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Learning About Swamp Coolers
Here at Air Conditioner Home, we try to make finding a
swamp cooler quick and easy, so we've compiled a list of products and
explanations that we find useful. We hope this will help you in your
search for a swamp cooler, but do feel free to call us toll free at
800-734-0405.
See
Our Complete Selection of Swamp Coolers!
What are the differences between swamp coolers and
air conditioners?
An air conditioner uses a compressor, dehumidifies the air, and is much
more efficient in cooling than a swamp cooler. Air conditioning units
can lower the temperature based on a thermostat, turning off and on
automatically, rather than manually, or by remote control. Air
conditioners displace hot air to the outside and cool the inside air
with refrigerant that is contained in the system. However, air
conditioners do require venting kits to aid in hot air removal. If you
are in a dry climate, where the relative humidity is below 50%, a swamp
cooler may be a better choice for your cooling needs. Not only are swamp
coolers more effective at cooling, but they will humidify the air as
well.
What sized swamp cooler do I need?
Swamp coolers vary in size from very large, roof-mounted units, to
smaller, portable units. The size swamp cooler you need will depend on
the amount of space you would like to cool and the relative humidity in
your area.
Portable swamp coolers are the most versatile systems for a home or
small office and can be moved from one room to another for cooling
smaller areas. This is much more cost effective when there are specific
areas or rooms where people tend to congregate regularly. Portable swamp
coolers can range in size from approximately 20 to 42 inches high. Don't
be fooled by the size of the portable swamp cooler, though. Some of the
smaller units can cool up to 600 square feet of area, while larger units
may only cool smaller areas.
For larger spaces such as office buildings, and for arid climates, a
roof-mounted swamp cooler is probably the best choice as it mimics
central air conditioning. Using the same type of duct work as a central
air conditioner, a swamp cooler can be used to cool a number of rooms in
only one building. Whatever size swamp cooler you choose, remember that
it must be used in a fairly dry climate to work effectively. Swamp
coolers can cool the air by about 20? F and can also humidify.
What parts make up a swamp cooler?
A swamp cooler, sometimes known as an evaporative cooler, is
essentially a box-like frame containing a fan that is walled in by
water-soaked pads, usually made of cedar shavings or cellulose. The
fan sends hot air through the dripping pads (continually soaked by a
water pump), to cool the air about 20? F as the air evaporates water
molecules from the pads. The fan blows the water-cooled air
throughout the house and back out through a vent (usually an open
door or window) needed to create a balance of air pressure in the
building. Swamp coolers can be either portable or stationery (roof-
or window-mounted) systems. Portable swamp coolers can be moved from
room to room, while stationery swamp coolers, especially roof
mounted units, stay in one place and create a central cooling system
for an entire building.
How much maintenance does a swamp cooler require?
Typically, the larger window- and roof-mounted swamp coolers require
maintenance at the beginning of the cooling season (usually around May
or June) and at the end of the fall season, depending on the location.
To maintain large swamp coolers, be sure to have all of the necessary
tools at hand. A screwdriver will be needed to remove screws from the
access panel, wrenches or pliers should be ready to hook-up the water
supply, and an oil can should be close-by for oiling the motor of the
swamp cooler. Use your garden hose for cleaning up any debris, and a
flashlight to help view the corners of the cooling unit for anything
that may clog the air or water passage in the swamp cooler. If the swamp
cooler is mounted on the roof, it means that you will have to climb to
take proper care of your swamp cooler. Please be sure to take all of the
necessary precautions when maintaining any type of outside cooling unit.
Maintaining a portable swamp cooler is quite a bit easier than
maintaining a larger one. In fact, most portable swamp coolers hardly
require any maintenance at all, other than adding water to the tank when
necessary. Depending on your needs and on whether you are able to climb
or tolerate heights, a portable swamp cooler might be the winning choice
when it comes to maintenance.
See
Our Complete Selection of Swamp Coolers!
See our website,
Air Conditioner Home,
for more information on swamp coolers. |
