Are There Differences Between Commercial and Residential Misting Systems?

When the weather is particularly hot and extremely humid, it would be of great help to have a misting system. Misting systems are an efficient way to bring down the ambient temperature and cool you down during these times.

Residential misting systems are often used in pool areas, backyards, gardens, patios, decks, and garages. Commercial systems, on the other hand, are usually for resorts, restaurants, sports events, warehouses, amusement parks, factories and other bigger spaces.

What is a misting system?

A misting system spews out ultra-fine water droplets – around 5 to 10 microns small depending on the pressure of the system – in order to relieve the surrounding areas of heat. When these tiny water droplets are spurted out, they absorb the heat around them and eventually turn into vapor. This process is known as evaporative cooling.

What is the difference between commercial and residential misting systems?

The main difference between commercial and residential misting systems is the kind of pump that each of them utilizes.

Commercial misting systems often utilize a high-pressure pump and are able to reduce the air temperature from 20 to 35 degrees. They operate at a minimum of 800 psi, even reaching up to 1500 psi and thus produce a far greater cooling effect. As such, they are best for wide, open spaces.

Residential misting systems may also use a high-pressure pump depending on the household’s requirements, but more often than not, they only use a mid-pressure pump. Such a pump normally operates at around 100 to 300 psi. It also worth mentioning that mid-pressure misting systems are efficient enough for residential use but not as cost prohibitive as high-pressure systems.

Some homeowners also opt for a low-pressure misting system, which only uses domestic water pressure. As this system is the least expensive of all, it can be expected that it is also the least effective. In addition, it is slightly more difficult to maintain as the low water pressure increases the changes of the nozzles clogging.

Apart from the water pressure, another difference between commercial and residential misting systems is the longevity and integrity of the motor that each system uses.

Residential misting motor pumps are engineered particularly for light to medium usage. On the other hand, commercial pumps are designed for continuous usage.

Commercial applications require misting systems to run for a long time. Think of big industrial warehouses or factories whose employees’ duties are several hours long per shift. Or a high-class resort where customers expect total pampering and relaxation. In these situations, misting systems must be left on for long periods. As such, their motors possess a high efficiency rating. They are also engineered with a high insulation rating that lets them operate safely at high temperatures. What’s more is that they can withstand misting systems that have to cycle on and off from time to time. Commercial misting motors can manage up to 20 starts per hour as opposed to residential motors that can only accommodate less than 10 starts. Most residential applications, in contrast, don’t require such high specifications.