Choosing a Swamp Cooler: 3 Types and Features
Many different types of swamp coolers can be installed in your home. They vary based on their cooling capacity, the type of air exchange, and several other factors.
There are pros and cons to each type of swamp cooler. It’s important to understand how each one works and what the ideal situations for using a specific kind are. This article details all you need to know about choosing a swamp cooler for your home and the various types available. One of the best things you can do is use a reputable company like Premier Industries.
What is a Swamp Cooler?
A swamp cooler is an evaporative cooling system that uses water evaporation to lower indoor temperatures. They’re often used in warm and dry climates to keep buildings cool and comfortable without using a ton of energy. Swamp coolers are also called evaporative coolers or evaporative air coolers. They’re sometimes confused with a whole-house fan, but they’re very different.
Swamp coolers use water evaporation to cool the air. This process causes the air around you to get cooler. Swamp coolers remove the humidity from the air by spraying water droplets into the air. When the water evaporates, it removes the humidity. The cooled water then falls back to the cooler and the cycle starts over. By cooling the water before it sprays, you can increase the effectiveness of the system.
Compared to air conditioners, these cooling systems use much less energy—typically one-sixth as much. Swamp coolers are meant to supplement traditional AC systems as opposed to completely replacing them.
You should use these types of coolers for days when the outside temperature is between 80- and 95-degrees Fahrenheit, and humidity is less than 50%.
The Different Types of Swamp Coolers
Single Panel
Single panel swamp coolers are the most common type of swamp coolers. They’re designed to sit on the floor or a table and blow cool air upward towards the ceiling. You can install them in an open window, but they’re not meant to be mounted to the wall.
If you want to cool a single room, a single-panel swamp cooler is the best choice.
Single-panel swamp coolers are cheaper and easier to install than other types. They’re also more portable, so you can move them between rooms as needed. Single panel swamp coolers can’t cool large spaces. If you need to cool a larger room, a dual-panel swamp cooler is a better option. You may want to use it in your outdoor space as well.
Dual Panel
Dual panel swamp coolers are similar to single panel swamp coolers, but they have two panels to blow air in two directions. They’re meant to sit on the floor and blow air towards the ceiling and into a nearby window. You can mount these coolers to the wall and use them for cooling larger rooms.
When you install it, it can mount to a wall. They’re capable of cooling up to 2,500 square feet. Dual panel swamp coolers are a good choice for larger rooms that need cooling but don’t have an open window.
They’re also a better choice than single-panel swamp coolers for larger rooms because they push more air. Dual panel swamp coolers are more expensive than single panel swamp coolers, but they’re capable of cooling more space.
Window Mounted
Window-mounted swamp coolers mount to the side of an open window and blow air out of the window and into the room. They’re intended for single rooms and are not ideal for larger spaces. They’re often used for bedrooms but can be used in other rooms with windows.
Window-mounted swamp coolers are the cheapest type of swamp coolers. This type of cooler is a useful permanent cooling solution for your home. It may look like an air -conditioner but differs in how it works. Some models may have three fan levels.
Swamp Cooler Maintenance
In addition to being cost-effective, swamp coolers are also low maintenance besides changing the occasional swamp cooler air filter. Cleaning time is easy as you can wipe down your dirty cooler with a damp cloth. You can also use vinegar and water solution to clean the media pads and water tank.
When you no longer need to use a swamp cooler due to season change, you can disconnect the water line and drain the tank. At that time, check the tank and media pads for buildup and clean if needed.
Swamp Coolers Are a Great Way to Cool a Humid Home
Swamp coolers are a great alternative to AC when the weather is hot and humid. They’re less expensive and less energy intensive than using AC. Individuals living in a humid place may prefer a swamp cooler as the best option for keeping the home cool and comfortable. There are many types of swamp coolers available. Each one is designed to cool a specific area and has its own pros and cons. It’s vital to understand the differences between each type and decide which one is best for your home. If you are unsure what type to use, take the time to go to an experienced and tested vendor such as Premier Industries.