Portable Air Conditioner Vs Mist Fan (what’s better?)
As the mercury in our thermometers rises and the temperature becomes hard to bear, we all start to think about ways to cool down.
Today we’re going to look at two appliances that can both be used to cool you down this Summer. Both are powered by electricity but work in completely different ways.
What’s The Difference Between A Mist Fan And A Portable Air Conditioner?
There are a number of differences between mist fans and portable air conditioners.
What Is A Mist Fan?
A Mist Fan is basically a pedestal fan fitted with a water tank and a pump. The water is blown through misting nozzles or some have a centrifugal misting system.
- MIST OUTDOORS ANYWHERE: No hose, no unsightly water bucketsShark's portable, removable MistPro Tank means you can take the mist with you
- LONG-LASTING RUNTIME. Plug in for continuous power or go cordless, with up to 24* hours of runtime at speed 1. (*without oscillation or mist).
- ❄️【Misting Design Beat Heat】- Are you looking for a cool and portable solution to beat the summer heat? Luckily, you got it! Look no further! Picture this: a refreshing mist gently spraying onto your skin while a powerful portable misting fan blows a cool breeze your way. Say goodbye to scorching heat with our innovative misting design featuring a 600ml water tank. With 3 fan speeds and 2 misting levels, this fan creates a personal oasis wherever you go. ❗Cover the spray cap if it is unused.
- ❄️【8000mAh Capacity Battery】- With a battery capacity of 8000mAh, this battery-operated fan can run for 4-15 hours on a single charge, ensuring continuous cooling without the need for constant recharging. Its stylish design complements any décor, making it perfect for use at home, in the office, or even on outdoor camping.
- Spray Volume: 2.0ml/min, Water tank capacity: 34ml, Spray duration：22-50 min. *Battery Capacity: 2000mAh,Usage time: 3-10hours. *Charge Hour: 3.5 Hours, Charge Port: Type-C.
- Size: 4.1inch(L)x1.57inch(W)x8.6inch(H); Foldable Size: 4.1inch(L)x2.5inch(W)x4.7inch(H); Weight:6.5oz.
- Misting function with 3.1 L tank: The water mist fan keeps you extra cool in the summer by enjoying a revitalising mist of water you can feel up to 3 meters away. The adjustable tilting head and switchable horizontal oscillation contribute to extensive cooling space. Fan can also be used without water. Four wheels to move around easily.
- Mosquito killing and aromatherapy: Electric mosquito killing tablet jack and aromatherapy oil box on the back (mosquito killing tablet and aromatherapy not included) allows you to have a wonderful summer night without mosquito.
How Does A Mist Fan Work?
Mist fans have a water tank at the base with a fan attached either via a pedestal or situated directly on top of the water tank (as is the case with desktop mist fans).
The fan can be operated just like a normal pedestal fan, but you can also activate the mist function. Once you select the mist function the pump sends water from the water tank to the nozzles which are either situated under the central hub or from positions around the protective grill of the fan.
As the water is sprayed from the nozzles the powerful fan blades send the fine mist out into the room. The mist fan works on the principle of evaporative cooling.
Mist fans can be used indoors or outside and can also be used to cool animals and livestock.
What Are The Pros Of A Mist Fan?
The main benefits of a mist fan include;
- Helps To Reduce Room Temperature
It has been claimed that a mist fan can cool a room by 3-5 C. Whether this is correct or not, we can’t verify. But evaporation does cool the skin so we can see how a mist fan can cool an individual down at a faster rate than a standard fan. - Can Be Used Indoors Or Outside
Many mist fans are designed to be used indoors and outside. - Reduces Pollen And Dust
The water particles will help to reduce the amount of dust and pollen in the air. - Helps To Repel Insects
Many insects will flee from the water vapour created by a mist fan. Plus many of the new mist fans come equipped with a mosquito repellent mode. - Easy To Move
A mist fan is relatively easy to move especially when empty. - Safe To Use
The water never actually gets near any of the electrical parts of the fan. This means a mist fan is perfectly safe to use indoors or out. - Energy Saving
Compared to a portable air conditioner a mist fan will use much less energy. - Balances Humidity
The water mist from the mist fan helps to balance the humidity of your home. Ironically a mist fan is often recommended to be used as well as air conditioning to replace the humidity removed by the air conditioner.
What Are The Cons Of A Mist Fan?
The disadvantages of a mist fan include;
- Difficult To Move When The Water Tank Is Full
When the mist fan’s water tank is full of water it can be difficult to move. It’s worth remembering that a litre of water weighs one kilo and some of these mist fans have the capacity for 42 litres. - Cost More Than A Regular Fan
Due to the added water tank, piping, pump and nozzles a mist fan will cost more than a regular fan. - The Cooling Level Cannot Be Controlled
Unlike a portable air conditioner that can be set to the temperature you would like your room to be, a mist fan relies on the air temperature and the evaporation rate of the water. - Doesn’t Cool As Effectively As A Portable Air Conditioner
Like all fans, a mist fan can only cool the area directly in front of the fan. Whereas a portable aircon actually cools the room.
What Is A Portable Air Conditioner?
A portable air conditioner is an appliance that can be moved from room to room to cool the temperature of the room.
- 9000 BTU Powerful Cooling: LEENON air conditioning unit provides 9000BTU cooling power by equipped with powerful and advanced refrigeration compressor technology, quickly cooling spaces up to 370 sq.ft, perfect for home, kitchen, basement, small storage or other small-to-medium spaces, our air conditioner ensure that your room stays down to 17 °C on the hot days on the hot days.
- 4-in-1 Cooling/Dehumidifier/Fan/ Slep Mode: LEENON portable air conditioner featurs cooling, fan, and dehumidifier modes in one all；Continuous dehumidifier mode makes your room dry and comfortable by emoveing excess moisture from the air; 2-speed fan mode creates a circulation of fresh air throughout your room. An energy-saving sleep mode that auto goes at a lower fan to conserve energy and keep you comfortable at night.
- Powerful 7000 Btu Cooling: This air conditioning unit utilizes an advanced air compressor, delivering powerful cooling with 7000 BTU capacity, suitable for rooms up to 215 square feet. Whether it's your home, bedroom, basement, office, living room, or kitchen, it ensures powerful and efficient cooling. In the scorching summer, it can quickly cool down the temperature to 16°C within 10 minutes, keeping you cool and comfortable. It is an essential tool to beat the heat
- Real-Time Display And Remote Control: Equipped with a multifunctional control panel featuring an LED digital display and comprehensive remote control, this air conditioner portable offers real-time temperature monitoring and remote operation, enhancing the convenience of your lifestyle. With the remote control, you can effortlessly set timers, adjust temperature settings, and switch between modes for an unparalleled cooling experience
- POWERFUL COOLING This portable air conditioner features 9000 BTU of cooling capacity, allowing for strong and effective cooling down to 16°C in medium to large homes, living rooms, bedrooms and offices
- SMART HOME TECHNOLOGY WITH WI-FI: Connect your smartphone to the AC unit and control the air conditioners temperature, 24 hour timer and various air con functions through the app or voice command. Compatible with Amazon Alexa and Google Home for iPhone and Android.
How Does A Portable Air Conditioner Work?
Inside a portable air conditioner there are two radiators, one is cold and the other hot. Running through both of these radiators is a copper pipe which contains a refrigerant.
This refrigerant absorbs heat from the room before going through a compressor which heats it further. The refrigerant then runs through a condenser at which point, the heat is ejected outside via the exhaust fan.
This causes the refrigerant to lose heat which then passes through an expansion valve which turns the refrigerant into a cold gas. The refrigerant then travels through the copper pipe and collects heat from the room again, and the process continues.
What Are The Pros Of A Portable Air Conditioner?
The advantages of a portable air conditioner include;
- Cools The Room Fast
A portable air conditioner will reduce the temperature in the room in a very short time. Unlike a mist fan which relies on evaporation and can only give the effect of cooling, a portable A/C actually cools the air. - Can Be Moved To Any Room
A portable air conditioner can be moved to any room in the house. This means you can cool only the areas you need to be cooled. Unlike a central A/C which cools the whole of the home, even rooms that are not in use. - Easy To Install
Compared to a central A/C, a portable A/C is easy to install. You will need to fit a window kit and then fit the exhaust fan to the window kit. Then plug the device into a wall socket and that’s it, your portable air conditioner is up and running. - Costs Less Than A Central A/C
The purchase price, installation costs and running costs of a portable aircon is far less than a central A/C. - Removes Moisture From The Air
Portable air conditioners remove moisture from the room and can even be used as a dehumidifier.
What Are The Cons Of A Portable Air Conditioner?
The disadvantages associated with portable air conditioners compared to mist fans include;
- Can Be Difficult To Move
The main problem with moving a portable air conditioner is the weight. The average weight of a portable air conditioner is 25kg (55 lb) with some weighing in at 40 kg (88 lb). Plus there’s the removal of the exhaust hose and window kit as well as the refitting of them both. - Noisier
Mist fans can be noisy, but portable air conditioners are far louder. - High Running Costs
A portable aircon unit is basically a fridge on wheels. All of those components (compressor, condenser, etc) all require power. Which all adds up to a portable air conditioner costing more to run than a mist fan. - Needs Regular Maintenance
Apart from filling the water tank on a mist fan there’s not much in the way of maintenance. However a portable aircon will need to have its filters cleaned approximately every two weeks. - Water Tank Fills Up Quickly
The water reservoir on a portable aircon will require emptying regularly. Although some models have no water tank.
Which Is Better: Mist Fan Or Portable Air Conditioner?
This is a difficult one really because these two appliances perform different tasks. The portable air conditioner actually lowers the temperature of the room it is operating in.
Whereas a mist fan can be used to create a more pleasant atmosphere indoors or outside.
So if you’re looking to physically lower the temperature of the room, you will need a portable air conditioner.
However if you want to feel cool without going to the expense of an air conditioner, you’ll need a mist fan.
Mist Fan Vs Portable Air Conditioner Price Comparison
Now let’s have a look at how these two appliances measure up on price.
Portable Air Conditioner Price
A decent portable air conditioner starts at around £300; anything cheaper tends to be an evaporative cooler.
However, some portable air conditioners can cost as much as £900 to £1000.
Mist Fan Price
You can pick up a hand held mist fan for anywhere between £12 to £25.
A pedestal mist fan will cost anywhere between £70 to £100.
Should I Buy A Mist Fan Or A Portable Air Conditioner?
This is all about personal choice really, mist fans will cool by evaporation of moisture on the skin. However, a mist fan does not cool the room’s temperature.
A portable air conditioner on the other hand, will physically cool the temperature of the room by an amount that can be preset by you.
In many ways a mist fan can be seen much like an evaporator fan or swamp fan as they’re also known.
Portable air conditioners are far more expensive than mist fans but they are designed to do a completely different job.
Plus a handheld mist fan can be used in the garden on those hot Summer days with many having a mosquito repellent mode.
SEE ALSO: How Much Does It Cost To Run A Portable Air Conditioner? (UK prices)
AND SEE: Portable Air Conditioner Vs Air Cooler (differences compared)
Frequently Asked Questions
A mist fan works more like an evaporator fan, not an air conditioner. Portable air conditioners actually reduce the temperature of the room. Whereas a mist fan cools by evaporation and so is nothing like a portable air conditioner.
Portable or hand held mist fans are worth buying for your personal cooling. They work by spraying a mist of water which is spread over a large area via the fan. This water vapour evaporates on your skin which cools you down.
It is way cheaper to run a mist fan compared to the running costs of a portable air conditioner. This is due to the many internal components of a portable air conditioner compared to those of a mist fan.
The main disadvantages of a mist fan are it is expensive when compared to a comparable regular fan, plus mist fans can be heavy when the water tank is full.
The main advantages of mist fans are insect repellent, rehydrating dry air, and increased cooling compared to regular fans.
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