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Swamp Coolers

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Cooler Than Cool: The Science Behind Swamp Coolers

Elevating Comfort With Evaporative Coolers

Given the hot, dry climate in Farmington, NM, a swamp cooler may be the perfect option for your home. A swamp cooler — also known as an evaporative cooler — works by using the principle of evaporative cooling to lower the temperature of the air.

It’s an energy-efficient alternative to traditional air conditioning systems.

The team at Robbins Heating & Air Conditioning has organized this guide to help you understand more about these cooling systems. Read on to learn how an evaporative cooler works and how our team can help keep your home cool!

Evaporative Coolers: The Inner Workings

A swamp cooler is a bit of a misnomer — these systems do not make your space feel like a muggy swamp nor do they function in swampy areas. Instead, they use water to create cooler, more humid air to lower the temperature of an indoor space.

close up of a swampcooler

Usually, using water to get cooler involves getting in a pool! Here’s the process so you understand how this system cools your air:

  • Moistening the air — A pump circulates water from a reservoir onto a cooling pad, which becomes very wet.
  • Air circulation — A fan draws air from outside the unit through the moistened pad. As the air passes through the pad, it is cooled by evaporation.
  • Humidity and climate — Swamp coolers work best in hot, dry climates where humidity is low. They are not effective in areas with high humidity, such as swamps.
  • Airflow and ventilation — Cooled air inside the building is not recirculated, so doors or windows must be left open for this air to escape, or extraction fans need to be installed.

The process of evaporative cooling is based on the fact that when water evaporates, it absorbs heat from the surrounding air, lowering the temperature. This makes evaporative coolers an energy-efficient and environmentally friendly cooling option, particularly in dry climates like New Mexico.

Maximize Efficiency With Ventilation

These cooling units work on an open system and typically require open windows or doors to function effectively. The open window or door helps maintain a balance between the amount of air entering the room and leaving the unit, which is essential for the efficient operation of the cooler.

This is particularly important for smaller units — such as those used for single rooms or offices — which are often placed in a window and rely on the open window to provide the necessary airflow.

In larger units, it may not always be necessary to open a window, as the unit can be installed outside or on a roof, with ducts installed to help move the air around the space. However, opening a window allows the warm air to escape, preventing the cooler from constantly working harder to cool the air that it has already cooled.

Our team can work with you to determine the best installation option for your swamp cooler. Plus, we can answer other questions like “What time of day should I run my swamp cooler?” to make comfort easy to achieve in your home!

Swamp Cooler Factors To Consider

Let’s make your swamp cooler journey a breeze! Explore these must-know factors to ensure your cooling experience is as refreshing and worry-free as a gentle breeze on a hot day.

Several factors can affect the effectiveness of a swamp cooler, including:

  • Climate — Swamp coolers are most effective in hot, dry climates with low humidity. They may struggle to cool effectively in areas and/or seasons with high humidity.
  • Maintenance — Regular maintenance is essential for the effective operation of a swamp cooler. This includes cleaning, replacing cooling pads and ensuring proper water distribution. Neglecting maintenance can reduce the cooler’s effectiveness.
  • Water quality — The quality of the water used in the cooler can impact its effectiveness. High mineral content in the water can lead to mineral deposits and corrosion, affecting the cooler’s performance.
  • Airflow and ventilation — Adequate airflow is necessary for the efficient operation of a swamp cooler. This often requires leaving a window or door open to allow for proper air circulation.
  • Size of the space — The size of the area being cooled can also affect the effectiveness of the swamp cooler. Larger spaces may require more powerful units to achieve the desired cooling effect.

By considering these factors and ensuring proper maintenance and operation, the effectiveness of a swamp cooler can be optimized for your home. Here at Robbins, we aim to keep our customers’ homes comfortable season after season. We’ll consider all the variables and come up with the perfect cooling solution for you!

Turn To Robbins For Trusted Cooling Solutions

As the sun beats down in Farmington, NM, our team is ready to help you keep your cool. Unveil the power of efficient and eco-friendly cooling that embraces nature’s breeze.

Experience indoor comfort and elevated well-being in your space with our swamp cooler services. With a legacy of HVAC excellence, we stand as your trusted cooling partner.

Ready to transform your home? Reach out to Robbins Heating & Air Conditioning for trusted swamp cooler repairs and installations. Embrace the cool. Your oasis in the New Mexico heat awaits!

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