Evaporative Air Cooler

Evaporative air coolers (also known as swamp coolers) cool houses by passing outdoor air over water-saturated pads, which evaporate and lower the air temperature. They are particularly effective in hot, dry climates.

Unlike refrigerated air conditioners, which recirculate the same air, evaporative coolers require open windows and up-ducting in the ceiling to allow warm indoor air to escape as it is replaced by cool outdoor air.

Evaporative Cooling

Evaporative cooling is a simple, energy efficient alternative to air conditioning. Its design is based on the principle of heat exchange through water vapor. It draws in the warm, dry outside air, passes it through water-soaked pads and pushes it through ducting into the house. The cool air is then pushed around the house using a fan. In addition, stale air is not recirculated, removing smells and allergens and improving the overall quality of indoor air.

Evaporative coolers are particularly effective when the temperature is high, but the humidity is low. This is because the relative humidity and the temperature of the air are inversely proportional.

The evaporative process also adds moisture to the air which improves indoor comfort for people with allergies and asthma. It is important that these systems are positioned correctly in order to achieve the best results, and that they are regularly drained and cleaned.

Evaporative cooling is a cost-effective alternative or adjunct to compressor cooling for many applications and climates. It can fully satisfy building cooling loads and consumes only one-fourth of the energy used by compressor systems. It is ideally suited to hot, dry environments such as the western United States and Australia. In these and other dry climates, evaporative cooling can replace or complement air-conditioning to provide maximum comfort and savings.

Humidity Control

Evaporative cooling relies on water Evaporative air cooler molecules evaporating to cool the air. Humidity in the air reduces this process. As a result, evaporative coolers work best in warm, arid regions like the California desert and Arizona.

The swivel-mounted fan draws air over a wet filter pad and blows the cooled air into rooms through vents that open nearby windows. This fresh, outdoor air helps to renew the inside air every few minutes, which prevents stagnation. Evaporative coolers also reduce odors and other outdoor contaminants.

Since evaporative coolers do not dehumidify, they do not lower indoor temperatures as much as refrigerated air conditioners. They are also not as effective in humid climates because high humidity decreases the dew point (the temperature at which moisture can be saturated in air) and the cooling effect of evaporation.

However, two-stage evaporative coolers have been designed to overcome this issue. These newer models use a pre-cooler and more effective pads to improve air quality, reduce mildew growth and lower the humidity level to the point where the cooling effect remains. They can be used as whole-home cooling systems in warmer weather, replacing traditional central air conditioning. The low maintenance costs associated with evaporative coolers are one of their key advantages over refrigerated air conditioning systems. The only mechanical parts in most evaporative coolers are the fan and the water pump, which can be replaced by a reasonably handy homeowner or a DIY technician.

Energy Efficiency

Evaporative coolers use natural water as a coolant, rather than chemical refrigerants like those used in air conditioners. Water has a high latent heat of vaporisation, meaning that when evaporated it can cool the air significantly. This process also helps to boost humidity levels in the air, reducing dust mites and other allergens, which can be a major problem for people with respiratory conditions.

Evaporative cooling systems have low installation and operating costs, and require a fraction of the energy that refrigerated systems use. However, if your home is located in an area with high humidity, this type of cooling system may not be suitable. Humidity affects the ability of sweat to evaporate, so it’s important to check your local climate and humidity before installing an evaporative air cooler.

The evaporative cooling process is very efficient, especially if the room is properly sized. Ideally, the evaporative air cooler should be placed away from walls and other obstructions, to allow Evaporative air cooler the cool air to circulate throughout the room and reduce the temperature in the most effective manner. Opening nearby windows can help to renew the cooled air every few minutes, keeping it fresh and effective.

Evaporative cooling can be used in a wide variety of commercial and industrial applications, including office buildings, warehouses and factories. It is also a great option for homes with large outdoor areas and open plan living, where a fan can be used to circulate the cooled air.

Maintenance

An evaporative air cooler is a cost-effective cooling solution for hot, dry climates, but it requires regular maintenance to keep working efficiently. The water pads need to be cleaned regularly and the tank emptied regularly to prevent stagnant, contaminated water. This is particularly important to prevent mildew and a musty smell developing. It is also important to have a professional service check carried out at least once per cooling season to ensure all parts are in good condition.

The water tank should be cleaned weekly with a mix of water and white vinegar to avoid contamination from bacteria, germs and insects that can be blown through your house by the evaporative cooling system. The filters should be washed regularly and replaced when they are dirty or smelly. It is a good idea to add water treatment tablets to the water to help reduce mineral deposits that can build up in hard water areas.

At the end of the season, the evaporative cooler should be winterized by turning off and unplugging the unit, draining all water, cleaning it thoroughly and storing it in a dry place for storage. In the spring, it is a good idea to make sure all connections are tight and clean, and if necessary to lubricate the motor and blower bearings. This maintenance will ensure the evaporative cooler is ready for the next cooling season.