Summer temperatures are about to soar, particularly in the Southwest, but that doesn’t mean you have to give up patio parties or endure the dry heat under an ineffective fan. Swamp coolers, also known as evaporative coolers, are a great option for keeping your outdoor areas, as well as indoor spaces, comfortable even in the hottest weather. In fact, we think they're the best way to cool your home or outdoor living area. Keep reading to learn about these unique coolers - and how they can be life-savers this summer.
What is a Swamp Cooler?
Unlike traditional ACs that use compressors and refrigerants to cool, swamp coolers are appliances that provide relief through the natural process of evaporation. Water is used to saturate cooling media, and a powerful fan propells this cooled air out into your space. The combination of water-soaked cooling media and a powerful fan can reduce temperatures up to 30 degrees Fahreheit.
Have you ever experienced a chill after stepping out of the pool on a hot day or the coolness of standing near a waterfall? That chilly feeling is the result of evaporative cooling. Since they rely on the natural process of evaporation, they are economical alternatives to traditional air conditioners.
Stay Cool Indoors in Dry Climates
Evaporative coolers are the ideal earth-friendly, cost effective machine for staying cool and combating heat stress in dry climates like the Southwestern United States. This attractive, portable indoor model from Sunpentown can cool rooms up to 400 sq. ft. Other models from manufacturers like SPT and Honeywell provide coverage for a variety of spaces in your home.
With available window-mount models there’s an evaporative swamp cooler that will fit nearly any room and in some cases the whole house. These versatile machines are also effective when used on screened porches, covered patios, and other semi-indoor spaces.
Note: When you're using an evaporative swamp cooler indoors, it is important to have a fresh air source such as an open window or door that is either screened or kept ajar. Because they add moisture to the air, unventilated spaces can become too damp, making the air feel clammy.
How to Keep Your Patio or Deck Cool
Portable, outdoor-rated swamp coolers, like the Hessaire MC61M 5,300 CFM Evaporative Cooler put this natural cooling process to work for outdoor cooling in spaces up to 1,600 square feet. These swamp coolers are designed to stand up to outdoor environments; simply wheel them into place, add water and enjoy immediate cooling.
For smaller patio cooling, an option like the Honeywell CO30XE evaporative air cooler will provide relief from rising temperatures without taking up a lot of space. These machines are economical as well as eay to use. Models with hose hook-ups can operate continuously without refilling the reservoir.
The truth is, swamp coolers are the perfect solution for hot, dry summers, ideal for pool decks, patios, garages, and can be used in warehouses, on loading docks, construction sites, at outdoor event & dining venues, and sports fields to keep employees, customers, and fans cool.
Additional Evaporative Swamp Cooler Information
Evaporative cooling has other bonuses, too:
- Swamp coolers add moisture to the air as they cool. This makes them most effective and ideal in hot, dry climates with humidity levels below 50%, like the southwestern U.S.
- They’re also much more energy efficient than air conditioners. In fact, according to the California Energy Commission Consumer Energy Center, swamp coolers use as much as 75% less electricity than a conventional AC (making them 25% efficient), which can add up to big savings on your annual cooling bill.
- Large, industrial evaporative coolers can be used in warehouses, at outdoor event & dining venues, and sports fields to keep employees, customers, and fans cool.
Whether you like hanging out inside with a new book or love enjoying outdoor living areas, don’t worry about how to keep cool this summer! Relax with that novel, fire up the grill, set up your outdoor games (don’t forget the inflatable shark), invite your friends over and, forget about the heat. Your portable evaporative swamp cooler has that under control.
Questions?
Want more information on all types of swamp coolers? Check out our Swamp Cooler Buying Guide and our Swamp Coolers FAQ. You can also find the best swamp cooler for you here. Do you use a swamp cooler to maintain the comfort of your patio or pool area? We want to know your experiences. Let us know on our Facebook or Twitter pages, or you can simply comment below.
