October_2021 - 50

PRODUCT DESCRIPTION:
Portacool
Jetstream 250
Evaporative Cooler
Reviewed by Brian Culotta, shop
foreman and master technician
at Dave's Auto Care in
Willoughby, Ohio.
THE REVIEW:
Q: How did the equipment function
as far as saving you time?
A: In the summer months, our shop
was using multiple, less effective, conventional
fans. We were able to replace all of
those with this one single cooling unit.
Q: How has using this product
impacted your shop's profitability?
A: Heat exhaustion is real in the summer
months working in the automotive
repair industry. Shop temperatures can
rise dramatically with poor air circulation
and when having one or more vehicles running
in the shop simultaneously. Engine
bay temperatures can create a very uncomfortable
working environment. Keeping
our technicians cool is imperative to
maintain their efficiency and accuracy.
A comfortable workspace also improves
shop morale. I know I can get cranky when
I'm overheated.
Q: What kind of setup was involved
before using the product?
A: Setup was simple and requires minimal
instruction to operate. To maintain
the unit's internal water level, we added
a continuous water supply. This provided
minimal user interaction for optimal
operation. Turn it on and go.
Q: How easy was it to use?
A: Very easy! The unit was completely
A: When the fan speed is on
high, the product is noisier than
I'd like. There may be a different
style fan blade setup that produces
less noise. When the fan speed is set
to medium, the fan will slow down
when additional electronic devices
(such as a microwave) are used in
the shop. It is sensitive to voltage
fluctuations. If the fan is on high,
there are no noticeable fluctuations
with fan speed with the additional
assembled and ready
to go. Fill it up with cold
water and turn it on.
Q: How was its packaging? Did it
come with any accessories?
A: Packaging was fair. The unit arrived
with damage to the outer cardboard however
there was no damage to the product
inside. The unit came with the attachments
needed to connect a water supply.
Q: What features did you like?
A: Staying cool! The unit holds 55 gallons
of water which helps keep the unit
portable and full throughout the workday.
The variable fan speed is nice as well to
adapt for varying cooling needs.
Q: Is there any way you could think
to improve or add to this tool?
50 PTEN OCTOBER 2021 www.VehicleServicePros.com
electrical loads.
Q: Have you used a previous version
of this tool? How does this tool compare
to other tools you've used like it?
A: This is my first time using a
Portacool product. It provides much
cooler ambient air than a standard shop
fan. We run the unit the entire day to help
cool our technicians on hot days.
BRIAN CULOTTA is a graduate
of the Universal Technical
Institute in Chicago, Illinois.
After graduating, he started
working for an independent car
dealership as a lead technician
for seven years. He then moved to a new job at
an independent repair shop where he stayed for
three years. He now works at Dave's Auto Care in
Willoughby, Ohio, as the shop foreman and ASE
Master L1, L3 technician.
The Portacool Jetstream 250 is a mid-range
evaporative cooler ideal for keeping small spaces
cool. User-friendly features include easy-roll casters,
cord wrap, and streamlined maintenance. The
unit cools up to 2,125 sq. ft. with 8,500 cfm and is
equipped with Kuul Control Comfort evaporative
media.
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http://www.VehicleServicePros.com
October_2021

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