As you look at ways to cool your home, business, or warehouse, it’s important to consider the options. An evaporative cooler and an air conditioner are both effective ways to lower the temperature and offer a more comfortable environment. However, there are some big differences that you should know about before you decide one way or another.
1. Evaporative Coolers Release Moisture into the Air
Evaporative coolers have earned the nickname of swamp coolers because of their ability to add moisture into the air. In arid conditions, such as in the desert heat of Arizona, New Mexico, or Texas, the heat can be unbearable – and much of that is because there isn’t enough moisture in the air.
Evaporative coolers can release a significant amount of moisture into the air, whereas air conditioners will often work to dehumidify – taking any remaining moisture that is in the air out.
When there’s a balanced amount of moisture in the air, it can add more comfort. Additionally, it can also have positive effects on your sinuses, your skin, and your overall well-being.
2. Evaporative Coolers Require Less Maintenance
When you compare the maintenance involved with evaporative coolers to air conditioners, there’s the question of maintenance. Evaporative coolers have fewer moving parts. As such, they don’t require the same level of maintenance. You won’t have to worry about a condenser breaking or a refrigerant leak.
In most instances, you’ll simply have to change out the cooling medium periodically. To avoid other problems, you can also winterize the unit when it’s not in use.
3. Air Conditioners Require Ductwork
Installing a unit that will produce cold air for you and/or your employees may need to be done quickly and affordably. You’ll want to consider what’s involved with installing an evaporative cooler in comparison to an HVAC system. Air conditioners will require ductwork – and this can be both time-consuming and expensive.
Evaporative coolers are simpler. Depending on the unit, it can be installed on the roof, on a wall, or even in a window. Some evaporative coolers are portable, allowing you to wheel them into position so that they can begin working immediately.
4. The Overall Technology is Different
The technology varies dramatically in terms of how the two cooling systems work.
First, an evaporative cooler works based on the premise of evaporation. Air moves over a water-soaked cooling medium so that the air is cooled while also containing water molecules.
An air conditioner depends on a series of tubes or coils along with a chemical refrigerant. The air continues to recirculate in a closed loop. Further, as heat is pulled out of the air, moisture is also removed.
5. Evaporative Coolers are Energy Efficient
Evaporative coolers don’t require a significant amount of energy. They use water and electricity together in order to cool the temperature – often by 20 degrees or more. Since they don’t have a lot of moving parts, they don’t require a significant amount of energy to keep them powered.
When you are looking at an energy-efficient and eco-friendly option for your space, evaporative coolers are the better choice. They have low carbon monoxide emissions and use clean air to circulate around your environment as opposed to recycling the same air over and over again.
As you compare electricity usage, swamp coolers are known to save you 75% of the energy costs in comparison to traditional air conditioners. Then, the added water that you may use with the swamp cooler is minimal.
6. Evaporative Coolers Aren’t as Effective in Heavily Humid Areas
There are pros and cons with every type of cooling unit that you may be considering for your space. When it comes to humidity, evaporative coolers work in the opposite way as traditional AC units. One adds humidity to the air while the other takes it away.
When there’s a high level of humidity already in the air, evaporative coolers become less effective. The reason is that the water isn’t going to evaporate quickly enough to cause a significant temperature difference. Remember – evaporative coolers function based on the premise of evaporation. When there are already water molecules in the air, evaporation cannot take place.
Areas such as Florida and elsewhere along the East Coast of the U.S. are known for being highly humid. As such, a swamp cooler won’t be as effective because it would only add to the sticky feeling that can make the hottest months of summer nearly unbearable.
7. Doors and Windows Can Be Open When Using an Evaporative Cooler
Evaporative coolers don’t depend on the sealed, closed system that traditional air conditioners do. If you want to have doors and windows open, you can do so knowing that it’s not going to increase your energy usage.
One of the reasons why traditional AC units can be costly is because the simplest form of inefficiency can add up on the energy bill. Windows and doors need to be sealed and weatherproofed so that cold air isn’t escaping – and so that hot air isn’t entering the premises.
When you keep the doors and windows open when you have an evaporative cooler, you get a steady flow of dry, fresh air entering the property. It ensures that the evaporation process works as efficiently as possible – and you won’t have to worry about a clammy feeling on your skin or any level of discomfort because of too much or not enough moisture in the air.
Explore Custom Options
One of the most effective ways to know whether an evaporative cooler or an air conditioner is the best option is to determine how often you need to adjust the temperature in your space. Evaporative coolers are great when you need temporary cooling solutions and don’t need to worry about central heating during colder months.
By calling a professional such as Premier Industries, Inc., you can learn about the custom options that are available for your residential, commercial, or industrial space. Once you have addressed your concerns, recommendations can be catered to meet your individual needs.
