Misting FAQ

There are low, mid and high-pressure systems that vary in effectiveness, mainly due to the difference in mist particle size.  A low-pressure system runs on city water pressure producing much larger mist particles. While moderately effective, these tend to get everything within reach wet unless you are in an extremely hot, dry climate.  Mid-pressure systems, around 500 PSI, will function more efficiently, and reduce wetting due to smaller mist particles. High-pressure systems, 1000 PSI, offer the best performance due to minute mist particles, which also eliminates wetting when properly installed.

A properly installed high pressure mist system can drop the temperature up to 30 degrees in very dry, hot climates. In cooler, more humid areas you should see a 10-15 degree average reduction.

Our pumps are available in 1/2, 1 or 2 gallons per minute flow rates. You will not exceed those amounts respectively, but depending on nozzle count you may use less. Our new .008 nozzle flows .017 gallons per minute at 1000 PSI (1.02 gallons per hour). Multiply the number of nozzles you are using times .017 to get your actual flow rate.

Linear misting systems consists of tubing with nozzles spaced along the run to distribute mist into the air. There are flexible nylon tube systems, rigid copper and stainless steel. Of these we recommend and offer the stainless steel as it offers a much cleaner installation and excellent durability.

Misting fans are merely fans with a mist ring attached to the face of the fan. Misting fans offer the best cooling effect as the added air friction evaporates the mist particles sooner. The fan can then distribute the cooled air where it is needed.

Linear misting systems are a passive cooling system; by enclosing an area in a curtain of mist it will draw the heat out of the area which can work well, but the factors to consider are:

• Square footage – The larger the area is, the cooling effectiveness will decrease toward the center or back of the area, especially in fully open patios.
• System design – How many sides are misted?  How is the tubing mounted or suspended?
• Tubing height – The height of the tubing will affect the system coverage, ideally it should be 8 to 10 feet.  The higher it is, the bigger the chance of losing the cooling effect.
• Wind – A light breeze can be beneficial, but if the wind is blowing the mist away you lose the cooling.

Misting fans are an active cooling system; by introducing mist to the front of a fan the air friction increases evaporation and cooling efficiency while directing the cooled air to the areas it is needed and allows for operation at higher humidity levels than linear systems.  The factors to be aware of for misting fans are:

• Power availability – You will need to have electrical run if it is not already installed.
• Number of fans – Different fans will have varying coverage patterns.  Oscillating fans will cover more area per fan, non-oscillating fans will cover a set area.  Fan size is also a factor in determining the number of fans required.
• Layout – Different fans will require consideration of bracing, clearances and proximity to other objects.  You will also need to figure out routing and location of the supply lines.
• Installation – You will need to figure out where and how you want to mount the fans, if there is nothing available you will have to provide posts for the fans.
• Visual aesthetic – Fans are obviously going to be more noticeable.

Both systems are effective and have their pros and cons, but the fans will always be a better performing option.