Are swamp coolers outdated?

Swamp Coolers are Obsolete

While there are many different types of devices for cooling, swamp coolers are a popular choice because they provide efficient cooling at a reasonable cost, but with a variety of disadvantages as compared to newer evaporative cooling technology using atomizers.

How many years does a swamp cooler last?

But, while swamp coolers don't cost much to buy, they are a lot of work and money to maintain. Not only that, they are only warrantied to work for 5 years. Refrigerated air systems can last up to 20 years if properly maintained.

Should I replace swamp cooler with air conditioner?

Comfort – Air conditioning offers better indoor temperature control than a swamp cooler. During muggy months, central air also dries the air for greater relief indoors. Cost – AC systems cost more initially, but they eliminate drafty windows and other energy inefficiencies. They also recoup their costs at home resale.

Are swamp coolers worth it?

Swamp coolers are a more energy-efficient means of cooling your home. They use roughly 15 to 35 percent of the electricity needed by an air conditioner of the same size and require no chemicals. They do, however, require a constant supply of water. In areas of drought or water restriction, they may be less efficient.

At what point does the swamp cooler become ineffective?

According to USA Today, “When the outside temperature soars to 100 degrees (38 C), we're in trouble if the humidity is much above 25%.” As temperatures rise, humidity must decline in order to effectively cool your home.

Personal "air conditioners" aren't what they seem

At what humidity do swamp coolers stop working?

In Closing

Evaporative coolers are efficient for cooling spaces with low relative humidity. The level of relative humidity in your home should stay between 30 and 50 percent for optimum efficiency of your unit. You can still operate an evaporative cooler at humidity percentages up to 60 percent or more.

At what dew point do swamp coolers stop working?

If you want to gauge a cooler's efficiency in terms of dew point, just keep in mind that, in general, a dew point in excess of 55 is generally a swamp cooler humidity limit.

What are the pros and cons of a swamp cooler?

Do swamp coolers cause mold?

Swamp coolers do have the potential to harbor mold and mildew. The pads do stay wet through the season, which means that mold could grow. In more humid weather, mold is more apt to grow. When you turn on the cooler, the mold in the device could be spread through the process of blowing the air out into the ducts.

Why do they put swamp coolers on the roof?

The roof is usually the best place to install a swamp cooler. By putting it on the roof, it's a lot easier to connect it to your duct system and therefore pump cool air throughout your house. However, there are downsides to a roof installation.

How much does it cost to upgrade a swamp cooler to central air?

How much does it cost to replace a swamp cooler with central air? Replacing a swamp cooler with central AC will cost about $5,500. The cost to install central AC may be worth it if the cost of the water used to run the evaporative unit is expensive in your area.

Is Central Cooling the same as swamp cooler?

For people who like to turn on the AC and forget about it, swamp coolers are not the right fit. Another difference between central cooling and swamp coolers is how the cool air circulates through the home. Swamp coolers usually do not connect with any ducting. Instead, they move through the home by changes in pressure.

How often should you change pads in a swamp cooler?

Generally, it is recommended to clean the pads at least once every year or twice a year (before and after use) and replace them after 2-3 years.

Why do swamp coolers not work?

The most common reason for swamp coolers to break down is that the evaporative pads become saturated with water or that scale and debris builds up on them. It's also possible that the internal belt will break or slip off, and in that case it will need to be replaced.

Do swamp coolers filter the air?

Used in warm climates that have low humidity, they draw warm air into the unit and use water pads to cool the air by as much as 20 degrees. The cooled air is then blown into the house. Swamp coolers also filter the air, sucking in odors, smoke and other pollutants.

Can I put bleach in my swamp cooler?

Bleach is one of the most common household cleaning chemicals, but it is not a good choice for your swamp cooler. Bleach should never be used in an evaporative cooler as it can damage the pans and possibly void your warranty.

Why does my swamp cooler smell like fish?

If your swamp cooler smells murky or has a damp, stale odor, it's time to replace the cooling pads. Over time, the pad material can develop mold and mildew, which emits a fishy or "swamp"-like smell. It's also important to thoroughly drain and clean the water reservoir and replace it with fresh water before every use.

Are swamp coolers bad for allergies?

Avoid using fans that bring in the outside air. Use of swamp coolers is discouraged because of the increased potential for dust mite and mod growth, which both thrive in humidity.

How often should an evaporative air conditioner dump water?

Evaporative coolers should dump water every six to 12 hours when set to automatic, but the minimum standard is for the water to be dumped once every 24 hours. In order to prevent microbial spread, the water needs to be dumped every 72 hours.

Can you use a dehumidifier with a swamp cooler?

In short, you can use dehumidifier with swamp cooler to reduce humidity and improve cooling. However, the compatibility of both appliances is dependent on various factors, especially humidity and size of dehumidifier. If humidity is very high, then swamp cooler will not be able to function properly.

Can you run a swamp cooler and air conditioner at the same time?

Running the evaporative cooler and air conditioner at exactly the same time would be a bad idea. Evaporative coolers need air flow, and air conditioners need a closed area. Evaporative coolers add moisture to the air, while air conditioners remove moisture from the air.

Will a swamp cooler work in Florida?

Evaporative coolers (also known as swamp coolers) can be used in any climate because no place has 100 percent humidity. The process of using an evaporative cooler does add more humidity to the air, which is not something you would want during the summer in a humid location like Florida.

Do swamp coolers work in 100 degree weather?

Here's the deal: your swamp cooler will only cool your home by about 10 degrees. In addition, it will struggle immensely, and likely will not work at all, when its humid outside. If you're new to New Mexico and swamp coolers, you might be new to monsoon season, the time of year a swamp cooler is simply not an option.

Which type of air cooler is best for humid climate?