There's nothing like spending time outdoors in the summertime. However, staying cool when the temperatures start to rise can be challenging. How do you make the most of the warm days? We have all answers on how to cool outdoor spaces and the best outdoor cooling solutions.
Here are some tips on how to keep the outdoor living area cool in summer, so you can enjoy spending time outside without a drop of sweat!
evaCHILL
The most effective cooling device
Use an Evaporative Air Cooler
We put this one first because our expertise confirms that portable evaporative air coolers are the best way to stay cool in your outdoor space. They're much more efficient than fans and use very little electricity - perfect for saving money and being eco-friendly!
Simply place the air cooler next to you, direct the airflow and enjoy the fresh air in the yard or patio.
Evaporative air coolers by Evapolar are the easiest way to keep you cool outside. Why?
- All you need is water and a bit of electricity. Fill up the tank, plug the air cooler into any outlet with a USB port — a power bank or a socket with an adapter, and the cooler will do the rest! Plug it in, and voila - you have a cool breeze to enjoy!
- They are perfect for hot, dry summers. The outgoing air is slightly moist, so it feels enjoyable when the humidity levels are below average.
- Evapolar air coolers take up very little space and fit in with any design. If you pour your heart into the decor of your outdoor space, they won’t interfere with it!
- You can use them inside and outside. Enjoy the fresh air when you are chilling outdoors, and then use it on your nightstand when you are sleeping, for example!
IMPORTANT: Evaporative air coolers are most efficient in dry, hot climates. Their cooling effect is less important in humidity.
We have more efficient solutions if you want to look into other ways to cool your outdoor living area.
9 Ideas to Cool an Outdoor Space for a Pleasant Time Outside
1. Smartly organize your outdoor space
When organizing your outdoor living area, be strategic about where you place things. For example, place shady areas near seating or dining areas to provide respite from the sun. If you have a pool or spa, make sure it's in a shaded spot.
2. Use a misting system
A misting system is another excellent way to cool outdoor space. It works by using a mister to spray water droplets into the air. The droplets evaporate, and this process helps to cool the surrounding air.
You might have seen such systems installed in restaurants in summer — this is what you can do to cool down the outdoor area.
3. Add shade trees or umbrellas
Adding shade is one of the best ways to keep an outdoor space cool. Trees or umbrellas can help to block the sun's rays and keep you cooler. You can check out these ten best trees for shade in your garden.
4. Use light-colored materials for renovation
If you're renovating your outdoor living space, try using light-colored materials instead of dark colors. Dark colors absorb heat, while light colors reflect it away - helping to keep your space cooler!
Light-colored fabrics easily reflect the sunlight, and dark ones have trouble reflecting the sun's rays. This is why the dark clothes accumulate heat and make you feel warmer. Think about the nations living in the desert — they wear only white clothing, and they have some experience with direct sun rays!
5. Avoid using concrete
Concrete is one of the least effective materials for cooling an outdoor space - so try to avoid it if possible! If you have concrete surfaces, consider adding plants or water features mentioned above to help cool things down.
You can check out these popular alternatives for concrete.
6. Use fans for air circulation
Fans are a great way to circulate air and keep you cool outside. They come in all shapes and sizes, so you can find one that will fit your space perfectly. Plus, they're affordable and require almost no installation!
Use fans with an oscillating feature to move back and forth and cover a larger area. Go for models with wheels — they are easier to move around.
Keep all the fans away from the swimming pool, especially if you have kids or pets.
7. Install a pergola or gazebo
This is a solution that requires more work, but it is also a very permanent one. Consider installing a pergola or gazebo to keep your outdoor living area cool. These structures provide shade and privacy, which can be nice and comforting on hot days!
8. Use awnings or tarps to create shade
If you have a limited number of trees or other structures to provide a natural shade, or if gardening is not your thing, you can create your own shade! Awnings and tarps are great for this purpose - they're easy to set up and offer plenty of shade. Plus, they're portable, so you can take them with you if you ever move.
As we mentioned before, light-colored fabrics will do the best job of creating shade and keeping you cool.
9. Set up your grill away from where you rest or eat
When you're cooking on your grill, set it up away from where you'll be resting or eating. The smoke and heat can make it very unpleasant on a hot day — no one wants to enjoy a barbecue when sweating!
No matter which tips you choose, the most important thing is to stay hydrated! It’s easy to forget those 8 glasses per day when you are having fun in the sun.
Make sure you drink plenty of fluids — you'll feel better and enjoy your outdoor living space more if you stay cool and hydrated! Fresh, clean water should be your drink of choice. Sweet, alcoholic, and caffeinated drinks will only make you thirsty.
Here are some more tips on what you should do when it’s hot outside
- Wear light-colored, natural, and loose-fitting fabrics when you are outside
- Use sunscreen all the time. Your dermatologist will help you choose the best one
- Avoid direct sunlight outdoors
- Recover as much as possible at night. Your bedroom should be dark and cool. Placing an evaporative air cooler next to your bed will help your beauty sleep
The National Institute for Occupational Health and Safety recommends following these instructions to get the best out of your sleep:
To create a good sleep environment,
- Sleep in darkness
- Make the sleeping area very dark if possible
- Use room-darkening shades or heavy, lined draperies; pin drapes closed
- Block any light entering the room
- Keep a clear path to bathroom
- Block or remove sources of white or blue light (any clock or watch with a white- or blue-lit dial, computer, cell phone, television)
- Or wear an eye mask during sleep
- Reduce noise: wear earplugs; silence cell phone calls and nonessential alerts
- Keep temperatures cool
- Avoid watching TV, reading, or working in the sleeping area
You don't have to suffer in the heat this summer - use these tips to keep your outdoor living area cool, and you'll be able to enjoy the warm weather outside without feeling the heat or having to stay in.
FAQ (People Also Ask):
How do I cool my patio in a humid climate?
There are a few ways to keep your patio cool in a humid climate. You can add shade to your patio with an awning or umbrella and install outdoor fans. Make sure the devices you plan to use are efficient in humid areas.
How do I make my backyard cooler?
For personal cooling in your backyard and elsewhere, we recommend evaporative air coolers by Evapolar. If you want to cool larger areas, you can install several fans and a misting system and arrange your backyard so that there is enough shade where you rest.
There are also sizable evaporative air coolers for big surfaces — you can consult a technician to size one for your area. Make sure you maintain it properly!
How do you cool down a concrete patio?
Concrete is indeed a problematic material when it comes to cooling. If you have already installed a concrete patio, you can add a decorative covering that will keep away the heat, spray it with water, and add shade to the area.
Can you put a personal evaporative cooler on a deck?
Yes, absolutely! Just make sure it doesn’t block any passages.
