Evaporative coolers, or swamp coolers as they are commonly referred, are an alternative to the standard refrigerated air conditioners seen in many homes.

Swamp coolers rely on the flow of air through your home to direct the cool air, needing hot, dry air to displace the air in the house. This means, with a swamp cooler, you can have the windows and doors open. Sounds great for the dry climates right? Well, it is. They work by putting water into dry air acting as a humidifier which is great in dry climates but doesn’t work in wetter climates.

Air conditioners, work by passing air over a set of coils filled with a refrigerant which heats and cools as it’s compressed and expands. As the air is cooled over the coils, it is sent through your house, then recirculated over and over. Standard air conditioners are a closed system because of this so your windows and doors need to be closed to prevent the cold air from escaping.

Standard air conditioners also dry out the air, which is great in a humid climate.

Here are some pros and cons of each type of system:

Refrigerated Air Conditioner

Pros

Produces colder air

Maintains a consistent temperature

Not affected by humidity

Can filter the air

Cons

More expensive to install

More expensive to run as electricity usage is higher

Swamp Cooler

Pros

Less expensive to run

Creates a little humidity in a dry climate

Cons

Can create too much moisture

Can be ineffective in high humidity climates

The best one for your home really depends on the average climate in your area and what kind of climate you desire inside your home. And, a part of your decision making should include a discussion with a professional who can guide you through the various brands and features along with suggesting the appropriate size for the space you need to cool in your home. It’s important to do a little research since each type has its own pros and cons. And, remember our blog about maintenance. It’s important to ensure that any unit you choose is properly installed and maintained.

As always, if you have any questions, just give us a call.