AKON's Recommended Porch Cooling Ideas
#1 - Clear Porch Tarps
One of the most common outdoor cooling solutions is the use of tarps. While not mandatory, most people go for tarps with clear screens for better visibility. They will keep snow, rain, wind, pests, pollen, and dust away from the patio area.
The clear porch curtains are highly-customizable as you get to choose which materials, sizes, and accessories to add. Their appearance is clean and fits perfectly with the background. Such tarps come with grommets and/or Velcro seals for amazing durability against strong winds.
This system is ideal for climate control on outdoor structures such as patios, bars, and gazebos. Cooling is quite efficient and will keep temperatures stable. These tarps are also great for cold weather too; keeping the warmth in as well.
Considerations
PROS
- Are custom built specifically for the client
- Portable and reusable
- Can withstand super harsh weather
- Much cheaper than other solutions while being as strong
- Super easy to clean with their slick surfaces
CONS
- The tarps require anchors at the bottom or there is a risk the vinyl might fly around in the wind
- Such tarps use vinyl material which can be damaged by sharp objects
Helpful Video
Cost and Installation
Materials: $500-$5,000 for the entire kit
Installation: DIY or $200 for installation crew
Duration of Install: 1-3 Hours
#2 - Ceiling Fans
The second option would be to use ceiling fans. They use way less energy than an AC unit while making the same amount of background noise. Some fan models come with damp or wet rating - they can handle some levels of moisture without having issues.
The fans cause a healthy amount of air circulating around the patio which is good for the furniture's longevity. Basically speaking, the fans are great during milder heat waves, but if the temperatures are super hot, the fans will barely have an effect.
As such, ceiling fans are more commonly used for smaller patio areas, where the air can circulate everywhere. Energy costs will remain low, but are worth considering before purchasing such fans.
Considerations
PROS
- Energy-efficient cooling
- The ceiling fans are out of the way
- Keeps flying pests away from the porch
CONS
- Can be quite noisy at times
- The air does not become cooler but just circulates
- Fans are prone to dust buildup if not used often
Helpful Video
Cost and Installation
Materials: $600-$3,000 for the entire kit
Installation: DIY or $500 for installation crew
Duration of Install: 1-5 Hours
#3 - Ground And Window Fans
Ground of window fans could also do the trick. They operate similarly to ceiling fans, but have a few key differences. Cheaper, and occasionally easier to install, the ground fans are a great way to circulate air around.
While such fans were super common in the past, nowadays you have access to many insulation and cooling methods. While the cost is cheaper than most other cooling solutions, you have way better options for your patio. If your cooling needs are too high, ground or window fans might not be ideal.
One advantage of a ground fan is it can be used during winters as well for heating. This gives it much-needed versatility.
Considerations
PROS
- Energy-efficient cooling
- The ground/window fans take up almost no space
- Keeps flying pests away from the porch area
- Amazing for winter use as well
CONS
- Can be quite noisy at times
- The air does not become cooler but just circulates
- Fans are prone to dust buildup if not used often
Helpful Video
Cost and Installation
Materials: $200-$1,000 for the entire kit
Installation: DIY
Duration of Install: 1 Hour
#4 - Evaporative Coolers
Evaporative Coolers or swamp coolers as most of us know them are small air conditioners that use humidity. They create strong evaporation effects which lower the temperature. Instead of creating mists through water pressure, these coolers dissipate the water passively and make the air more refreshing. Evaporative coolers often come with a fan that helps distribute the cool air further.
Evaporative coolers are amazing for open spaces and large patio decks because of how little electricity they consume. They are super common in sports because they create comfortable outdoor conditions regardless how hot the weather is. They will work in any terrain with great efficiency.
Considerations
PROS
- Superior energy-efficient cooling
- Amazing in large or open spaces
- The air is refreshed and more healthy
CONS
- These coolers do not perform well in areas with high humidity levels
- Other solutions provide larger temperature differences
Helpful Video
Cost and Installation
Materials: $2,000-$5,000 for the entire kit
Installation: DIY
Duration of Install: 1 Hour
#5 - Installing A Pool
A weird solution for sure, but having a swimming pool right next to your patio area will slightly reduce summer temperatures.
Water takes longer to heat up than the ground. When the summer heat arrives, the pool will be cooler and help create a milder environment. Going for a quick dip in your own pool will also refresh and cool you up.
Patios and pools go hand in hand. Having a swimming pool is great by itself but it becomes even better considering the improved temperature control. Another amazing benefit is the effect a pool has on property value. Your home will have greatly-increased home value simply thanks to the swimming pool.
Considerations
PROS
- Increased property value
- Goes well with patio spaces
- Passive cooling effect during summer and warming effect during winter
CONS
- The pool has a minor effect on temperature, and you might need to combine it with another cooling method during extreme heats
- Initial costs are super high
Helpful Video
Cost and Installation
Materials: $15,000-$45,000
Installation: $10,000+ for installation crew
Duration of Install: 2+ Weeks
#6 - Patio Umbrellas
Freestanding patio umbrellas are a must for most people. Whether you want to read a good book or have dinner with family and friends, the umbrellas will always provide a nice, shaded area for relaxation.
What effects to patio umbrellas have on the temperature? While not as potent as insulation walls or large AC units, umbrellas will reduce the temperature by a few degrees. Most importantly, they will block off direct sunlight which will greatly improve your stay.
Patio umbrellas are used in patio bars, gazebos, cafes, and outdoor restaurants. If most businesses consider them valuable, then freestanding patio umbrellas are surely worth it.
Considerations
PROS
- Creates a nice shaded area with lower temperatures
- Protection against rain
- Will be used for many years to come
CONS
- The umbrellas have a minor effect on temperature, and you might need to use another cooling method during extreme heats
- Without a strong base, the umbrella will be vulnerable during strong winds
Helpful Video
Cost and Installation
Materials: $2,000-$8,000
Installation: $1,000+ for installation crew
Duration of Install: 3-7 Hours
#7 - Portable Screened In Porch
Another option is to bring the cool with you by setting up a portable screened porch. These enclosures are super easy to use and large enough for up to 15 people. These tents are often customizable, so you can make them as big or tall as you need them.
The portable porch usually uses vinyl which has strong resistance to moisture, bugs, and wind. The temperature insulation is also amazing; meaning you will keep everything cool inside even if the summer heat is raging outside. However, it would be ideal to use another cooling method in conjunction with the tent for ultimate cooling.
These porch tents are quite popular in camping areas, mountain villas, bars with pools, and summer hotels. To top it all off, it is possible to cover a small swimming pool.
Considerations
PROS
- Creates a nice shaded area with amazing temperature control
- Protection against the outdoor elements
- Super easy to carry around
- The see-through material allows for amazing views
CONS
- To make use of the porch's portability, you also have to transport the furniture
- Without a strong base, the portable porch will be vulnerable during strong winds
Helpful Video
Cost and Installation
Materials: $5,000-$18,000
Installation: DIY
Duration of Install: 1 Hours
#8 - Misting System
Misting systems are one of the most effective solutions. These systems come with high-pressure pumps that atomize water into ultra small droplets. They quickly interact with their surroundings and absorb heat thanks to the process of evaporation. The mist has a cooling affect of up to 35 degrees Fahrenheit. This is strong enough to keep large entire patio areas cool even during summer heat waves.
Misting systems often have customizable looks which makes them aesthetically pleasing. They also come with stainless steel mounts and tracks which means the outdoor elements will not harm them. These misting systems are adored and often used in restaurants, patio bars, sports facilities, hotel entrances, residential areas, warehouses, barns, and other applications.
Considerations
PROS
- Amazing and super effective cooling
- Mosquitoes hate misting systems and will stay away from the area
- A lot of custom features to choose from
- Misting systems last for years to come
CONS
- One of the most expensive cooling solutions
- The moisture from these systems might have a negative impact on your equipment, so be careful where you position everything
Helpful Video
Cost and Installation
Materials: $25,000-$35,000
Installation: $5,000+ for installation crew
Duration of Install: 5-10 Hours
#9 - Portable Air Conditioning
Portable AC meets all the cooling, heating, and dehumidifying needs anywhere you go. All with the ability to easily move from room to room using caster wheels. The design is made for easy portability thanks to its caster wheels.
Most portable AC units nowadays come with remote control; allowing you to keep temperatures and fan speeds as you like while you are gone. This is a super useful feature, as you can turn the AC on even before arriving to the patio. Turn-on speeds are incredibly fast and it will take mere minutes for the patio area to cool down to enjoyable levels. Portable AC units are most-commonly used in outdoor structures such as patios, bars, gazebos, and pergolas. They are super popular with seasonal restaurants, hotels, and sports facilities.
Considerations
PROS
- The portable AC will cool down the patio very quickly
- Super effective for smaller areas
- Amazing for winter as well
- Geo fencing turns the AC when you are close to home
CONS
- While portable, it is a hustle moving and repositioning it
- Portable AC is expensive and energy intensive
Helpful Video
Cost and Installation
Materials: $3,000-$14,000
Installation: $1,000+ for installation crew
Duration of Install: 2-5 Hours
#10 - Shade Trees
Going full natural always works. Planting tree is easy and will provide some shade. Generally, patio owners go for smaller trees that require less pruning or cleaning.
The shade alone will reduce surface temperatures by a few degrees, but during heat waves, another cooling method will be needed. Also worth noting is the type of tree, as some are evergreen while others have a seasonal cycle and lose leafs during the colder months.
Common trees for patio landscaping include crape myrtle, japanese maple, sweet bay, fern pine, arbutus marina, ornamental crabapple, tulip tree, southern magnolia, redbud, and many more.
Considerations
PROS
- Clean and natural looks
- The trees will remain there for decades to come
- The shade will lower temperatures significantly
- Protection against wind, rain, and some pests
CONS
- Decorative trees tend to be expensive
- Building a tree cover naturally takes at least a couple of years depending on the types you choose
Helpful Video
Cost and Installation
Materials: $1,000-$2,000
Installation: DIY or $1,000+ for installation crew
Duration of Install: 5+ Hours
AKON Screened Porch Tarp Benefits
Temperature Control
Temperatures will stay nice and stable regardless of the season; allowing you to use the porch area all-year-round.
Humidity Control
The porch tarps will keep humidity levels stable even during harsh storms. No amount of rain will ruin your relaxation.
Pest Control
When completely closed off, the screen tarps will keep all pests at bay regardless how small some of them might be.
Noise Control
To make the porch area even more relaxing, the screen tarps are great at noise insulation by keeping the area calm.
Cool Your Screened Porch During The Summer With Style
