Evaporative Air Cooler
Evaporative air coolers use the principles of evaporation to cool. When water evaporates, it turns from liquid to gas, and this causes the temperature of the surrounding air to drop.
These cooling systems have a fan that draws in hot air and passes it through a reservoir of water-soaked pads. They also have features like varying fan speeds and oscillating functions.
Cost
Evaporative air coolers cost less than traditional refrigerated systems, and their energy efficiency can lead to considerable savings on utility bills. They also use no harmful chemicals or ozone-depleting refrigerants, making them more environmentally friendly than other cooling methods. The price of an evaporative cooler depends on its size and cooling capacity, but most manufacturers offer a range of models to suit different budgets. Assistant Editor Annie O’Sullivan and Home Improvement & Outdoor Lab Director Dan DiClerico tested the best evaporative coolers on the market to find the most affordable options.
The basic model draws in hot, dry air from outside and passes it through a filter or pad soaked in water. The water evaporates as the air moves over it, lowering the temperature and creating cool, moist air. The cooled air is then directed into the room. Evaporative coolers are most effective in dry climates, where the low humidity makes it easier for water to evaporate than air.
Most evaporative coolers come with a remote control and multiple speed settings, and some have timers and other features to enhance convenience. Some even have ice compartments or gel ice packs to increase their cooling power. The cooling capacity of an evaporative air cooler depends on the amount of water it holds and the size of the space it will cool. A model with 7 to 12 gallons will cool a small apartment or single room, while a cooler with more than 16 gallons can work in larger spaces like a garage or workspace.
Energy Efficiency
Evaporative cooling uses less energy than refrigerated air conditioning units because it relies on natural evaporation. It is also a more environmentally friendly option since it does not use harmful refrigerants. Its low energy consumption also means reduced monthly utility bills, resulting in significant savings over time.
However, the humidity of the climate can affect a building’s ability to use evaporative cooling. The wetted pads act as fairly effective air filters, trapping a variety of pollutants and dumping them into the sump tank. This can help lower the dew point temperature and increase an occupant’s comfort level.
The low humidity of the air produced by evaporative coolers can also Evaporative air cooler be beneficial for buildings that need to maintain high indoor air quality standards. High humidity levels make it difficult for humans to perspire, which in turn makes it harder to cool the body.
The energy efficiency of an Evaporative air cooler depends on the type of pads it uses, but a typical evaporative cooler with aspen or CELdek pads offers efficiencies between 85% and 90%. This is compared to around 81% for traditional refrigerated air conditioning systems. A smart evaporative cooler can further improve energy efficiency by allowing users to set schedules, control the temperature and humidity of their space, and track usage to identify any potential problems.
Design
Evaporative air coolers are great for hot, dry climates. They use a fan to pull air over water-soaked pads, which then evaporate and cool the air. It’s an efficient, energy-efficient cooling method.
The air can be cooled by as much as 20 degrees. It also lowers indoor humidity, which helps with allergy and asthma sufferers. It also has a low carbon footprint, as it doesn’t use refrigerants. It’s best for smaller homes and offices, but can be used in larger spaces, too.
Many portable evaporative air coolers feature filters to improve air quality, which can help reduce allergens and mildew growth. Some even come with an ice pack to further cool the air it blows out. They also typically have a number of control features, including multiple fan speeds, oscillation, and a remote.
Another benefit of evaporative cooling is that it allows doors and windows to be left open, which can allow cool air to circulate throughout the home. This is a plus for safety reasons, especially if children or pets are in the house. In addition, a security relief vent can be installed to prevent unauthorized entry or exit during operation. This can be a useful option for older or disabled homeowners, as it provides peace of mind. It can also save on energy costs, as it allows for a greater degree of ventilation than traditional air conditioning.
Installation
Unlike conventional air conditioning systems, evaporative coolers use water as their primary cooling medium. This allows them to operate at lower temperatures and reduce power consumption. The cooling process also uses a high rate of air exchange. This helps keep the indoor environment fresh and healthy.
It is essential to locate the cooler in a location where it has access to a constant supply of clean air. It should also be placed away from direct sunlight, as this can degrade the media and other components of the system. In addition, the ductwork and service pipes should be well sealed to prevent water from entering the building.
Before the cooler can be installed, it is necessary to check that the ductwork has no leaks. This can be done using a simple psychrometric chart. The wet bulb temperature and dry air Evaporative air cooler supplier temperature can then be calculated. Typical aspen pads offer around 85% efficiency while the CELdek[further explanation needed] media used in larger commercial and industrial installations offers over 90% efficiency.
If the evaporative air cooler is located in the ceiling, it should be fixed to the roof using an appropriate mounting bracket. It must not sit directly on joists or beams, as this could cause damage to the ceiling. If the cooler is a down discharge model, two black plastic baffles must be fitted to the blower housing. The baffles clip into each side of the blower housing, low down, into the two holes provided.
