Deciding Between a Swamp Cooler and an Air Conditioner
An air conditioner has a more advanced mode of operation than a swamp cooler.
Homeowners shouldn't compromise efficiency when providing an indoor cooling solution because thermal discomfort can affect physical and mental well-being. But, many homeowners are conflicted about whether to buy a swamp cooler or an air conditioner.
Here are the differences between swamp coolers and air conditioners:
Understanding swamp coolers
A swamp cooler relies on a water evaporation mechanism to cool indoor air. The principle here is that water will require significant heat to evaporate. So, the swamp cooler has a water reservoir that looks and smells like a "swamp" from which it gets its name and evaporative pads.
The water reservoir's purpose is always to keep the evaporative pads moist. When warm air gets inside the swamp cooler, the moisture in the evaporative pads cools it and releases it back to the room at a lower temperature.
Advantages of a swamp cooler
Cost-effective: Swamp coolers are cheaper than air conditioners and are considered appropriate when a homeowner's budget is constrained.
Saves energy: The swamp cooler's mechanism to cool air requires significantly low energy, which helps reduce electricity bills.
Adds moisture to air: In dry houses with little to no humidity, swamp coolers can emit moisture into the air and alleviate dry skin problems.
Disadvantages of a swamp cooler
Cools the air by a few degrees: A swamp cooler might not be the most efficient in cooling a home. It cools the air by around 5 to 15 degrees, which makes little difference, especially in scorching areas.
Inefficient in humid areas: This type of cooler requires dry air. If the air is moisture-saturated, its cooling capacity decreases.
Understanding air conditioners
An air conditioner has a more advanced mode of operation than a swamp cooler. Instead of using water to cool the air, it uses a refrigerant. A fan pulls in warm air from the house and passes through an evaporator coil with a refrigerant that cools it. The cooled air then gets filtered and discharged back into the room. With this repetitive process, it takes minutes for the temperature in the room to decrease.
Advantages of an air conditioner
Efficient at controlling the house temperature: With an air conditioner, a homeowner can cool air quickly and maintain the desired temperature using a thermostat. This makes air conditioners suitable for any climate.
Removes pollutants from the air: If the indoor air has suspended pollutants, the air conditioner has a filter that removes them. Homeowners can avoid contracting respiratory diseases.
Disadvantages of an air conditioner
Consume lots of energy: Regardless of buying energy-efficient air conditioners, they consume more energy than swamp coolers.
Expensive: A quality air conditioner can cost a homeowner over $2,000, including the installation cost. Though they're efficient, the price might discourage most homeowners.
Not eco-friendly: Most refrigerants used in the cooling process emit greenhouse gases that increase global warming.
Choose the right cooling solution
Both swamp coolers and air conditioners help to cool the house, but they differ in efficiency and price. Though air conditioners are expensive, they are more efficient in cooling houses and office spaces. Alternatively, homeowners experiencing budgetary constraints can opt for a swamp cooler with its useful qualities.
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