An outdoor air conditioner might be right for you if your answer is "yes" to the following two questions. Is it just too hot for your customers to enjoy the outdoors? Does the heat and humidity keep you from using areas of your business during the summer months?

Depending on the outdoor air conditioner provider, one of two completely different systems can provide you with outdoor air conditioning. You should be armed with all the outdoor air conditioner information you need in order to make the best choice, including:

1. Outdoor air conditioner information as it pertains to misting fans and misting systems;

2. Information as it pertains to evaporative or portable air conditioning systems;

3. Identifying pros and cons for the various models manufactured by each outdoor air conditioner provider.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Determine if a misting system is your best option as an outdoor air conditioner

Misting systems produce billions of tiny droplets every second, which quickly evaporate outdoors. The energy required for the evaporation process is taken from the air in the form of heat. The result is a temperature reduction of up to 35 degrees. In addition to cooling down outdoor areas, misting systems offer the added benefit of dust, odor and humidity control.

I recommend: Advanced Misting Systems offers a complete line of portable cooling units that are plug-in ready. You can select and compare the portable cooling units at Cool-Off, a company that also carries commercial and industrial lines requiring installation.

See if evaporative or portable air conditioners are your best option as an outdoor air conditioner

Evaporative coolers reduce air temperature 10-30 degrees with additional wind chill cooling from air circulation. They are particularly effective in highly humid conditions and can also be used indoors in areas with no air conditioning (garages, workshops, etc.).

I recommend: Global Equipment offers a line of portable air conditioners suited for everything from residential to light industrial use. Topp Portable Air has locations nationwide and offers two of the top lines of portable air conditioners.

Narrow down your outdoor air conditioner list to those with quality ratings

Ratings for portable air conditioners are based on a variety of factors, including cooling power, durability, price and individual features. Narrowing down your selection to units with high ratings minimizes your chances of buying a lemon.

I recommend: Portable Air Shop includes price as a rating factor in addition to cooling power and durability for several of their models. AllergyBuyersClub includes a listing of pros and cons for outdoor air conditioners.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Do you like the idea of outdoor air conditioning but want to test the waters first? Maybe you live in an area where it only gets unbearably hot a few weeks per year. If this sounds like you, it may be worthwhile to consider renting an outdoor air conditioner rather than buying one.