Evaporative swamp coolers and conventional air conditioners are the two basic options for climate control equipment available to homeowners in hot and dry areas when it comes time to replace their older units with newer, more powerful, and more attractive versions. Each one has some redeeming qualities. The following are the most significant factors to take into account:
Initial Investment: Because they are much simpler equipment, evaporative swamp coolers may be purchased and installed for much less than a conventional air conditioner can. If you are planning to replace an old air conditioner, this additional expense may come as a surprise because they require a water line and a 110-volt socket to be run to the unit’s position. Suppose you are thinking about switching from an evaporative cooler to an air conditioner. In that case, you should also evaluate whether or not you will need more ducting for the new unit to function at its optimal level.
Efficiency In The Use Of Energy: When compared to the cost of operating a conventional air conditioner, swamp coolers can provide savings of up to 75 percent in power expenses; however, the savings they provide are frequently offset by the significant amount of water that they use. Even though the system’s water is intended to be recycled, the usage of swamp cooler results in a significant increase in the amount of water that is required. In arid regions, where swamp coolers function most effectively, this might put you at a significant disadvantage, particularly if your region practices seasonal water rationing or sees an exponential spike in the cost of water throughout the summer months.
Quality Of The Air: When it comes to the air quality within a building, air conditioners come out on top. The air quality inside your home is generally much better with an air conditioner. Air conditioners operate with the windows and doors of your home closed, drawing indoor air through a filter before returning it to the room. This improvement in air quality is dependent on the environment of your home as well as the filters that you choose to use. People who suffer from allergies or live in locations prone to pollution or blowing dust may not want to have their windows open all the time, which is why an air conditioner is the most suitable option.
Indoor Humidity: When it comes to reducing the amount of moisture inside a building, evaporative swamp coolers and air conditioners operate differently. During the cooling process, air conditioners are responsible for removing most of the humidity from the residence. Evaporative coolers are more sensitive to temperature and humidity changes than other coolers. They increase the room’s humidity to protect you from overheating. Evaporative swamp coolers can be beneficial additions to homes that are abnormally dry or have persistent static electricity difficulties.
Maintenance Frequency: Changing the air filter once every 30 to 90 days, removing vegetation from the outdoor unit as needed, and spraying it down with a hose a couple of times a year are the general guidelines for day-to-day air conditioner maintenance. However, your air conditioner may result in higher repair bills. Maintenance for a swamp cooler is significantly more involved. It requires more frequent replacement of the absorbent pad that maintains moisture in front of the blower and more routine cleanings to avoid mildew growth. If you cannot devote a few hours each weekend to the maintenance of your cooling unit, there are better choices than a swamp cooler for your house.
Environmental Impact: Even while modern air conditioners utilize refrigerants that are far safer than those used in older models, the chemicals they use to chill your house can still be hazardous to your health. These refrigerants have a greater potential to escape the system through stress fractures as the system ages. A minute quantity of leakage from a single unit won’t cause any problems, but if all of the units started leaking simultaneously, you would notice it. Evaporative swamp coolers have considerably less impact on the environment than other air conditioners because they require water and power to function properly. Unlike air conditioners, evaporative coolers produce fewer carbon dioxide emissions and generate less noise pollution during normal operation. As a result, these coolers may be a better option for homes concerned about their environmental impact.