Best Alternative to Air Conditioning: Swamp Coolers
Did you realize there is more than one way to cool your home outside an air conditioner? You might be surprised to find out a swamp cooler is an alternative way to cool the air in your home.
In addition to needing to cool your home, there are other situations where you may seek out air conditioning, like at your outdoor wedding venue. This is when outdoor swamp cooler rentals would be an excellent option.
You might also find yourself in a situation where your air conditioner is broken, or parts are on backorder, and it is too hot to be without cooling. Looking into swamp cooler rentals might be a good option in the meantime to help cool your home at a small cost until you can get your air conditioner back up and running.
Now that you know there is another option outside of an air conditioner, we’re sure you want to know the difference between the two and which is the best option for your home or your swamp cooler rental needs.
What Is the Difference Between a Swamp Cooler and an Air Conditioner?
A swamp cooler can also be known as an evaporative cooler which can be a terrific replacement for an air conditioner, especially if you are seeking out swamp cooler rentals for a small amount of time. These machines work differently than your standard air conditioning system as they not only cool your home but also use moisture.
While an air conditioner works by blowing temperature-controlled air, a swamp cooler pulls in the fresh air from outside and cools it with water. Then it pushes that cooled and wet air throughout the home. Essentially the cool, wet air provided by the swamp is displacing the hot air by pushing it back outside.
A swamp cooler is different from an air conditioner in the fact it needs fresh air to be able to operate. When a swamp cooler operates, it requires you to open your home’s windows at least partially. A typical central air conditioner does not need the windows to be open because it recirculates the air that is already in the home, and if you leave your windows open, it will let the cool air out of the house.
However, there are certain times when you can close the windows and doors in your home, like
- When you want to cool a room down quickly
- When you want to cool only select rooms within the home
While air conditioners work best wherever and whenever, swamp coolers work best in dry climates because they can lower the temperature by at least 20 degrees Fahrenheit while reducing the overall humidity. The main benefit of using a swamp cooler in a dry climate is that it can pump the airflow full of moisture.
What Are the Benefits of a Swamp Cooler?
Swamp coolers can offer many positive benefits in comparison to their counterpart the air conditioner:
- Tend to be more affordable than air conditioners
- Are more energy efficient than air conditioners
- They use 60–80 percent less energy than an air conditioner
- Offer wet airflow to the environment they are used in
- Are relatively quiet machines that you may not even hear them running
- Are environmentally friendly
- They do not release carbon dioxide into the air like an air conditioning unit
What Is the Care Like for a Swamp Cooler?
Swamp coolers, just like air conditioning units, require routine maintenance. Typically a swamp cooler will need more maintenance than air conditioning. Care of your swamp cooler is key, as minerals can cause sediment buildup, and the buildup can cause system problems or failure.
Sometimes this is even daily maintenance to ensure the filter stays damp even if it is connected directly to your water supply.
Even though air conditioners and swamp coolers alike require part changes, a swamp cooler will require frequent part changes for its cooling pads. Generally, the cooling pads are changed at least twice a year, but sometimes they require being changed more often if they work a lot.
When Else Would I Use a Swamp Cooler?
In addition to being utilized as the primary cooling source in your home, a swamp cooler can also be used outdoors.
Sometimes you want to host an outdoor event, but it’s too hot. This is where outdoor swamp cooler rentals make their entrance. You want to make sure your outdoor event is fun for all, so adding a little cool air will help beat the summer heat.
Outdoor swamp coolers have become increasingly popular for outdoor events where heat can be a factor, especially since they are portable and require minimal setup. The outdoor swamp cooler works the same as an indoor swamp cooler by pulling in the hot fresh air and blowing out cool, wet air.
Not only are outdoor swamp coolers effective at helping to put a little chill in the air at your outdoor event, but they also double as a bug repellent since they give off moving air, making it hard for insects to fly against.
In addition, swamp coolers also use a quarter of the energy an air conditioner does, so you are also saving money when you choose to go with an outdoor swamp cooler rental.
There are lots of events you may need an outdoor swamp cooler rental for:
- Street Festivals
- Outdoor living spaces
- Group events
- Restaurant patios
- Camping or RV vacations
- Grilling
Final Thoughts
Swamp coolers are a great idea if you are looking for options outside of an air conditioning unit. Not only are there many benefits, like saving money and cooling the air around you by 20 degrees Fahrenheit, but you will also enjoy the ease and versatility of the swamp cooler.
If you are in the market for swamp cooler rentals, let us help you choose the best model for your needs. Give us a call and tell us about your home, your event, and your needs and we will find the best option for you.