has a number of benefits over air conditioners. 

Evaporative coolers are more environmentally friendly. Air conditioners use Freon gas which is extremely damaging to the planet. The Evaporative Cooling Unit does not use Freon gas and is kinder to the environment

Energy Efficient

One benefit is that they are an energy-efficient alternative to an air conditioner. As compared to an air conditioner, these units only use a fraction of the electricity. 

An evaporative cooling system only needs 1.5 kilowatts of electricity to provide enough cool air for most homes. This is less than half of what an air conditioner will use. 

The average air conditioner will cost you somewhere between $600 and $1,200 per year, and the cost of running it is typically around $100 per month during the peak summer season.

Lower Cost

Evaporative cooling units are energy-efficient and effective in warmer temperatures. Air conditioning is extremely expensive to run. 

One should consider the cost of electricity or gas to run an air conditioner. Evaporative cooling units use less energy than air conditioning. Therefore these units help you save money.

Must Read: Difference Between Air Conditioners and Evaporative Coolers

If you are looking for a way to save money on your home cooling bills, consider renting one. The evaporative cooling units rented through Preferred Climate Solutions are a great way to do so.

With evaporative coolers, you will be able to lower the temp in your home by as much as 15 degrees. These coolers can even save you as much as 30 percent on your energy bills. 

As you can imagine, the purchase or rental of these units can save you a substantial amount of money over time.

No More of The “Damps”

There’s nothing worse than walking into a home or office when it’s hot and getting that “damp” feeling. You know, that ultra-humid, sweaty, jungle-like humidity that makes you want to walk right back out again. 

You’ll never get that feeling with an evaporative cooler. The air you get will always be comfortable with just the right amount of humidity to it. This is because evaporative coolers add humidity before blowing out air.

They Can be Used Outdoors

Evaporative coolers are great for staying comfy inside your home. But did you know their cooling effects can be brought outside to provide relief from the heat during summer? 

They have been used for this purpose for quite some time. Whether they are installed as a permanent fixture or just a portable unit, they can help fight the scorching heat.

Preferred Climate Solutions Is Here for Your Evaporative Cooler Needs

When it comes to maximizing your cooler needs, consider getting with 

Preferred Climate Solutions. We know we have the right evaporative cooler for your home, office or event. 

Our highly trained experts have a combined lifetime of experience. They’ll be happy to assist you with your cooling needs. 

With over 17 years in the business, we are extremely proud of the reputation that we’ve built. Our customers are located in the Austin, Dallas/Ft Worth and Houston areas.  

To learn more about our cooling solutions, contact Preferred Climate Solutions today to get started.

With summer fast approaching, many of our customers are getting ready to rent or install a swamp cooler. The good news is that swamp coolers are easy to use and provide excellent air conditioning. They can also save hundreds of dollars on your energy bill. 

Here at Preferred Climate Solutions, we also find that swamp coolers are extremely cost-effective to cool a room. This is important when you consider that energy companies seem to be constantly increasing their rates.

While not as efficient as central air conditioners, swamp coolers can supply plenty of cool air. Swamp coolers are great to use during the hottest days of summer. 

Getting the maximum use from your swamp cooler is pretty easy. Check out our best tips to improve the efficiency of your swamp cooler.

What Is a Swamp Cooler?

A swamp cooler is a type of evaporative cooler. It is used in dry climates to cool the air. This air conditioning unit is also known as a swamp cooler, evaporative cooler, evaporative air cooler, desert cooler, or dry cooler. 

This unit works by using a fan to blow air over wet pads that have been soaked in water. The water evaporates, and the temperature of the air goes down. And, because the pads are wet, there is no need for additional cooling.

The water evaporates and reduces the temperature of the air by about 20 degrees.

How Is a Swamp Cooler Different From Central Air Conditioning?

Swamp coolers are popular in the desert Southwest because their adobe homes are not air-conditioned and the desert climate is almost always hot. Swamp coolers aren’t as efficient as a central air conditioning system, but they cost less to buy and have lower maintenance costs. 

Think of a swamp cooler as essentially a personal air conditioner that relies on evaporation to cool your home. It’s considered a cooling system, but it’s really a dehumidifier, like the ones you have in your house. 

Evaporative coolers don’t reduce the temperature of the air itself within a home. Rather, they lower the temperature of the home by removing the moisture from the air. 

These Tips Will Maximize Your Swamp Cooler Efficiency

Leave Those Windows Open

You’ll want to leave your windows open when using the swamp cooler. Remember, your cooler needs air to operate efficiently. 

Swamp coolers work by pulling in cool air from outside and pushing the hot air out. If you have already installed a swamp cooler, use this tip to make it more efficient.

When you open all of your windows around 2 inches or so, your cooler will work much better. The more air it can draw into your home or business the happier your swamp cooler will be.

Regular Maintenance

Just like your car, your swamp cooler needs regular maintenance in order to continue to run smoothly and efficiently. Your swamp cooler’s engine is composed of many moving parts, and regular maintenance can help keep them running smoothly, even as they age.

If you’re renting a swamp cooler from us here at Preferred Climate Solutions then you’ll have no maintenance worries.

Fan Replacement

Replace the fan if it’s over five years old. Fans in-home air conditioners and swamp coolers need to turn at high speeds to effectively cool the air. 

But as they age, fans develop cracks and nicks that make them less effective at moving air. If you notice that your fan seems to be turning slower than it used to, it’s time to invest in a new one.

Leave the Ice in Your Freezer

Although many think that pouring ice inside of a swamp cooler helps cool down your home or business faster, you’ll soon find that you’re just wasting your time. This is because swamp coolers are meant to work within certain temperatures of water but notice. 

Sure, you might get a (very) temporary cooling fix with ice. But you have to remember that ice doesn’t evaporate. It has to melt first. So just leave the ice for your drinks. 

Filler Up

If your swamp cooler is not cooling as it should, then you may have a problem with your cooler tank. Swamp coolers operate by evaporating water into vapor, cooling the surrounding air, and then condensing the vapor back into the water. 

Your swamp cooler has a tank that holds the water that is evaporated and condensed. Sometimes sediment and algae can build up in the tank, which may prevent the swamp cooler from operating properly. 

A dirty tank may also cause leaks, which can cause damage to your ceiling. To make sure your swamp cooler is cooling properly, you need to check the cooler tank to make sure it has enough water and that the tank isn’t dirty.

Soak Your Pads

Make sure your unit’s cooling pads are thoroughly soaked before you run your cooler. This might take a while when draining or cleaning your tank. It will also take some time for the pads to soak when new. 

Use the Right Water Temperature

Room temperature or cooler water will work in a swamp cooler much more effectively than warm or hot water. The cooler is designed to evaporate the water quicker this way, believe it or not.

Dehumidify Your Home or Office

If you’ve ever been in a home with damp air, you also know how uncomfortable it can be. When humidity is too high, it can cause health problems and lead to mold and mildew. 

Consider adding some plants to your home or office. Get the kind that specializes in living off of the humidity in the air. Boston ferns, any of the cacti family, ivy plants, aloe and more will work just fine.

Why Preferred Climate Solutions Can Help Keep Your Home and Business Cool

We proudly serve our customers in several areas in Texas including Austin, Dallas/Ft Worth and Houston. With over 17 years in business, you can bet we’ve learned how to take care of your cooling needs.

Whether outside events or home and business use, our highly trained technicians have got you covered. Contact Preferred Climate Solutions today to get started.

Texas weather is extreme and unpredictable at the best of times. Searing heat in the summer and deep cold snaps in winter are both a regular part of life in the Lone Star State each year. Commercial and industrial spaces can quickly discover their existing heating and cooling is insufficient to keep workspaces comfortable during hot summers and frigid winters. 

Many businesses choose to rent a heating or cooling solution during harsh weather conditions to keep workers comfortable and preserve raw materials/product inventory. One  of the best potential solutions for smaller spaces is a portable heat pump. Whether it’s the right fit for your business is a matter of weighing the pros and cons and deciding if you need more or less heating/cooling capability, and what type of power source is available. Unsure if a portable heat pump is right for your commercial or industrial space? Here’s a brief overview of the pros and cons of portable heat pumps, and what types of spaces most suitable.

Pros of Portable Heat Pumps

Size

Portable heat pumps are among the smallest heating/cooling systems you can rent or buy for industrial and commercial spaces. Most weigh significantly less than many portable air conditioning systems, and they typically run on standard 120V AC power. 

Ease of Installation

So long as there is a window space or other exterior access point, portable heat pumps can be installed anywhere. All you have to do is roll the unit into place, set up the intake/exhaust hose, plug it in and power it on. Air temperature control is now available at the touch of a button.

Convenience

Heating and cooling in one portable unit is significantly more convenient than renting or installing an HVAC system. Most have underside-mounted casters, so they can be rolled to where they are needed. Additionally, they can run on AC power or small generator power in an emergency. Best of all, they require little maintenance and storage space when they aren’t in use.

Mobility

Many portable heating and cooling solutions are cumbersome and bulky. If they don’t have an integrated generator or power supply, they also require a heavy generator to keep them running. Portable heat pumps have minimal power requirements, and they are far lighter than other portable heaters or air conditioners. More importantly, they provide both heating and cooling for small spaces, allowing facility managers and owners to keep things warm or cool with a single unit

Energy Efficiency

The power draw involved in operating a portable heat pump is significantly lower than running separate air conditioning and heating systems. This means lower energy costs during extreme weather conditions, too. 

Cons of Portable Heat Pumps

Cost Of Dual Vs. Single Pumps

Dual pumps use a two hose system to draw and expel air where the unit is placed for more efficient heating and cooling. The drawback here is the higher cost of dual portable heat pumps. Single hose pumps are less expensive, but also less effective and possess a smaller coverage area.

Limited Coverage Area

While portable heat pumps are excellent at heating and cooling small spaces, they do have a much more limited coverage area than other portable HVAC solutions. In small spaces and homes, they work well. In larger warehouses or shops, portable heat pumps may prove less effective or even insufficient to keep conditions comfortable in the workplace. Many owners and property managers often find the unit needs to be unplugged and rolled to a different location throughout the day to keep conditions comfortable.

Effect Of External Conditions

Extreme heat or extreme cold outdoors directly affects the performance of portable heat pumps. Since they draw air from outside and process it through the pump, effectiveness is directly impacted by the prevailing weather. If it’s too hot or too cold outdoors, portable heat pumps are far less effective. 

Placement Complications

If there isn’t an access point for the single or dual hose system, placing a portable heat pump can be difficult and inconvenient. For smaller shops and spaces this isn’t an issue, but it is a consideration that sometimes eliminates portable heat pumps as a viable solution.

Noise

Unlike central or outdoor heating and cooling systems, all machinery processes take place inside the portable heat pump itself. That means that all the noise of an air conditioning unit is inside the room instead of outside and muffled by the exterior walls and windows. In machine shops or manufacturing spaces it probably won’t be noticeable, but in commercial and office spaces it can create an irritatingly noisy environment.

Final Thoughts 

Ultimately, the space to be heated or cooled determines whether a portable heat pump is a viable option for a commercial or industrial space. Buying a unit outright and keeping it for those searing hot or freezing cold days or weeks can require a hefty up-front investment, and that also carries the risk that the unit will be less effective than other, more powerful and expensive portable HVAC solutions. 

For these reasons, many businesses choose to rent portable heat pumps as needed throughout the year as a means of controlling costs and preserving storage space. Rentals also carry the benefit of upgrades should a portable heat pump prove insufficient for the space where it’s needed due to placement complications or an insufficient coverage area. 

It may be that a portable heat pump is perfect for the needs of a commercial or industrial space, or it may not. Better to rent and discover the effectiveness of the solution rather than invest in a portable heat pump and have it come up short.

Are you a Texas-based business considering a portable heat pump for your commercial or industrial workspace? Preferred Climate Solutions has an excellent selection of single and dual portable heat pumps available for rental at competitive rates. Moreover, they have the expertise to determine if a portable heat pump is the best heating and cooling solution for your workspace. Contact us today for a consultation and estimate.

Choosing the right heating solution for your industrial space isn’t an especially difficult choice: Most heaters are either direct-fired or indirect-fired, and they will generate as much heat as their maximum factory specifications will allow. 

That being said, there are certain benefits to choosing an indirect-fired heater over a direct-fired heater that most business owners may not be aware of when installing a new system. Here’s an overview of why indirect-fired heaters are the smart choice for your industrial space and the unique benefits they offer.

Direct-Fired vs. Indirect-Fired: What’s The Difference?

Direct-Fired Heating

It’s all in the name: direct-fired heaters heat up air by burning combustible fuel. To distribute heat throughout a structure, air is forced over the open flame and vented out via internal components. There’s no need for heating ducts unless the hot air needs to travel a long distance, and even if you do have ductwork there’s only minimal risk that air will carry fumes or exhaust. 

The drawback of a direct-fired heating unit is they aren’t suitable for tightly sealed spaces or for use near flammable materials. The open flame, exhaust and fumes produced by direct-fired heaters can pose both an air quality and fire safety hazard. Furthermore, direct-fired heating spaces require an air exchange system or and/or an exterior door/window that can be opened to vent the space in an emergency. 

While the likelihood is small, there is still a risk that fumes or exhaust could be leaked into the ventilation system. Finally, direct-fired heaters produce warm, dry air, but they aren’t suitable for maintaining specific humidity in an enclosed space when exterior humidity is high. 

Indirect-Fired Heating

Like oil or gas-burning home furnaces that use a chimney, indirect-fired heaters use a flame in a burn chamber to increase the temperature of a heat exchanger. The indirect-fired heating system draws in cool air via two different chambers, passing it over and around the heat exchanger to raise air temperature without ever coming into contact with the open flame or fumes. This warm air is then pushed out into the ventilation system to maintain consistent temperature and humidity. 

Like direct-fired heaters, indirect-fired heating has its drawbacks, too. The units tend to be a slightly more expensive to maintain due to the added complexity of the heat exchange system, and they do take up more space. It’s also worth noting while they run cleaner than direct-fired heaters,  indirect-fired heaters need an exhaust hose vented to the outside from the burn chamber if they are oil or gas powered. That being said, the benefits far outweigh the disadvantages for industrial spaces.

Benefits of Indirect-Fired Heaters

High Quality, Safer Air

Thanks to the heat exchange system, indirect-fired heating produces clean air pulled from an outside source. When paired with a high-quality filtration and ventilation system, there is zero risk of exposure to pollutants, combustion by products or fumes within the space or building you are heating. Choosing indirect-fired heating is always going to be the best option where you deal with combustible materials or areas that require air-tight seals with pollutant and contaminant free air. Moreover, they are also easier to integrate with existing HVAC systems.

Humidity Control

The ability to manage or eliminate moisture in a building or space is essential to many commercial and manufacturing facilities. Direct-fired heaters do not allow for complete humidity control because they pass exterior intake air directly over the heat source and out into the workspace. The heater may dry the air out completely, but if especially humid weather conditions are at play, excess moisture may be pulled in with the hot air. 

Indirect-fired systems can completely eliminate all humidity thanks to their heat exchange system, allowing facilities to maintain zero humidity or controlled humidity environments. In spaces like warehouses or manufacturing storage areas where materials need to be kept at a constant temperature and humidity, indirect-fired heating is always going to be the best choice.

Energy Flexibility and Savings

Direct-fired heaters are dependent on oil or gas to increase air temperature. Not only does this increase the carbon footprint of a workspace or facility, but it also means heating is only possible if fuel is readily available. It also puts businesses at the mercy of the fossil fuel market and the weather, making it difficult to budget for energy costs each year.

Conversely, indirect-fired systems can run on oil, gas or electricity. There are even systems designed to run primarily on electricity with a fuel oil or propane backup system in the event of a power outage. Combined with an alternative energy source like wind or solar power, you can easily maintain temperature and humidity all year long in any weather. 

Why Indirect-Fired Heating Is Ideal For Industrial Spaces

No matter the type of raw material used or the product produced, maintaining consistent temperature and humidity at all times is critical to any industrial process. Direct-fired systems are limited to spaces that can be easily ventilated and must be kept well away from combustible materials. While they have a few advantages like better fuel efficiency and lower operating temperatures, they are unsuitable for many industrial spaces due to their ventilation and proximity safety requirements.

Using indirect-fired heating is always going to be the ideal choice because of its energy versatility, heat exchange system, and superior humidity control. There are some drawbacks:  indirect-fired heating carries the potential for up to a 20% energy loss in the thermal exchange between the heating chamber and the heat exchange system. Additionally, the unit must be installed in a location where a ventilation hose can be run to vent the exhaust from the combustion chamber. Despite these minor mitigating factors, indirect-fired heating remains the best option for heating industrial spaces.

Final Thoughts

All in all, choosing the best heating solution for your industrial space isn’t a complicated process. That being said, the benefits of choosing indirect-fired heating over direct-fired heating for industrial spaces are clear: better air quality, better energy flexibility, and better environmental control for enclosed spaces. 

Are you a Texas-based industrial facility owner or manager needing a temporary heating system? Preferred Climate Solutions has the resources and expertise to help you choose the perfect portable indirect-fired heating system for your industrial operation. Contact us today for a free consultation and estimate.