A Basic Guide to Swamp Coolers
Swamp coolers (evaporative air coolers or air conditioners) have been around for a long time.
Swamp coolers (evaporative air coolers or air conditioners) have been around for a long time. Researchers have traced their origin back to the ancient Egyptians hanging wet fabric across open doors to cool down the interior of homes.
This ancient technology works well in places with hot, dry climates. This article will provide some basic information about how swamp coolers work.
How does a swamp cooler work?
Swamp coolers operate on an elementary principle. First, warm air is drawn through wet pads, which cools the air. This cooler air is then pushed into a room, lowering the room's temperature. As water evaporates, it changes from a liquid to a gas. As it sheds gas molecules into the air, these molecules will absorb some of the heat from the surrounding warmer air. Swamp coolers rely on this cooling reaction, and using a fan, or a blower pushes the now cooler air into a room.
Swamp coolers work on an open system, the exact opposite of an air conditioner. Air conditioners operate on a closed system. Windows should all be closed when running an AC unit. Open windows allow the cool air to escape, causing the unit to work harder. Swamp coolers rely on a supply of dry, hot air to evaporate the water on their cooler pads.
Swamp cooler components
Modern swamp coolers have five components to convert warm air into cool air. Let's outline what each of them does:
Water supply valve
Swamp coolers require a water source to operate. The water supply valve supplies the unit with the water required for the evaporative pads. This valve connects to the home's water supply with a copper tube. The copper helps to keep the water cool.
Float
The float is located at the bottom of the unit. Its function is to stop water flow when it hits a certain level. The float must remain operative, or the swamp cooler will overflow.
Pump
The pump keeps water flowing to the evaporative pads through a pipe or a hose. Therefore, the pads need to remain moist to produce cooler air.
Evaporative pads
The inside of a swamp cooler is lined with evaporative pads. The pads typically consist of wood fibers, but some consist of cellulose paper or plastic.
Blower motor
The blower motor keeps air flowing over the evaporative pads and forces the cooler air into the room.
Contact a home cooling professional
A home cooling professional can provide information to see if a swamp cooler is ideal for one's home. Homeowners who live in dry climates could benefit from installing a swamp cooler that can lower indoor temperatures without significantly increasing energy consumption. Experts should always do installation and maintenance.
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