An evaporative cooler works almost the same as our body. When the temperature of our body rises, we sweat, and this helps us cool down.
Also referred to as a swamp cooler, wet air cooler, desert cooler, and swamp box, an evaporative cooler is equipped with two key features, which are a fan and cooling pads. The fan draws in warm air and passes it through the cooling pads. After that, the air comes out cool.
In this guide, we provide you with a list of factors to have in mind when buying a swamp cooler.
1. Features
Modern evaporative coolers are equipped with numerous features so you can have an easy time operating them. In our opinion, your swamp cooler should have these features: the remote control, casters, timer, and air filtration. These features are important since they allow you to get the most out of your unit.
The remote control allows you to operate the cooler from any corner of the room. Casters, on the other hand, make it easy to move the cooler from one room to another to enjoy continuous cooling in hot summer weather. Your evaporative cooler should also have a timer because this greatly conserves energy.
A timer automatically sets off the cooler when the preset time is reached. The timer settings in most coolers allow you to set the cooler so it can automatically shut off after 1 hour, 2 hours, 4 hours, 8 hours, etc. It is also important to choose a unit equipped with air filtration. This feature gets rid of allergens such as pollen and dust. This means your chances of suffering from allergic reactions when you have such a unit are almost down to zero.
2. The Type of the Swamp Cooler
Swamp coolers basically come in 2 types – those that use a centrifugal fan and those equipped with an axial fan. Swamp coolers equipped with a centrifugal fan are much quieter than their counterparts that use an axial fan. For this reason, they are a perfect addition to home offices, study rooms, or anywhere maximum silence is needed.
Nonetheless, coolers with centrifugal fans tend to consume more energy. As such, they may not be the ideal purchase for someone looking to cut down expenses. These coolers are also more expensive than those equipped with axial fans.
On the contrary, evaporative coolers with axial fans are cheaper, and, therefore, suitable for someone on a budget. They also consume less energy, which makes them a great purchase for someone looking to pay less in utility bills. However, swamp coolers with axial fans are noisier than those equipped with the drum-shaped centrifugal fan.
In short, a wet air cooler that uses a centrifugal fan is what you should go for if you are looking for a unit you can place in your bedroom at night for a good night’s rest. It is also suitable for a study room or home office. A wet air cooler that uses an axial fan, on the other hand, is a worthy investment for someone on a budget and planning to set the cooler in the living room or a place they will not be bothered by the noise from the cooler.
3. Your Region’s Climate
Before you buy an evaporative cooler, make sure you check and know very well the climate of your region. That is to say, if the climate of where you live is humid, it is best if you leave the idea of owning a swamp cooler alone. This is because a swamp box works by adding moisture to the environment.
Well, if you did not know, too much humidity at home can be damaging. It can make mold and mildew thrive at your place. This, in turn, can lead to various health concerns like allergies and asthma. Also, when humidity is high and temperatures are high too, you are likely to suffer from heat stroke, especially if you have heart issues.
With all that said, checking the humidity levels of your region before investing in a swamp cooler is very important. This means if humidity levels are not high, you can go for an evaporative air conditioner because it will take away all kinds of discomfort that come with summer and hot weather in general.
4. Construction
Most desert coolers are made of ABS materials. This is because ABS is sturdy, even though, it is plastic. Also, the fact that it is plastic means it will not corrode even when exposed to elements. Buying a solidly built swamp cooler is recommended because it is the first step to investing in a good unit that will stand the test of time.
The lifespan of wet air coolers ranges from 10 – 20 years. Apart from maintenance, the lifespan of these units is affected by how well they are made. In other words, a desert cooler may not last long enough if it is made of flimsy materials regardless of how well it is maintained. When we talk of construction, we do not just refer to the external build quality.
Internal components play a crucial part as well. For this reason, try to pick a unit, which is solidly built and has premium internal components that can hold up well to corrosion, rust, overheating, etc.
5. Room Area & CFM Rating
If the place you plan to set up your swamp box is large, go for a unit with a high CFM rating. CFM rating is simply the quantity of air that passes from the unit to your environment per minute. According to evapolar.com, a CFM rating of 750 is perfect for a room area of 250 square meters. So, you can do the math and see how much CFM rating you need for your living space.
CFM rating is also affected by the ceiling height. This means your cooler should have a higher CFM rating if your ceiling is higher than the average height. Also, if the space you live in is exposed to direct sunlight, consider going for a unit with high CFM. Evapolar.com further advises that you should choose a cooler with high CFM if there are heat-producing appliances in the same room as your cooler.
Moreover, make sure you check the dimensions of the desert cooler you are about to purchase. This is because a good number of these units are not on the small side. They take quite some space, especially if it is a very effective one. For this reason, you must have a space readily available.
If such kind of space is not there, you can consider going for a personal cooler, which you can place almost anywhere. Aesthetics play an important role as well. Luckily, you will not struggle so much to find a gorgeous evaporative cooler that instantly improves the décor of your space. These units are available in a wide range of colors, including white, black, and silver.
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6. Water Tank Capacity
Choosing an evaporative cooler that has a huge water tank is highly recommended since you will not have to refill it time after time. A large water tank, therefore, ensures great convenience. You should also pick a cooler with a water level indicator to alert you when there is no water in the tank so you can add water immediately and prevent overheating or damage to the unit.
Swamp coolers designed to be connected to a water pipe using a hose are great options as well. These units can run continuously since they will not run out of water. They are a perfect purchase for someone looking to use their swamp coolers for long hours. Ideally, you can get a hybrid evaporative cooler that has a water container as well as allowing you to connect it to a water hose.
Conclusion
An evaporative cooler is a simple unit that keeps the air in your home cool, thereby, making your place comfortable to be in. Moreover, this unit does not consume a lot of energy like an air conditioner. It is perfect for the garage and patio. You can also use it indoors, but make sure the windows and/or doors are open to let in fresh air.
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