Evaporative cooling cools the air in an area or building without using a conventional refrigerant-based cooling system. This method is energy efficient. Evaporative coolers are also known as “swamp coolers” because they direct air through or over pads of cool evaporative media saturated with water. The water evaporates from the pads, cooling the air. The cooler air is pumped into the area while the warmer air is allowed out through vents or windows. Before purchasing any of these coolers you should check some swamp cooler vs evaporative cooler reviews.
What Are The Pros And Cons Of Using Evaporative Cooling For Your Home?
Evaporative and swamp coolers often have lower operating and purchasing costs than conventional air conditioners that use refrigeration to cool the air. Energy Saver, a publication of the US Department of Energy’s Office of Energy Efficiency & Renewable Energy, states that window conditioners are typically half the cost of central air conditioners and only one-quarter of the energy they consume.
Evaporative coolers have a major disadvantage despite their obvious financial benefits. They are best suited for areas where the outside air has less moisture during the summer because they must be able to add moisture to the air to cool it. They need to add moisture to cool the air. All manufacturers do not recommend evaporative cooling for low-humidity areas in the western United States. Evaporative coolers need to be maintained much more often than traditional air conditioners. However, evaporative coolers are easy to maintain.
Combining Evaporative And Ventilation Cooling
Evaporative coolers work by constantly drawing in the fresh air. This is then cooled via evaporation and circulated using a fan. Open windows and other ventilation allow hotter air to escape from the building’s interior. Contrary to this, air conditioning systems are operated by cleaning and recalculating air already in a structure. They work best when it is hermetically sealed.
An evaporative cooler will only be able to cool a structure with few windows, doors, or vents. This is particularly true for buildings that have no windows. An evaporative or swamp cooler cannot provide the same air-cleaning filtration as high MERV filters in a central air conditioner system’s air handler. Swamp coolers cool the air using water vapor rather than air. Several evaporative coolers are equipped with swamp cooler filters to remove particles from the air being drawn in. These filters may not be as efficient as high-MERV filters, but they can still help.
Establishing A Connection To A Water Supply
Evaporative coolers are equipped with a water tank, or reservoir, that distributes water to the pads. This ensures that the pads stay hydrated even when the cooler is operating. Many units can be connected to a continuous water supply to automate filling. For non-portable devices, however, a connection is required to have a continuous water supply.
Calculating The Capacity Of An Evaporative Cooler
Swamp coolers and evaporative coolers have airflow measurements in cubic feet per hour (cfm), which are the standard units for air conditioners. Energy Saver states that manufacturers recommend between 20 to 40 air changes per hour. However, this number can vary depending on where you live.
There Are Three Evaporative Coolers: Window Coolers, Portable Coolers, And Whole-Building Systems
You can make evaporative coolers using any of the primary designs.
The portable evaporative coolers, also known as portable swamp coolers, are often used in warehouses, other manufacturing facilities, and outdoors where spot cooling is desired. These coolers can also be called swamp coolers or evaporative coolers.
Evaporative window coolers are easy to store away in the winter, making them an attractive choice for both homes and offices.
The ductwork is connected to the evaporative coolers that are located throughout buildings. This allows air to circulate throughout the entire structure.
- Commonly, central evaporative coolers with down-discharge are placed on the roofs of buildings.
- For easier maintenance and access, side-discharge central evaporate coolers can be installed on buildings’ sides. They can also be mounted on roofs.