Many households rely on air conditioning to survive the warmest months of the year. However, older houses were not built with central air conditioning in mind, and installing a new system (particularly if you don't have forced air heating) may be costly and time-consuming. So here are some points on the swamp cooler vs air conditioner.
Swamp coolers operate on the principle of a fan pushing heated air through a cold water-soaked pad. Water cools the air as it passes through the pad, which then enters your home.
Each cooling method has advantages and disadvantages. When confronted with the decision, here's what you need to know about each system.
Installation
Installing a swamp cooler is far easier than installing a whole-house air conditioner. If you already have central heating, however, installing central air becomes easier. Because your air conditioner may utilize the same ductwork as your heating system, the installation process is as simple as installing the compressor and connecting the electrical cables and fans to circulate air throughout the home.
Roof-mounted swamp coolers are common. The unit may appear out of place on a rooftop, yet it requires no ducting anyplace else in the home.
Running Cost
The swamp cooler wins in the savings area because of the low cost of installation and operation. Central air conditioning compressors need a significant amount of power to operate. A swamp cooler requires only enough electricity to run a modest fan and water pump. They utilize a fifth of the energy that a central AC compressor does.
The swamp cooler is a more cost-effective option for summer cooling for budget-conscious consumers.
Maintenance
Central air conditioning does need some maintenance, but most of it consists of removing debris from the compressor and ensuring that the air filters are replaced regularly.
Evaporative coolers need significantly more upkeep. Before each winter, they must be winterized and sealed. To avoid mildew growth, replace the pads that retain the water regularly. The pump will eventually wear out and need to be replaced. Swamp coolers are not appropriate for folks who want to turn on the air conditioner and forget about it.
Cooling On The Whole
Another distinction between central cooling and swamp coolers is how the cold air flows throughout the house. Swamp coolers are not often connected to ducting. They instead migrate through the house based on pressure changes. When you keep the windows cracked in each room, cold air flows into the house and drives warmer air out, allowing cool air to enter.
Controlling The Temperature
The ability to regulate your thermostat to any setting is one of the many advantages of central air conditioning. 65 degrees Fahrenheit may be the ideal temperature for folks who enjoy extreme cold. 78 degrees may seem acceptable for individuals who just want to cool off in the summer heat.
You don't get this benefit with a swamp cooler. When the temperature rises into the triple digits, your cooler may struggle to supply cold air. Because the cooling capacity of the water in the pads remains constant, even when temperatures reach triple digits, the air flowing from your cooler will be less hot than outdoors, but not as chilly as you would want.
