Portable A/C and Portable Evap Cooler at same time?

I have a really small cabin that I use a portable air conditioner. It works good until the temps outside rise above 90 degrees. Anything in the 100's, or 110, it can' tkeep up. I live in a VERY dry climate with %26lt; 10% humidity. I was thinking of also getting a portable evaporative cooler and running them both at the same time. Do you think there would be any benefit? I would like to add some humidity to the air anyway..

Portable A/C and Portable Evap Cooler at same time?
Without going into a lot of detail the short answer is no. Evaporative cooling and refrigerated cooling working in the same environment do not work. The 2 types of cooling do effectively cancel themselves out.


If you do have a humidity problem and wish to cool your cabin you should invest in a dedicated humidifier that supplies the required humidity and can also be regulated according to your settings.


Sounds also that you need to upgrade to an A/C unit that will do the job. My advice is to buy a unit that will perform better in high temperatures conditions, have a heat load calculation carried out on your premises, they are usually given free with a quote for a new unit.


FYI: The industrial computer rooms of the past have struggled with this conundrum for many years and found the only solution to be as I have stated above or installed A/C units that have built in humidification systems.


Hope this helps.
Reply:Plain and simple. You need a larger ac. An evap. cooler will add moisture and the ac will remove it.
Reply:First of all a refrigeration A/C is a Dehumidifier and an evaporative cooler is a humidifier.





They, if used together, will counteract each other as far as humidity factor. This will cause the A/C to pull more humidity out of the air and thus could overflow the moisture catch pan.





Portable units of either type have their drawbacks.





If you are thinking about purchasing a new unit, I would recommend a window mounted evaporative cooler. They are designed to be their most efficient in your dry climate. Master Cool even makes a thin, low profile window unit that only extends away from the wall about a foot or so. An evaporative cooler will need water to be added (manually if it is a portable and through a water supply tubing if it is an exterior unit). They will also cost less to buy AND OPERATE!





Either kind of unit should be placed by an open window or door; for hot air venting in A/C and to draw fresh "dry" air in evaporative units.





I hope this helps





Larry G


Author of Easy Cooler Care


easycoolercare.com