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FAQ’s
What is Evaporative Cooling?
Evaporative cooling is quite simply, cooling achieved by evaporating water. When water is evaporated the temperature of the air in contact with the liquid water will lower. This is the same sensation that is felt when climbing out of a swimming pool, when your body sweats, or even when a breeze blows across a lake.
When water evaporates, a state change occurs (the state of water changes from a liquid to a gas). In order for this change to occur, energy is required. This reaction is an endothermic reaction, meaning that energy is actually absorbed, as opposed to being released. The energy needed to change the liquid water to a gas is taken from the heat in the air in contact with the liquid water. During this reaction the liquid water changes to a gas and the temperature of the air lowers.
In short, by pulling air across water, the temperature of the air will lower.
Evaporative cooling is a technology that has been used for millennia to cool living areas. Archaeologists have found proof of evaporative cooling mechanisms in ancient Egyptian culture and it is still a predominant form of cooling in arid climates worldwide.
What are Evaporative Coolers?
Evaporative coolers use the process of evaporation to cool air. By using water and a series of mechanisms, such as pumps and evaporative media, an evaporative cooler can significantly lower ambient temperatures.
All KuulAire portable evaporative coolers use rigid evaporative media to facilitate the evaporation process and fans to deliver the cooled air into the environment. Rigid evaporative media is the most efficient evaporative media on the market. The media in any evaporative cooler is used to hold the water in contact with the passing air for a period of time that (1) maximizes the evaporation process and (2) prevents air restriction. By customizing the flute angles in the rigid media, the most efficient temperature drop may occur while allowing the most powerful output from the fan.
Portable Evaporative coolers are not:
1.) Air conditioning units - they do not use compressors or chemicals to cool. They use substantially less electricity and have lower initial costs - no assembly or installation.
2.) Misters - they do not project or spray water that gets floors, people or products wet. The cooling occurs inside the unit and only cool, dry air is exhausted
3.) Simple box fans - they are much more powerful and will actually cool the air, not just circulate hot air.
The process of an evaporative cooler:
1.) Water is introduced to the cooler - either in a reservoir, or by a continuous connection
2.) A pump moves the water to the top of the evaporative media
3.) Gravity pulls the water across the media, saturating the media with water
4.) A fan pulls outside, hot air through the saturated media
5.) When the hot, outside air contacts the water on the media, evaporation occurs, cooling the air
6.) The fan pushes the cooled air into the environment
What are the Benefits of Evaporative Cooling?
Evaporative coolers do not require many of the highly technical and electricity thirsty components that Air Conditioners require:
- Compressors
- Chemicals or refrigerant
Without the compressors and chemicals, evaporative cooling has many benefits:
- Very low amp draw
- Low electricity usage
- Environmentally friendly
Since evaporative coolers do not have compressors, no ducting is needed.
- Portable - can be moved to any location
- No installation is required - ready to use right out of the box... just add water!
How much cool can be expected from evaporative coolers?
Evaporative coolers work with the ambient conditions to offer cooling. Depending upon temperature and humidity levels, temperature drops can vary from day to day, or even at different times of the day. Possible temperature drops ranging from 10-30 degrees Fahrenheit can be expected. If you are in a desert climate with high temperatures, you may expect much more cooling than someone in a humid, cool climate. These conditions are easily offset by high temperatures. If it is hot, then KuulAire evaporative coolers can help you cool off.
How to use an evaporative cooler
KuulAire portable evaporative coolers are easy to use!
1) Remove your KuulAire portable evaporative cooling unit from its packaging -- no assembly required.
2) Place the cooler where it has access to draw outside air. We recommend placing near an open door or window. The term "outside" air only refers to air that is not in the same room. By giving the unit access to outside air, you allow the cooler to provide the most temperature drop, while regulating humidity. The access to outside air also allows any humid air to escape.
3) Add water and plug in. Fill reservoir with regular tap water using a pitcher, bucket or water hose. Distilled water is not necessary. Monitor the water gauge on the unit to insure you do not overfill. If the unit is overfilled, you may experience leaking. When plugging in unit, make sure you are using a US standard 115V outlet.
4) Using the remote control or the unit's control panel, set the speed and function you desire. For optimum cooling, place the cooler where you will be in the direct flow of the cool air.
For additional information on the usage, please reference the owner’s manual.
Missing Parts or Replacement Units
If you have damaged or have misplaced a part for your KuulAire evaporative cooler or if you are looking for replacement media, please contact www.port-a-coolparts.com
What is that smell?
KuulAire evaporative coolers use a cellulose rigid media to enable the evaporative cooling process. This material is a resin impregnated paper. The material in the pads is very similar to cardboard. The resin in the paper keeps the paper from dissolving in the water.
Upon the first use of the evaporative cooler, there will be a slight odor. This smell is simply the paper media. It has been described as smelling like "wet paper" or even "the motor getting hot".
The smell will not last long. There is a short break-in period for the new pads and after the first use, the smell should dissipate. Please be aware of this when using your cooler for the first time. If the smell is noticeably unpleasant, you may temporarily remedy with a cap full of laundry softener like Downy.
After continuous usage of your product additional odors may arise. If the pads are not dried after each use, they may attract mold or mildew. The best way to prevent this is to dry the pads after each use. When the cooler is no longer needed, turn the pump or the "cool" function off and allow the fan to continue to run for a few minutes to dry the pads.
If mold or mildew develops on your pads, clean with tap water and a small amount of white vinegar. Please DO NOT USE harsh chemicals or bleach to clean pads. Bleach and other detergents may damage the media and void any warranty.
Will ice increase coolness?
Ice and hot water are not recommended in KuulAire evaporative coolers.
The simple process of evaporation cools the air in KuulAire evaporative coolers naturally. Adding ice or hot water to this process does not enhance it enough to be recommended by the manufacturer as the energy and expense of adding ice or hot water would not justify any additional benefits.
Although some users say that ice offers an additional chill to the air, this is a personal preference of the user and is not advocated by KuulAire. Ice may also damage the pump of the cooler and would void any warranty due to improper usage.
How much water?
A very common question regarding the use of evaporative coolers is "How much water will the cooler use?"
The easy answer, and not trying to be funny, is "As much as it needs".
KuulAire evaporative coolers cool air by evaporating water. As water evaporates, it is no longer available to cool the air and will eventually run out. Depending on the ambient conditions, the evaporation process can vary; the hotter and drier the air, the faster the water will evaporate. The cooler or more humid the air, the less water will evaporate.
As the fan output increases in the KuulAire line, so does the water reservoir. As more air moves through the unit, more water may be evaporated. As a general rule, however, a reservoir of water in any KuulAire unit should last approximately 3-4 hours. Of course the amount of water evaporated is subject to heat, humidity, and air flow, but 3-4 hours is a safe bet for any model. Scientific formulas are available to explain exactly how much water will evaporate, but the results will surprisingly fall within the range mentioned. A good example would be that if a cooler has a 6 gallon reservoir and will evaporate this amount over 3-4 hours, one may infer that the cooler will evaporate 1.5 - 2 gallons of water per hour.
Trouble shooting your KuulAire unit
If your KuulAire portable evaporative cooler is not cooling, there are several trouble shooting steps to consider:
1.) Check to see if the unit is plugged into a US standard 115V outlet and there is power to the outlet. Extension cords are not recommended, but if you are using one, make sure the cord is in good condition and is plugged into a working outlet. After the unit is plugged in, press the "on" button to start the fan.
2.) Still not working? Check to make sure the pads in the back of the unit are wet. If the pads are not wet, check to ensure that adequate water is in the tank and the pump is turned on. If these steps have been taken then water should soak the evaporative media.
3.) If the unit is still not working, please consult with our technical support team via info@kuulaire.com
Care for Evaporative Pads and When to Replace
Maintenance is critical to the longevity of KuulAir evaporative cooling pads. Basic maintenance of the evaporative pads will allow you to use a set of pads for up to 3 years.
1.) Dry pads after each use.
Since the pads are made of paper, they can easily attract mold or mildew if not properly maintained. They will remain mold and mildew free and last much longer if they are dried after each use. To dry the pads after using, turn the pump off and allow the fan to pull air through the moist pads until dry.
2.) Water quality is extremely important. If the water in your home is hard, the pads may develop a buildup of minerals. To remove, rinse off with light pressure water and gentle scrubbing or use a product specifically designed for this concern, like MK-47 Mineral Knockout, which will help prevent minerals from adhering to the face of the pad.
3.) Overall cleanliness of the environment can also affect pad life. If you notice materials such as straw, hair, or dirt collecting on the pads, you may use water to rinse these and extend the pad life.
If you need to replace you media please visit www.port-a-coolparts.com.
Visit our What is Evaporative Cooling Page and Product Comparison Page for more information.
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