Robbins Heating & Air Conditioning, Inc. Blog: Archive for the ‘Air Conditioning’ Category

Swamp Cooler Vs. Central AC: Which Is Right For You?

Monday, August 8th, 2022

A refrigerant-based air conditioner isn’t the only option out there for you. There is also the option of an evaporative or swamp cooler to consider.

The goal of both systems is to make sure that you can enjoy a nice, cool home. But these systems work very differently from each other.

Let’s explore the basics of how a central AC in Farmington, NM cools your home versus an evaporative cooler. With this knowledge in mind, you can make a more informed decision about what kind of system is right for your home’s comfort needs.

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What time of day do I run my swamp cooler?

Friday, August 5th, 2022

It’s the peak of summer and you’re wondering if you should crank up your swamp cooler to try and beat the heat.

robbins fixing a swamp cooler in farmington nm

How A Swamp Cooler Works

Because of our dry climate, swamp coolers can be effective cooling systems. They take in dry air, moisten it by running it through soaked pads, and pump that newly cooled air into your home. This not only adds moisture to your home but simultaneously cools it down.

So they are a cheaper option than refrigerated air and work well in dry climates, and evaporative coolers cool the air they bring into the home by 10-20°. So the air being circulated through your home is 10-20° less than the temperature outside. If there is more humidity in the air, that equals less cooling potential because the air is already moist.

Insulation also plays a part in cooling your home. Good, quality insulation will help hold that cool air in, bringing your home’s temperature down. If air is able to escape, then the overall temperature may not be as low due to that cooler air being able to get out.

And something to note, swamp coolers only cool the air they bring in, not necessarily the whole home. So it may seem like you’re running your evaporative cooler more. So should you run your cooler all day then, to help keep out the heat?

Run your evaporative cooler from early morning till afternoon, then give it a rest.

Here’s why.

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Understanding Evaporative Coolers

Monday, July 11th, 2022

There are a few different air conditioner options out there. The one that people tend to overlook sometimes though is the evaporative or swamp cooler in Farmington, NM. These are cooling systems that operate a bit differently than the refrigerant-based units that seem to have become the standard in the market. Why? Because evaporative coolers don’t use refrigerant.

An evaporative cooler offers an effective method to cool your home that also happens to be somewhat environmentally friendly. If you are considering a switch, read on to learn more about evaporative air conditioners to see if this may be the right choice for your home.

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7 Ways to Optimize Your AC Efficiency

Monday, June 13th, 2022
house-and-money

This summer is already ramping up to be a challenge. We are all going to have to be smart about how we go about our days in order to stay cool and relatively comfortable.

If you are going to be relying on your air conditioner in Farmington, NM to keep you cool, you aren’t alone. This system is meant to keep you cool! But it can cost you if you aren’t careful. Running an air conditioner improperly or inefficiently can create energy bills that make you question if your comfort is worth it!

Here are some tips to help you run your AC this season in a way that is energy efficient and effective at once.

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Problematic Sounds Your AC Might Make

Monday, May 16th, 2022
noisy-system

When it comes to using your air conditioner, you want your system to work effectively and without any trouble. There is a chance that your air conditioner seems to be working right but it has started to make some odd noises. But is a noisy AC really a problem if your system is still working right?

The answer is that a noisy AC is still something to be concerned about. Those noises are indicators of trouble in your system and, even if it seems to be working properly, the core cause of the sound is already undermining its operation. So what are these noises? We’ll tell you below.

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Don’t Forget To Change Your Air Filter!

Monday, May 2nd, 2022

It is only going to get hotter. As we near summer and the highest temperatures of the year, you’ll want to make sure that you are doing everything you can to keep your air conditioning in Bloomfield working right. If you schedule system maintenance already then you are off to a great start!

We want to bring up something that we see too many Bloomfield residents forget about during the cooling season though. While maintenance does include a filter change, you should still make a habit of checking and changing your filter for your AC throughout the season.

Let us explain why you need to change your filter more often than you may realize and why it is so important to do so.

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Why a Refrigerant Leak Needs Immediate Service

Monday, April 18th, 2022
AC-technician-working

Refrigerant is the substance that makes your air conditioner the system that it is. Without it, your AC would essentially just be a large and rather overly expensive fan.

This is why, if you see any indicators that you have a refrigerant leak in your AC, you should schedule air conditioner repair in Aztec immediately. Getting that repair as soon as you can will help save you money on your energy expenses and can end up meaning the difference between a repair and replacement.

Let’s delve into what refrigerant is, why it is important, and why a refrigerant leak is a big problem.

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Choosing Your Next Air Conditioner

Monday, April 4th, 2022
ductless-blower

You don’t want to try to get through a summer in our area without a good air conditioner to rely on. So if your AC has been acting up without any improvements, despite maintenance and repairs, it may mean it is time to consider an AC replacement in Farmington, NM. Getting this service ahead of time, before the system completely breaks down, is a far better choice than waiting for it to give out.

Getting a new air conditioner isn’t always as easy as just selecting the same system that you had before. Technology has changed rapidly and the options available for AC systems today are somewhat different than they were 10-15 years ago. To help, we’d like to give you some input on different factors to consider when choosing a new air conditioner.

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Evaporative Cooler Efficiency in New Mexico Climate

Saturday, March 26th, 2022
swamp cooler san juan county nm new mexico
Swamp Cooler

There are many options to consider when deciding what kind of AC unit is most efficient for the climate you’re living in. What your sister is using at her home in Buffalo, NY may not be what’s right for you in the high desert, like San Juan County, NM, even if she raves about how well it works for her home. If you’ve kicked around the idea of purchasing an evaporative cooler, read on to find out more about this option.

How do “swamp coolers” work?

Evaporative coolers aka “swamp coolers” use water to wet a cooling pad inside the unit, when outdoor air passes over the pads the cooled air is blown into the space. This is similar to taking a cold shower on a hot day or putting a cold cloth against your skin. They add humidity to the air which can be a great benefit in our dry desert climate. Evaporative coolers can also add fresh air into the space, which is great in environments where lots of people may be present. Evaporative coolers also don’t use any refrigerant. Replacement parts have a lower cost and can be found at a local hardware store. Many owners find the know-how to perform repairs with DIY training or YouTube University.

What are the cons to using a swamp cooler?

Cooling with outside air does have its drawbacks. Because outside air is the source, the temperature will only be 20-25° cooler than the outdoor temperature at best. Likewise, any outdoor smell can travel into the cooled space, i.e.; the neighbors’ barbeque grill, skunks, etc. Evaporative coolers also continually use water which may be an extra consideration to make in drought conditions.


Although the initial cost is lower, the frequency of repairs is high and most manufacturer warranties are typically only 12 months or less. Additionally, IAQ solutions are not compatible. Electricity costs are also another detail to factor in when budgeting for this type of cooling unit. A common belief is evaporative coolers are less expensive to operate than AC. This may be true when compared to older AC systems but is not the case when considering newer, high efficient systems.

How do I know which option is right for me?

Depending on what your needs are, you may have a strong preference for a certain system to use. When in doubt, call a professional like Robbins Heating and & Air Conditioning, and we can help guide you through questions or which option would be better for your home or business. As always, our in-home evaluations are free of charge.

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Make Sure Your AC Is Ready To Keep You Cool

Monday, March 21st, 2022

Would you go on a road trip without having your car checked out? Or would you participate in a marathon without any training to prepare yourself physically? We’d hope that the answer to both of these questions is no!

Preparation is vital to so many different things and this includes your home comfort. We aren’t just talking about preparing to switch your air conditioner on though. Much like training for the marathon, your air conditioner needs maintenance services in Aztec to prepare for the challenge of summer.

Have you scheduled your maintenance appointment yet? If not, read on to discover how it will benefit you, and then contact us to book a visit from an expert technician.

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