The Wonders of Evaporative Cooling

How could something called a “swamp cooler” provide any sort of cooling relief? Aren’t swamps humid and hot?

That, of course, depends on the swamp. What’s important to know about swamp coolers is that they use an age-old process to effectively cool enclosed spaces – provided the surrounding humidity levels aren’t too high. Think of it as more like bringing the best parts of the swamp (we know, that’s hard to imagine, right?) to areas that could most benefit from them. Like, say, desert climates.

Residents of western U.S. states have long known about the benefits of swamp coolers, with some units mounted on rooftops to provide for a whole-house cooling experience, while still others ventilate through wall openings or open windows, depending on the type of space being cooled.

All rely on one critical situation: Windows and, in some cases, sliding doors, need to be left open in order to avoid humidity buildup and for the coolers to work effectively – a choice that may work well for those who savor fresh air, but not so well for those with seasonal allergies.

Here’s how a swamp cooler works: A fan in the units pulls air in from outdoors and runs it over a piece of material known as a cooling pad, which is drenched in water. The forced air causes moisture in the pad to evaporate. The resulting water vapor absorbs heat in the atmosphere, gradually cooling the room.

The advantages are clear: You can cool a room – or even a whole house – without resorting to a machine that uses refrigerants. And you don’t have to worry about using air conditioning that “cools the outside” in the event of leaks or windows left ajar.

Swamp-cooler downsides include dealing with outside odors as well as allergens, both of which can be sucked into your home through the cooler’s powerful fan system. And while the units require little maintenance, little does not mean none. The pad needs to be regularly cleaned and/or replaced, and the water tank, if idle for several days or weeks, can become a breeding ground for bacteria or even mosquitos.

The good news is that products exist to help keep your tank clean and healthy. Whatever your cooling choice, give A/C World a call and let us recommend the right system for you!