Evaporative Coolers are an eco-friendly, cost-effective, and efficient way to cool indoor or outdoor spaces. These coolers are commonly found in outdoor spaces, garages, covered porches, or warehouses as well as outdoor entertainment and eating areas. Before you buy one, consider these points:
Evaporative Coolers: How They Work
Many people are curious about “what is a swamp cooler?”, “What does a swamp cooler do?” All evaporative coolers use natural evaporation to create cooler environments. The cooler pulls hot air through water-saturated media pads. This adds moisture to the air and then it is blown out of the grille. This moist, high-powered airflow can cause a drop of up to 33 degrees F in the air temperature.
Are Swamp Coolers Better Than AC?
It only depends on where you live and what climate you are using in the swamp cooler. Indoors, evaporative coolers work best in dry climates. An AC cooler is better for areas where it’s very humid. They can work in any environment because of their high CFM airflow.
Evaporative Swamp Coolers Offer The Following Benefits:
Cost-Effective: There are no compressors or refrigerants involved. All that is required is a water pump, a fan, and a fan. They cost approximately the same as a household fan.
Heavy-Duty And Portable Design: Their tough ASB housing and strong locking casters make it easy to transport and can last years.
Doubles As A Commercial-Grade Fan: You get more CFM than most fans by using the water pump without activating it.
Adds Moisture To Air: This can reduce dry symptoms such as itchy eyes, and skin, or throat irritations, but does not contain actual water droplets, like those from misting fans.
Where Do Evaporative Coolers Perform Best?
Swamp coolers provide efficient cooling solutions for dry climates, where summer temperatures can soar. They can also be used indoors, in the same manner as room air conditioners.
Window-mounted evaporative cooling coolers are great for permanent cooling. However, smaller portable air coolers work well in smaller spaces as they can be moved around. Indoor swamp coolers can be used in one, several, or entire houses. They also work well in sunrooms, workshops, garages, and sunrooms.
A portable evaporative cooler with an outdoor rating is an excellent choice for outdoor and covered outdoor spaces. This is true even in humid regions of the country. These are industrial and commercial applications that require a robust design and strong airflow (CFM). This will keep pets, livestock, and employees cool. These coolers are very efficient at controlling the climate for commercial growers.
- Decks and Patios
- Indoor Growing & Greenhouses
- Garages & Workshops
- Outside Dining Areas
- Kennels & Stables
- Outdoor Venues & Sporting Events
Evaporative Cooler Sizing
CFM is the unit of airflow per cubic foot. Most swamp coolers are rated in this way. Below is a chart that will help you determine how much airflow your indoor space will need to cool it. It is based on square footage, 8ft. with 8-foot ceilings.
Your CFM should be increased if your ceilings are higher than 8 feet. Consider the heat-generating appliances and direct sunlight in the area. CFM should be increased by approximately 20% based on this information.
Maintenance
Evaporative coolers can be low-maintenance cooling options. If the swamp cooler’s outer housing becomes dirty, you can wipe it with a damp cloth. You can clean the water tank and media pads as necessary with water and vinegar.
If the media pads are damaged or have accumulated hard-water deposits, they may need to replace. A disinfectant spray can be used to remove any mineral buildup or mildew from the media.
After using the swamp cooler, drain it and disconnect the water line. Then, clean the tank and any pads. Next, run the fan-only function for approximately 15-30 minutes to dry the tank completely before covering it and storing it.