In today’s world of high energy costs, you’ll be forgiven for looking to replace your regular air conditioner with a cheaper, more efficient alternative. In your quest for maximum cooling for minimum bucks, one of the options you’ll come across is a swamp cooler. Read on to find out everything you need to know about swamp coolers before investing in them.
How a Swamp Cooler Works
A swamp cooler — also referred to as an evaporative cooler — is a small window unit or large central device that cools your home by pushing air through damp pads into your house using a motorized fan. As the air passes through the pads, microscopic water molecules evaporate into it. The process removes heat from the air, thus cooling it before it’s blown into the surroundings.
A swamp cooler doesn’t use refrigerants, making it an eco-friendly choice. It can drop your home’s temperature from five to 15 degrees.
As you may have noticed, a swamp cooler works by humidifying your home’s air. The added moisture can damage your property and cause mold growth if left uncontrolled.
Installation and Maintenance Costs
A swamp cooler is less expensive to install than a typical air conditioner. It lacks a compressor, the main energy hog in regular air conditioners. Therefore, the running cost is essentially the cost of operating the fan. Swamp coolers consume significantly less energy than central air conditioners.
When it comes to swamp cooler maintenance, you’ll pay slightly more. When the cooling season ends, the cooler will need to be professionally winterized. In the spring, it will also have to be set up professionally to prevent moisture from damaging sensitive components.
Suitability
If you live in a humid climate, the cooling effect of a swamp cooler is minimal. The humidity it adds makes your home’s air feel clammy or muggy. Swamp coolers work best in dry, arid climates.
In ideal climates, swamp coolers provide an energy-efficient cooling experience. However, due to our hot, muggy summers in Northeast Ohio, they’re not a practical alternative to air conditioners. Contact us at Energy 1 Heating & Air Conditioning to find out the best heating and cooling options for your Lorain area home.
Energy 1 Heating & Air Conditioning
1 (440) 246-5440
Serving the Lorain, OH Area