What Is A Swamp Cooler?
What is a swamp cooler? Many homeowners opt for traditional air conditioners that rely on chemical coolants to lower the temperature in their homes. There is an alternative. Those living in dry, hot climates have long relied on swamp coolers to create a comfortable, cool living environment. Also known as an evaporative air cooler, these systems lower the temperature through evaporation by using a blower and water. A motor in the cooler saturates cellulose pads (evaporative cooler pads) with water. A fan pushes the air through wet pads. The hot air from outside serves as the heat needed for water evaporation. The process changes the water to water vapor, which lowers the temperature. Cool, moist air is the pushed through a duct out into the target area of a home or building.
A swamp cooler provides a constant influx of fresh, cool, slightly damp air, while air conditioners recirculate old air and cause a decrease in humidity. In dry, hot climates the lack of humidity dries out individuals’ mucous membranes making their immune system less effective. The moisture inherent in an evaporative air cooler prevents this. These cooling systems work best in an arid, desert location with less than 30-percent humidity and a temperature of greater than 80-degrees Fahrenheit. They have the ability to cool an area by about 30 degrees Fahrenheit.
Though perfect for desert climates, the cooling systems are not well suited to hot, wet areas. If a location is extremely humid the optimal amount of water won’t evaporate and there will be a minimal change in outdoor to indoor temperature. Because a swamp cooler has no dehumidifying properties, the air can be too moist in humid climates. In arid climates this is preferable to a traditional air conditioner that sucks moisture from the air, because humidity is needed for comfort and ease of breathing. The condensation from the moist air can be an issue if the unit is placed around wood or electronics devices. It’s advisable to have a professional install the cooler in a safe and effective area.
An evaporative air cooler use less energy and can be up to 75-percent cheaper to run than refrigerated air conditioning. However, the unit does need a constant water supply to function properly. In dry climates the air filtering ability of traditional air conditioners is diminished because of the lack of humidity. Evaporative coolers use the water source for humidity and its pads are therefore highly effective at filtering impurities and contaminants in the air, including those that are a result of pollution. The units are relatively easy and cheap to install. The typical home unit has a mere two mechanical parts so swamp cooler maintenance is simple and cost-effective as well. By using a portable swamp cooler, you can even realize the benefits in a home with a traditional air conditioning system.
Evaporative cooling is used by many building owners in arid climates, because the systems save a substantial amount of money on cooling costs. Residential and industrial swamp coolers have become popular among those trying cut down on energy use. The advent of two-stage evaporative coolers has made it possible for those in less arid conditions to take advantage of the technology. These systems create less humidity than their standard counterparts.
The purpose of swamp coolers is to cool a residence, business, or even a large building in a simple, cost-effective way. By relying on water evaporation, the temperature decreases indoors. While the system is not recommended for humid climates, it is the perfect solution for staying cool in dry, hot weather. Cool moist air is circulated creating a healthy, comfortable environment in arid conditions.
Tagged: evaporative coolers, Featured, swamp coolers
