Evaporative cooling can work really well when you have the right environment and an energy-efficient swamp cooler. Knowing how to make the most out of evaporative cooling can ensure you stay cool and comfortable.
How Does an Evaporative Cooler Work?
Evaporative coolers operate by taking advantage of the process of evaporation. Air passes over a water-soaked medium. As the water passes, it picks up the moisture, which cools down the air and adds humidity into the room. A fan will keep the air circulating – and the system remains open, which means that air from the outside is brought in. It’s why it’s highly recommended that a cooler be installed in or near an open door or window.
Evaporative coolers offer a number of benefits:
- They can be used inside or outside
- Portable units can be installed in minutes
- They’re self-contained, so there’s no need for added accessories
- They’re quiet and energy-efficient
- They’re easy to move from room to room
Now that you know how an evaporative cooler works, you can make sure that they operate in the most effective way possible.
9 Ways to Make an Evaporative Cooler Work Better
Keeping your evaporative cooler working better will ensure that you enjoy cooler temperatures. It will also ensure that your system doesn’t have to work any harder than necessary.
Operate Your Swamp Cooler in Dry Climates
It’s important to understand that swamp coolers work best in dry climates. If you try to operate the cooler when the humidity is above 50%, it’s not going to run as efficiently. The reason is that there’s already plenty of moisture in the air.
Use the Cooler Seasonally
Your cooler should be used seasonally. Portable units are ideal so that you can move the cooler into the room where you need the most comfort. Once the temperature is too humid or too cold, you can simply move the cooler into storage so that it’s not in the way.
Typically, you’ll only want to use the evaporative cooler in the seasons when it is both hot and dry.
Open the Doors and Windows
If you’re used to running an air conditioner, this can be a hard task to remember. Your evaporative cooler will work best when there are doors and windows open. It needs a steady stream of outdoor air to work efficiently. If the air is too humid, reduce the number of doors and windows that are open. If it is too warm, increase the number of doors and windows that are open.
Run a Dehumidifier as Needed
If you find that there is too much humidity in the air, you can run a dehumidifier. Place this on the opposite side of the room as the evaporative cooler, though, so they don’t become counterproductive.
Move Your Unit Around
Finding the right place for your evaporative cooler may take time. The beauty of a portable unit is that you can move it around to maximize the efficiency. Be sure that you get it as close to an open window or door as possible so that it is equipped with fresh air from the outside. Don’t be afraid to move the unit around to various parts of the room to see where it will be best positioned. The fan should be blowing cool air into the most populated parts of the room – such as towards a couch, dining table, or workspace.
Keep Your Pads Soaked with Water
Water needs to be readily available for the evaporative process to work effectively. You’ll want to keep the pads soaked with water. This also means that you should prime the pads when you first start the cooler. By ensuring that the pads are completely soaked before starting the system, you can ensure that you don’t waste energy by blowing hot air throughout the room. Each time you start your system, you should also inspect the pad to make sure that it isn’t damaged or dirty.
Use Cold Water (Not Ice)
Cold water will actually help with the evaporative process better than hot water. Ideally, you should try to get the water around 50 degrees. While some people will recommend ice, it actually brings the temperature too low, which isn’t effective. Also, it takes time for the ice to melt, which means you could end up waiting for the cool air to be dispersed.
Follow the Necessary Maintenance
There’s a fair amount of maintenance that needs to be performed, though it only has to be done every four to six months. As soon as you’re done with the unit for the season, you’ll want to complete a few basic things: wipe down the outside of the unit, vacuum the intake grills and fans, wash out the water tank, inspect the cooling pad and replace as necessary.
Run the Unit When It Makes Sense
The goal is to operate your unit smarter instead of harder. It’s not a closed-circuit system like HVAC, so it doesn’t need to run constantly. Choose the times it makes sense to run the cooler, such as during the hottest parts of the day.
It’s also a good idea to install a thermostat so that you can shut your unit off once the ideal temperature is reached.
Choose an Efficient Portable Evaporative Cooler
While there are plenty of ways to help improve evaporative cooling, it often comes down to the actual unit you have in your home or business. Choosing a portable evaporative cooler that is capable of cooling your space and working efficiently is imperative.
Find a manufacturer that offers premium features, such as a lifetime warranty on the stainless-steel housing. If a company has been around for 20+ years, you know that they understand the technology necessary to create high cooling efficiency within their many models.
Explore the different models to ensure you choose the best portable evaporative cooler capable of cooling the space that you have. Look at such things as how strong the blower is, how easy the unit is to maintain, and how quiet it is to operate.
In the end, evaporative cooling can be one of the best and most energy-efficient solutions to cooling your home or business. Take the time to find the right cooler and ensure that you do everything you can to create the best possible airflow. You’ll have a cool space that is affordable and comfortable for years to come.
