With the summer months upon us, we think about ways to stay cool while enjoying our outdoor living spaces. We invited Rosie Certified Partner Craig Yuhas of Senor Mist to discuss cooling off effectively with mist.
How Cool Is Cool?
We want to enjoy our outdoor living spaces year-round, but when it is 110 degrees outside, that is hard to do. One way of cooling down is by installing a misting system. Craig tells us that, on average, a properly sized and installed misting system will reduce the outdoor temperature by 18 degrees, plus or minus. Craig has recorded temps dropping as much as 30 degrees on his patio. Now, that could make your yard feel like a resort!
How Does Misting Work?
Misting works by cooling the air with high-pressure, 1000psi water in a fine mist that absorbs into the atmosphere. There is an additional cool feeling when the mist hits your skin. In some cases, it is best to have mist around the patio openings to cool the air before it gets to you and let Mother Nature work the mist into the patio. You want to have each opening covered with mist; no matter which way the wind blows, it does not allow hot air to blow in behind a wall of mist, which would defeat the purpose. In that case, it will only cool you down if you are in the direct path of the mist.
In other instances where air flow may be restricted, you’ll want to consider a misted fan. Water absorbing into the atmosphere is one thing, but air movement and cooling the air are a game changer. Fans have pros and cons, and they are not right for every customer.
Craig also noted that misters will not perform as well on humid days but can still lower the temperature in your outdoor space.
There are many ways to mist your yard. Having a professional help you to decide what system, or combination of systems, will work best for your needs can help you choose a system that works well for you.
Different Misting Systems
Craig likes to say that misting systems only have one setting: ON. You can redirect a nozzle, and some nozzles can be adjusted, but that’s about it. Therefore, implementing the right system is critical. Here are some of those systems.
- Perimeter Mist | These systems are made of pipes and nozzles. Nozzles are connected to a stainless-steel tube about every 20 inches or so around the outer line of the outdoor space, installed at the uppermost, or highest point in the space for maximum effectiveness. In new construction, the tube can be installed behind the stucco, and only the nozzles will show. This technique provides a pretty slick look.
- Misting fans | Just like it sounds, this ceiling fan has misting nozzles incorporated into it. The fan’s rotation distributes the atomized water (mist) around the area to be cooled. These work well where air flow is naturally restricted and bolsters evaporation. Craig cautions us about trying to rig up a system with a ceiling fan that is not designed to accommodate moisture. Water and electricity don’t mix well.
- Misting Tower | Having misting nozzles on a top of an adjustable pole, (3 ft to 6 ft Typically), these can also be moved and are connected to water source and pump. Craig says they are great for around a pool seating area or a BBQ area.
Choosing A Misting System
There are several options for misting systems. Craig says every project is different. There are a lot of variables:
- Size or area to be cooled.
- Covered or uncovered space.
- Air flow. Is the space open to breezes or wind?
- Orientation of the space. Which way does the space face in relation to the sun and prevailing winds?
- Time of day most likely to be used.
All these factors play a role in proper system design for maximum efficiency. Even in a subdivision with similar house designs, there can be changes in any of the variables that need to be considered when designing your system. Selecting the right size pump and the correct electrical power source is important. A professional will do a visual survey of the area to be cooled and choose appropriate products and combinations of products that are best suited for your specific application.
Maintaining Your Misting System
As with everything around our home, some maintenance is required to keep systems operating efficiently. We asked Craig for some tips on best maintenance practices.
- Water Quality | Craig cautions that installing a system with a hard water source will quickly clog the nozzles. If you are considering a misting system, installing a water filtration system will cut down on maintenance and extend the life of the product.
- Care For The Pump | You’ll need a winter shutdown and a spring start-up.
- To shut the system down for the winter, the mist lines, pump, and filter housing need to be drained of all water.
- To start the system in the spring, you will need to change the oil and filter, reconnect the lines, and tighten the filter housings. Then plug the pump in, turn the water back on, and enjoy the cool mist.
Think of a pump like you think of your car. It works hard, so you must take care of it. Check out Senor Mist’s website for recommended start-up and shutdown procedures.
Several considerations must be made when designing and selecting the best system. We caution you to be wary of the ‘One Size Fits All’ system.
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CONTENT PARTNER | Señor Mist
Our team consists of personable, detailed professional people who are experts in transforming your back yard area into the most comfortable environment. We take the time to discuss and walk the project with our customers and ask the questions that should be asked to ensure that we not only get a better understand of their specific needs but to ensure we meet and exceed their expectations. Every salesman is in the field as well, and intimately knows the system they are suggesting for your home!
PODCAST
May 17, 2025
Misting systems allow you to spend more time enjoying the outdoors in the summertime or anytime. Craig, Shane and Tim from Señor Mist explain how misting works from the pump to the nozzles, the cooling effect, the different types of misting systems and the options determining the most effective system for the patio or other outdoor space.
Original Broadcast Archive Page With Expanded Content
PHOTO CREDIT
- Señor Mist
