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Swamp Coolers: What You Need to Know

September 24, 2019

Swamp Coolers — Boise, ID — Northwest Heating & Air Conditioning Inc.

When the weather is warm outside, families typically recede into the house to cool off in the cooler air. In some areas, including the state of Idaho, the air is drier rather than humid. In less humid regions, a swamp cooler may be an ideal option to help cool your home during the hot weather months.

Swamp coolers are popular in these dry, arid climates due to how well they work. A swamp cooler provides an energy-efficient and unique method to climate control inside a home. The following is some information about swamp coolers and what you can expect if you choose to have one installed in your home.

How Does a Swamp Cooler Work?

Swamp cooler is the common name for an evaporative cooler. The system uses a rather simple method to help cool a home using a fan and cold water. The basic principle is the fan blows over the cold water to create cold air circulation throughout the home. This is the same concept when you sit beside a cool ocean side with cool air blowing across the water.

The water cools the air, which in turn picks up moisture, which ultimately cools the home. In more humid regions, the evaporative cooling system does not work. The cooling of the air is minimal and may make an indoor home feel even muggier.

Are There Limitations With Swamp Coolers?

In addition to the limitations of swamp coolers in more humid climates, they also are limiting to those who have issues with allergies. A swamp cooler continuously brings the outdoor air inside, cycles it over the water, and distributes the cool air throughout the house. If you have allergies to any irritants in outdoor air, a swamp cooler may not be the best option to cool your home.

What Are the Benefits of Swamp Coolers?

While swamp coolers do have some limitations, they offer plenty of benefits to enjoy. A swamp cooler is less expensive to buy and install. The system also does not have a compressor to deal with. The compressor is the primary operator of an air conditioner, so the primary expense you will endure is the fan operation.

Additionally, swamp coolers are more environmentally friendly. In addition to the reduced amount of energy needed to operate the system, a swamp cooler does not need refrigerant to work. You do not pose a risk to the environment through a refrigerant leak.

The contribution of humidity through a dry home is another perk. When the air is too dry, you risk dry skin, nasal passages, and hair. A little humidity through the use of a swamp cooler can help make you feel more comfortable in a variety of ways.

Do Swamp Coolers Have Any Drawbacks?

While the installation and use of a swamp cooler is less expensive than an air conditioner, the maintenance of the system is costlier. A swamp cooler requires professional winterization at the start of cool weather season. You also need a professional to set the swamp cooler up when the weather begins to warm.

Without professional maintenance, any residual moisture could damage the more sensitive parts of the swamp cooler, even when the temperatures do not dip into the freezing levels. The moisture will then cause more costs in repairs.

If you would like to know more about a swamp cooler installation, or have any other questions about HVAC systems in general, please contact us at Northwest Heating & Air Conditioning Inc. We will be happy to help you make the best heating and cooling decisions for your home. We look forward to working with you.

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