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Update: Mistbox FAIL!
And it was our 2nd Unit!!! Back in August, we produced a very favorable Product Spotlight on the Mistbox — supposed to help keep your AC outside unit cooler and as a result, your AC running more efficiently. Except that — even after replacing the entire FAILED unit — it just wasted a LOT of water!
Original Product Spotlight:
This summer has produced some record heat around the globe, but there’s no need to melt away on your couch or flip out about your electricity bill skyrocketing with the introduction of a “cool” little connected home device that reduces AC-related energy consumption.
The Mistbox is an automated solar-powered control unit that sprays a fine mist to pre-cool outside air as it enters the AC unit, using a process known as evaporative cooling. The manufacturer claims it can cut the cost of your bill up to a whopping THIRTY percent! We haven’t had it in and working long enough to test that but … stay tuned.
With no need for batteries, as it powers up using a solar panel, you can feel assured that this device has nothing but good intentions for you and your home. You may also be happy to hear that it includes a built-in water treatment filter system to ensure you have clean water pumping into your unit…and, did I mention, it requires no second-guessing as its universally compatible with any size AC unit?!
The install – while on a very hot day here at our Studios – didn’t take very long. You need to install the Solar-powered Control unit Misting Manifold with attached filter and WiFi antenna … and then attach the Mistbox “spray bars” using the provided clips or the zip ties. You can also extend or retract the tubing as needed, based on the size of your outside AC unit. It has Built-in sensors that detect the AC system operation and then turns on the mist.
Then you connect a water hose and … you’ll start being cooled within minutes. Since you’ll be dedicating a hose for this purpose, a great tip is to use a hose splitter so your faucet can still be used with another hose.
Now you’re ready to connect to your WiFi and just follow the simple instructions on the App. You don’t have to use the WiFi option in order for the unit to work – but it does track your usage & savings.
While the spray bars can be left on and outside during the winter months, they say the Mistbox control unit should be stored during cold weather conditions – NOT an issue here in Miami!
The Mistbox not only sounds like a good idea, it can actually demonstrate its power as you can track the device’s usage and your savings with a handy app available on iTunes and the Google Play Store. Looking to invest in a Mistbox for your home? It’ll cost you back just under $400 at Lowes — which may set you back initially, but should prove to be an investment once your savings begin to show.