Evaporative Coolers

If you live in an older neighborhood in the Valley, you may have noticed many of the houses in your area have two box-like structures on the roof.  One of them is the air conditioner, and the other box is most likely an evaporative cooler.  So what exactly is an evaporative cooler, and why are they only on some homes?

What are Evaporative Coolers?

An evaporative cooler is different from an air conditioner. It uses the evaporation of water to produce a cooling effect in your home.  Coolers are basically metal boxes with vents. A fan on the inside brings in the hot outside air.  This hot air is then blown across special evaporative cooler pads. The pads been kept wet by a water pump inside the cooler.  When the hot air meets the damp cooler pads, the water is evaporated, making the air damp and cool.  This cool air is then blown into the house through the metal ducts.

Ancient Technology

Evaporative cooling is the forerunner to modern air conditioning, and has been in use for thousands of years.  Early on, people figured out that a breeze blown across a damp cloth or a pot of water produced a cooling effect.  Evaporative coolers are an easy, inexpensive way to keep cool, and work especially well in very dry climates.  This is why evaporative coolers were so popular in the early days of Phoenix settlement.

Evaporative coolers are not a bad way to keep cool in the summer. However, since they depend on hot, dry air to work effectively, the monsoon season decreases a cooler’s efficiency.  The humidity levels experienced in our monsoon season don't work well with to an evaporative cooler.  The damp air isn't able to be cooled down enough, leaving a warm, muggy atmosphere.  As the technology and efficiency of air conditioners have increased, many homeowners and businesses have moved away from evaporative cooler use.  However, some people may choose to use evaporative coolers to keep their garage at a reasonable temperature during the summer. Due to high energy costs, the evaporative cooler can remain a popular choice for many.

Do you use your evaporative cooler?  Clark Heating & Cooling services and installs evaporative coolers, so if you are interested in this option, please call us today!