Thread: Is a mobile evaporative cooler in a tin shed a bad idea?

Well if the rust you see on machines from some of the more humid areas of Queensland is anything to go by I'd have my doubts about an evap. cooler in the shed.

Originally Posted by 419

Any opinions and especially practical experience welcomed.

No experience with an evap cooler in a shed, but we had evap cooling when we lived in Canberra. It was spectacularly effective in the dry Canberra air. But within about 30 minutes any paperwork lying around would be wrinkly from the absorbed moisture. Also, be aware, evap cooling is ineffective on humid days. It would have been useless in Melbourne yesterday.

Never used one. From what I've heard you need to keep windows/doors open while in operation.

A work friend of mine has one in her house (Canberra). She says when the door (to the carport) is open the carport tends to be lovely and cool.

A cheap refrigerated box or split system would be best, I think. "Chilly cool" rather than "damp cool". Or keep the fans and wet your t-shirt

Originally Posted by jack620

No experience with an evap cooler in a shed, but we had evap cooling when we lived in Canberra. It was spectacularly effective in the dry Canberra air. But within about 30 minutes any paperwork lying around would be wrinkly from the absorbed moisture. Also, be aware, evap cooling is ineffective on humid days. It would have been useless in Melbourne yesterday.

Thanks for that. I'll abandon the evap cooler idea as yesterday was certainly the sort of day I'd want it to be fully effective.

Originally Posted by r3nov8or

A cheap refrigerated box or split system would be best, I think. "Chilly cool" rather than "damp cool".

Thanks for that. It follows neatly on abandoning the evap cooler idea. I'll look into refrigerated boxes.

The other factor to consider with evap coolers is that the moisture they'll put in the air will affect any timber in your shed, causing expansion and movement!

I recently had a 5kW reverse-cycle split system installed in my 9x4m tin workshop, and it's very effective.
Insulating the shed would make it much more efficient, but I find it's very effective without insulation.

wet your t-shirt

Originally Posted by DTH1

Wet (ok, 'damp') tshirt, I've done it while mowing and other 'outside duties' in summer. Turns 'you' into an evap AC.

I guess maybe not for the workshop

Originally Posted by r3nov8or

Wet (ok, 'damp') tshirt, I've done it while mowing and other 'outside duties' in summer. Turns 'you' into an evap AC.

I guess maybe not for the workshop

On a very hot day my shirt is dripping in the shed after an hour or so, and it's all mine. Doesn't help that much under the fans.

However, these comments have inspired me to consider starting a calendar or website or whatever entitled something like "Wet T shirt men in their sheds". Gotta be a market for it somewhere.

Originally Posted by 419

calendar or website

That idea might work. There seems to be a market for unusual things.

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Originally Posted by 419

Is a mobile evaporative cooler in a tin shed a bad idea?

Does your tin shed have any shading, lining or insulation?

Originally Posted by GraemeCook

Does your tin shed have any shading, lining or insulation?

Nothing significant.

Shading for first few hours of daylight, then full sun.

No lining.

Thin and largely useless foil insulation under roof.

Installing better insulation under roof is on my list of things to do. Also serious extractor fan on wall under roof peak. Both have been on my list for about ten years, so I must be getting closer to doing it.

I've taken a long time (too long) to build my workshop. But it's insulated better than the house . Don't tell my wife