evaporative Swamp coolers Basics

Evaporative coolers (also called swamp coolers) consume between one third and one-tenth of the electricity used by air conditioners. And they cost only a fraction of air conditioners…

Evaporative coolers are an excellent alternative to air conditioning, but only in dry climates. In other climates they loose their efficiency and may easily become a cause of excessive humidity and discomfort. See: Evaporative coolers and climate zones.

New portable evaporative climate may also be used as cooling devices in temperate climates. See: Types of Evaporative Coolers.

What Are Swamp Coolers

Evaporative Cooler An evaporative/swamp cooler is basically a box-like frame with a water pump and a motor that drives a big fan that captures and forces outdoor air through water-soaked pads, filtering and cooling the air before driving it into the home (causing warmer home’s air to be pushed out through windows or vents…).

It’s a very simple technology in its essence, but there are some modern variations.

See: Types of Evaporative Coolers: Portable, Two-stage, Direct

Evaporative Coolers: Installation and Sizing

Evaporative cooler installation is relatively easy, but sizing is usually a more important issue.

See, for details: Evaporative Coolers Installation and Sizing

Evaporative Coolers and Environment

Evaporative coolers consume electricity, but they allow huge savings comparatively to air conditioners. And they do not produce CFC or other harmful emissions.

Evaporative Coolers & Health

With an evaporative cooler you will get a steady stream of fresh air. Unless you live in a dusty or polluted region, that is a great health advantage over traditional air conditioning, always re-circulating the same air.

Electricity and water consumption

Evaporative coolers are electrically powered, and consume about one fourth to one tenth of the electricity of conventional air conditioners.

Evaporative coolers also consume water: between 4 and 10 gallons (15-40 liters) per hour of operation, which isn't significant unless in very arid climates.

Evaporative coolers operation and maintenance

Evaporative coolers operation require open windows (or ceiling vents), and demand simple but regular monthly maintenance.

See, for details:

Swamp Coolers operation
Evaporative Coolers Maintenance