Portacool Blog

Expert Tips, Industry Trends, and Evaporative Cooling Know-How
A medical billing statement features a clipboard with a stethoscope and blue calculator on top, showing admission, discharge dates, and medical costs.
Warehouse & Industrial
January 20, 2023
Hot working conditions result in significant medical costs for businesses and employees
As temperatures continue to rise each year, more and more workers are facing devastating health risks associated with heat-related injuries. Each year, approximately 2,000 workers in the United States suffer
READ FULL ARTICLE
A worker in a yellow safety vest wipes his forehead, tired under bright warehouse lights, yet stays focused on productivity despite the heat.
Warehouse & Industrial
January 6, 2023
Hot working conditions cause productivity and profits to plummet
You rely on your employees to perform their job accurately, effectively, and efficiently in order to maintain an optimal profit margin. When their performance and productivity drops, it can have
READ FULL ARTICLE
A woman in a yellow safety vest leans on a box in a busy warehouse, looking tired. Headphones are placed beside her.
Building & Construction
December 16, 2022
Are hot trucks threatening the health and productivity of your workers?
Summertime can create grueling conditions for workers tasked with unloading shipping trucks. Whether the truck has spent days on the highway or was simply docked at a shipping facility for
READ FULL ARTICLE
Two workers in safety vests and helmets examine machinery in a warehouse. One uses a tablet; the other points. High ceiling with skylights visible.
Warehouse & Industrial
December 2, 2022
What is the most sustainable cooling solution for my industrial business?
Industrial businesses rely on high levels of performance from their employees to ensure the job gets done quickly and accurately. However, scorching summer temperatures around the country cause many industrial
READ FULL ARTICLE
A smiling woman with a headband plays chess on an outdoor patio. She sits on a couch with patterned pillows, surrounded by plants and a wooden fence.
Home & Residential
November 18, 2022
Do swamp coolers work on a patio? Get answers from the experts and cool your outdoor spaces
An outdoor patio can be our oasis of calm, the center of our outdoor activities, or the perfect setting for rambunctious family get togethers. That is, unless it’s too hot
READ FULL ARTICLE
DIY enthusiast in a workshop applies finish to wooden board, surrounded by tools and equipment. They're wearing a cap, face mask, and gloves.
Home & Residential
November 4, 2022
Best holiday gift for a DIY enthusiast who has everything
The holiday season is here, and it’s time to start thinking about gifts to get your loved ones. Some people are pretty easy to shop for, while others present quite
READ FULL ARTICLE
Four people enjoy a meal at a wooden table on an outdoor patio, surrounded by trees and greenery, sharing bread and salad with smiles.
Home & Residential
October 21, 2022
How do I cool down my outdoor patio?
Very few things add to your enjoyment of your house as much as an outdoor patio. When the weather is nice, it can provide an entirely new living space offering
READ FULL ARTICLE
Thermostat with cash in front while answering how much does air conditioning cost to run.
Evaporative Cooling
October 7, 2022
How much does air conditioning cost to run? Expert Answers
(Updated 2025) Air conditioning is an energy-intensive technology. It uses a lot of power to keep your home cool and that costs money. But how much does air conditioning cost
READ FULL ARTICLE
Five portable swamp coolers of different sizes, with sleek black bodies and blue blades, are lined up against a dark background.
Evaporative Cooling
September 30, 2022
What is a swamp cooler? Explore this Ancient and Modern Technology
The answer to the simple question, “what is a swamp cooler?” isn’t so simple. In fact, the history of swamp coolers may go back as far as 6000 years and
READ FULL ARTICLE
Close-up of a Portacool evaporative cooler with a "PORTACOOL" label on the control panel. Blurred greenery and pavement in the background.
Evaporative Cooling
September 23, 2022
How does a swamp cooler work?
Swamp coolers are a powerful technology that are able to dramatically cool the air with very low energy use. But how does this marvelous technology actually work? It’s very simple,
READ FULL ARTICLE
A white wall-mounted ductless unit with an open front panel, revealing vents and controls, is installed in a room corner with beige walls.
Evaporative Cooling
September 16, 2022
What is ductless air conditioning?
If you are considering getting air conditioning, it probably hasn’t taken you long to realize that there are many different types of AC units. One of the types you have
READ FULL ARTICLE
In a cool workshop, a man in checkered shirt and blue overalls uses a chisel near table saw, surrounded by tools; neatly arranged tools on wall behind.
Evaporative Cooling
September 9, 2022
How can I keep my workshop cool in the summer?
You were probably very excited when you finally got a chance to set up your home workshop. That is, until the summer rolled around, and you realized that it was
READ FULL ARTICLE
A rooftop summer corporate event at sunset features women chatting over a martini and men in suits against a city skyline.
Corporate
September 2, 2022
5 ways to beat the heat at summer corporate events
Summer is a great time of year to hold your corporate events. It’s a perfect time to be outdoors, enabling you to choose a location that will provide your guests
READ FULL ARTICLE
Four people play cards and enjoy drinks at a wooden table on a porch. A Portacool cooler is nearby, with trees in the background.
Evaporative Cooling
August 26, 2022
Tips for buying an evaporative cooler
11 Things to Know Before Buying a Portable Evaporative Cooler While air conditioning is the most common and best-known cooling solution available, it may not always be the right choice
READ FULL ARTICLE
A young woman in a white jersey leads a soccer game on grass, trailed by players in blue. An older man runs nearby, focusing on heat illness prevention.
Sports & Outdoors
August 19, 2022
Heat illness prevention for summer sports
For many people, fall sports season starts in the middle of the summer. Over the next few weeks, practices will ramp up for many sports – both at the organized
READ FULL ARTICLE
A construction worker in an orange vest wipes sweat away, demonstrating heat illness prevention with blue hoses on a sandy job site with trees and buildings.
Outdoor Work Applications
August 5, 2022
Heat-related illness prevention best practices for construction workers
There is no shortage of jobs for construction workers during the summer months. Unfortunately, this is also one of the most dangerous times of year to be a construction worker.
READ FULL ARTICLE
A man and woman sit on the porch talking about How do I keep my patio cool in the summer.
Evaporative Cooling
July 29, 2022
How do I keep my patio cool in the summer? 6 expert tips
If you are wondering, “how do I keep my patio cool in the summer,” you’re not alone. Summer seems like the perfect time to get out and enjoy our outdoor
READ FULL ARTICLE
A football player in blue gear practices agility on a sunny field, stepping through pads as teammates and a coach stand nearby, with trees in the background.
Sports & Outdoors
July 22, 2022
5 ways to minimize heat stroke during summer football practice
Summer football practice and training camps will be ramping up at all levels (youth, high school, college, and pro) later this month. While this is an exciting time for the
READ FULL ARTICLE
Four people lounge by the pool near a swamp cooler that is lowering the temperature.
Evaporative Cooling
July 15, 2022
Will a swamp cooler work outside? Expert Answers for You
When you’re outside in the heat, it can be hard to work and even harder to enjoy yourself. Will a swamp cooler work outside? Or is there any way to
READ FULL ARTICLE
Three individuals install or repair a wall unit in a wood-paneled room. One is on a ladder; two work below. Learn AC installation costs for similar projects.
Evaporative Cooling
July 5, 2022
How much does it cost to install air conditioning?
Are you considering installing air conditioning in your home or workspace? Perhaps you have no cooling option, and you’re tired of relying on fans to try to make the space
READ FULL ARTICLE
Woman in green hat and purple sweater touches her throat wondering can air conditioning cause a sore throat.
Evaporative Cooling
June 28, 2022
Can air conditioning cause a sore throat? Discover the Truth
Air conditioning is supposed to make us more comfortable. Usually, it works. However, there are some times when air conditioning can lead to significant discomfort. Many people report that they
READ FULL ARTICLE
Two technicians in navy uniforms and caps work on an outdoor unit against a brick wall. One kneels with tools, the other stands holding a wrench. An open toolbox is nearby.
Evaporative Cooling
June 21, 2022
How much is an air conditioning unit?
With rising heat around the country, including some excessive heat in unexpected parts of the country, more people than ever are considering getting an air conditioning unit. Of course, this
READ FULL ARTICLE
A relieved woman in a blue tank top and white pants holds a remote and towel in her cool, cozy living room.
Evaporative Cooling
June 14, 2022
Why is my air conditioning not cooling my house?
Your air conditioner is supposed to protect you from the summer heat. Your air conditioner turns on, and it is blowing air, possibly hot air. So why isn’t it cooling
READ FULL ARTICLE
A smiling technician in blue holds a tablet next to two large outdoor units, with a brick wall and greenery in the background.
Evaporative Cooling
June 7, 2022
Can air conditioning make you sick?
There’s no doubt that air conditioning can be a life-saver. The recent heat dome event over the Pacific Northwest shows how deadly high heat can be without air conditioning. While
READ FULL ARTICLE
A smiling woman in a white top and denim shorts sits on a wicker sofa with red flowers and a portable cooler on a rustic porch.
Evaporative Cooling
June 3, 2022
What is better – swamp coolers or AC?
It’s spring, and across the country, temperatures are already spiking. It’s time to start thinking about cooling solutions to make it easier to work, play, and just live when the
READ FULL ARTICLE
Two HVAC units on concrete beside a brick wall, surrounded by green foliage, showcasing the answer to does air conditioning use gas.
Evaporative Cooling
May 31, 2022
Does air conditioning use gas?: Get Expert Answers to Your Question
So, you are wondering, “does air conditioning use gas or electricity?” There are several reasons people ask this question. Perhaps the unit has stopped functioning, and you’re not sure what
READ FULL ARTICLE
A group enjoys a sunny barbecue on the patio, smiling with plates while meat grills. Misting systems cool the scene, greenery in the background. which is best for my patio?
Evaporative Cooling
May 27, 2022
Swamp coolers vs. misting systems vs. fans – which is best for my patio?
There are several cooling options for outdoor spaces. But, you want to know, “which is best for my patio? You have a beautiful patio that you’ve taken the time to
READ FULL ARTICLE
How does evaporative Cooling work? Diagram of evaporative cooling: Hot air passes through a water-coated panel, cooling. Blue arrow indicates cool air, red shows hot air. Iconic swamp cooler process.
Evaporative Cooling
May 24, 2022
How does evaporative cooling work? Answers from the experts
When you ask, “How does evaporative cooling work?” you may not expect a simple answer, as most cooling solutions are highly complicated and use many chemicals, complex machines, and a
READ FULL ARTICLE
Outdoor patio with cushioned seating, coffee tables, and stone accent wall. Glass doors reveal pool and palm trees; wooden ceiling with efficient Portacools.
Evaporative Cooling
May 20, 2022
How effective are outdoor patio fans?
Do you have a patio that you don’t use enough because it just gets too hot for much of the year? If so, you’re probably considering solutions to cool it
READ FULL ARTICLE
Woman sits near an evaporative cooler wondering why is it called a swamp cooler
Evaporative Cooling
May 17, 2022
What is evaporative cooling?
While air conditioning is often the most commonly known cooling solution, it’s not always the best option to achieve your needs. This is especially true in work environments that require
READ FULL ARTICLE
A man in a hard hat and vest uses a laptop in a high-tech factory, with machinery operating in the background.
Safety
May 13, 2022
How effective are evaporative coolers for industrial spaces?
If you have an industrial space you’re working in, you’re starting to realize just how hot it is going to get. Whether you’re using it for manufacturing, assembly, or even
READ FULL ARTICLE
Two outdoor units on concrete slabs near a modern house with light brickwork, surrounded by grass and a bush, with sunlight casting shadows.
Evaporative Cooling
May 10, 2022
How does air conditioning work?
When the temperatures get hot during the summer months, it can be unbearable without an effective cooling system. A cool, comfortable environment will dramatically improve your ability to enjoy your
READ FULL ARTICLE
A large barn fan brings in air, many wonder what size fan do I need for my barn.
Farm & Agriculture
May 6, 2022
What size fan do I need for my barn? Answers to Protect and Care for Livestock
The question: What size fan do I need for my barn to maintain a healthy environment? The answer, however, is more complex than you may think. Barn fans are one
READ FULL ARTICLE
An illustration of three air conditioning units: window, split system, and portable; each in gray with distinct ventilation grills.
Evaporative Cooling
May 3, 2022
What is air conditioning?
Most of us rely on air conditioning to some degree for much of the year. But what is air conditioning? Many don’t know what it is or how it works.
READ FULL ARTICLE
A woman sits cross-legged on a bed, wondering Are swamp coolers better than fans?
Evaporative Cooling
April 22, 2022
Are swamp coolers better than fans?: Get Expert Answers
Are swamp coolers better than fans? Chances are, if you are asking this question, you are trying to figure out how to cool a space that is incompatible with traditional
READ FULL ARTICLE
A person raises a finger under bright red stage lights at an indoor concert. A guitarist enhances the vibrant atmosphere in the background.
Hospitality & Dining
April 8, 2022
Best cooling solutions for indoor concert venues
A “hot” concert venue should be in-demand. It’s the best ticket in town, and every act wants to book the event venue because concert-goers all want to see shows there.
READ FULL ARTICLE
A busy workshop with a wooden workbench, tools on a pegboard, and bright overhead lighting highlighting the space's organized disorder.
Home & Residential
March 25, 2022
Will a fan cool my workshop?
Do you have a workshop that gets uncomfortably hot? If so, you are probably looking for a way to keep it cool so you can spend more time there. Your
READ FULL ARTICLE
A mechanic inspects a car's underside in a spacious garage with tools and equipment. A cooling system ensures comfort during warm days.
Automotive
March 11, 2022
How effective are fans for cooling my garage?
A garage can be a really hot place to work. Most are not built to stay cool, and some bear an uncomfortable resemblance to a solar oven. Your garage probably
READ FULL ARTICLE
Young basketball players in white and blue jerseys play on a court. One holds the ball, guarded by another, with three nearby. A hoop is in the background.
Sports & Outdoors
February 25, 2022
How to keep cool during indoor sports activities
Everyone knows it’s important to make sure you’re keeping cool during exercise in the summer heat. However, it’s also essential to understand how to stay cool when you’re practicing and
READ FULL ARTICLE
Woman sits near an evaporative cooler wondering why is it called a swamp cooler
Evaporative Cooling
February 11, 2022
Why is it called a swamp cooler? Ask the experts.
We’ve all heard them called this name but probably don’t know why it’s used. So, why is it called a swamp cooler? The term brings to mind the mysterious, humid
READ FULL ARTICLE
Man looking up the question do swamp coolers actually cool, in a pink shirt.
Evaporative Cooling
January 28, 2022
Do swamp coolers actually cool? Get the facts
You want to know, do swamp coolers actually cool? The answer is that they are potentially a very effective cooling technology. Under the right conditions, they can cool air temperature by
READ FULL ARTICLE
A couple enjoys relaxing by their RV. He adjusts a Portacool; she holds a tumbler. Tall trees sway in the background, enhancing the tranquility.
Evaporative Cooling
December 31, 2021
Common applications for outdoor swamp coolers
Outdoor swamp coolers are a great solution for any situation where you want to combat high heat but can’t trap cooled air. As a result, outdoor swamp coolers have become
READ FULL ARTICLE
Metal fan on a table, for the answer to how long does a portable outdoor fan last.
Evaporative Cooling
December 24, 2021
How long do portable outdoor fans last? The experts weigh in
If you are considering getting a portable outdoor fan for your patio, you are probably wondering how long do portable outdoor fans last. Unfortunately, it’s hard to know exactly how
READ FULL ARTICLE
A man in plaid measures wood on a workbench. A swamp cooler maintains comfort in the well-equipped workshop with sunlight streaming through.
Evaporative Cooling
December 17, 2021
Can I use a swamp cooler for my workshop?
If you are unhappy with the heat in your workshop, you might be looking for a cooling solution. A swamp cooler, also commonly referred to as an evaporative cooler, is
READ FULL ARTICLE
Outdoor seating with two pillows on a wooden bench. A vintage metal fan stands nearby, with greenery and steps creating a serene backdrop.
Evaporative Cooling
December 10, 2021
Maintenance tips for portable outdoor fans
Performing regular maintenance on your portable outdoor fans will help them last as long as possible. Ideally, you should follow the maintenance schedule that came with your fan or that
READ FULL ARTICLE
Why do outdoor fans stop working? This metal fan stands in the corner.
Evaporative Cooling
December 3, 2021
Why do outdoor fans stop working?
If you have an outdoor fan you like to turn on while on your patio, it can be annoying when it stops working. This can make your patio suddenly an
READ FULL ARTICLE
Covered patio with wood ceiling, cozy seating around a fire pit, stone fireplace and TV, barbecue grill, and lush trees.
Evaporative Cooling
November 26, 2021
How to Winterize Your Evaporative Cooler
It’s been a long, hot, crazy summer, but made a little less hot and a little more enjoyable by your Portacool. However, as we move into fall, it’s time to put
READ FULL ARTICLE
Close-up of a circular fan grille holding orange leaves, set indoors with wicker chairs, table, and sunlit windows.
Home & Residential
November 19, 2021
How Big Should My Outdoor Patio Fan Be?
READ FULL ARTICLE
Industrial ceiling fan with multiple blades, yellow tips, hangs in a metal-paneled warehouse. Structural beams visible.
Safety
November 12, 2021
How Effective Are Industrial Fans? Answers To Protect Your Employees
Do you have an industrial space like a factory, warehouse, or shop floor that you think would benefit from an industrial fan? If so, you might wonder, “exactly how effective
READ FULL ARTICLE
A green lawnmower on a freshly cut lawn. White shed with red trim and a wooden fence in the background, under a partly cloudy sky.
Home & Residential
November 5, 2021
How to Store Outdoor Equipment for the Winter
Fall is upon us. The leaves are turning. The nights and mornings are growing cold, and the days are becoming bearable again. Soon winter will be upon us, which means
READ FULL ARTICLE
Industrial fan on wheels with metal frame and grill; electrical cord trails from it.
Automotive
October 29, 2021
Best Shop Fans for My Garage
If you’re working in your garage, you know it can get unbearably hot. Summertime heat adds to the heat generated by your tools, and it becomes hard to focus on
READ FULL ARTICLE
A vintage metal piece on a wooden cabinet in a rustic store aisle, surrounded by antique furniture, an aged lamp, and a wicker basket.
Safety
October 22, 2021
5 Things to Consider When Buying a Portable Industrial Fan
If you work in a garage, hangar, or machine shop, the heat probably gets unbearable at times. Depending on the type of shop and its location, the heat might only
READ FULL ARTICLE
Mechanic smiles while learning how to choose a garage fan, standing in his garage.
Automotive
October 15, 2021
How to Choose a Garage Fan: 6 Important Tips
Are you looking for a garage fan? Are you hoping to keep your garage cool during the heat of summer when you do most of your work on your car?
READ FULL ARTICLE
A light brown horse with a blonde mane looks out from a stable. Metal cage visible inside. Grass and trees outside provide a serene scene.
Farm & Agriculture
October 8, 2021
Will Barn Fans Keep My Animals Cool?
Barn fans have become one of the standard animal husbandry practices we use today. However, it’s understandable to ask whether barn fans can perform the vital function of keeping your
READ FULL ARTICLE
Patio with pergola roof features a round table, chairs, vibrant plants, and lounge area. Cyclone cools the space; lush lawn and clear sky complete the view.
Home & Residential
October 1, 2021
Best big outdoor fans for patios
One of the biggest challenges about getting the most use out of your patio is keeping it cool during hot weather. You might think that the best way to do
READ FULL ARTICLE
Close-up of a wall-mounted industrial ventilation system with metal blades in a square casing. Sunlight and overhead beams enhance the cooling setup.
Aviation
September 24, 2021
Will industrial fans keep my workspace cool?
A lot of workplaces get extremely hot. When you’re working with hot equipment like welders, torches, and furnaces, the heat can get intense. Even tools like grinders can run hot,
READ FULL ARTICLE
Two workers in black shirts assemble machinery with blue tubing overhead, surrounded by tools. They're focused on heatstroke prevention for safety.
Safety
September 17, 2021
Tips for establishing a heatstroke prevention plan at your industrial facility
Heatstroke can be dangerous, even deadly, for your workers. When it pops up, it can slow, even stop production at your facility. But the consequences can extend far beyond a
READ FULL ARTICLE
Two people in casual clothing inspect stacked cardboard boxes in a busy warehouse; one scans barcodes, the other notes on a clipboard.
Corporate
September 13, 2021
Consistency and agility in the face of change
As the world-class leader of evaporative media and portable evaporative cooling solutions for more than 30 years now, Portacool is proud of the world-class teams that serve as the foundation
READ FULL ARTICLE
Person relaxing on a sun lounger by RV in forest, wearing cap and sunglasses, with sunlight filtering through tall trees. Scene is peaceful.
Sports & Outdoors
September 10, 2021
Can I use an evaporative cooler with my RV?
RVing is about getting to see and enjoy the outdoors in relative comfort and convenience. One big part of that is keeping cool in and around your RV. While you
READ FULL ARTICLE
Outdoor setup with a TV playing football, chairs under a tree with helmets, and AT&T Stadium in the background; perfect for cool tailgating.
Sports & Outdoors
September 7, 2021
Touchdowns, tailgates, and heat safety
Stay Safe in the Heat while Cheering Your Team to Victory What’s a football game without the fans? The people in the stands direct the energy of a football game
READ FULL ARTICLE
Mechanic in blue jumpsuit on a creeper working under a car elevated on red jack stands. Auto shop showcases expertise and efficient cooling solutions.
Automotive
September 3, 2021
What is the best cooling solution for my auto shop?
Cars can break down at any time, and often they seem to do so when it’s least convenient. This means that if you’re an automotive technician, you have to be
READ FULL ARTICLE
The football field is brightly lit under stadium lights, with distinct yard lines on turf. An empty stadium creates a focused, intense ambiance.
Sports & Outdoors
August 30, 2021
Football and the heat
Staying Cool Under Friday Night Lights September may inspire ideas of fall – Pumpkin Spice lattes, orange leaves, and, of course, football season. There’s nothing quite like sitting in the
READ FULL ARTICLE
A man and woman chat on patio chairs with snacks and drinks on a table. They are surrounded by greenery, with glass doors open to a lush lawn.
Evaporative Cooling
August 27, 2021
Are evaporative coolers or misting systems better for my patio?
As the summer heat increases, you might be used to retreating inside. This is a shame because your patio looks so inviting, and it would be a wonderful place to
READ FULL ARTICLE
A man and woman work in a wooden shed; he uses a tool on a plank with her assistance. A large house is visible nearby, inspiring their organized workspace.
Evaporative Cooling
August 20, 2021
Do you need to have an open-air source for evaporative cooling?
One of the things that makes evaporative coolers so great for cooling outdoor spaces and events is that they take advantage of the natural air to create cooling. They draw
READ FULL ARTICLE

Load More