What Is a Swamp Cooler?

Swamp coolers, also known as evaporative coolers, are an efficient way to cool homes in dry climates. They can also be used to add humidity during the dry, winter months.

Function

Swamp coolers use the evaporation of water to cool the air. In residential units, the cooler's fan pulls air in through the intake vents and past a moist, evaporative cooling pad. The heat in the air causes the water to evaporate, and the damp, cool air is blown back into the home.

Types

Other types of swamp coolers use indirect evaporative systems, in which a heat exchanger processes the moist air before it is blown out. This reduces the overall humidity in the home. Combination systems are available that use a heat exchanger to cool the air, then run it past the dampened evaporative pads.

Benefits

Swamp coolers are less expensive to install and operate than a central air-conditioning unit. They also contain far fewer moving parts and can often be maintained by the homeowner instead of an expensive repairman.

Considerations

Swamp coolers do not work well in humid climates because the air is already saturated with moisture.

Warning

Regular maintenance and cleaning is required to prevent the buildup of bacteria in the evaporative pads. If the pads become contaminated, do not operate the cooler because this will spread the bacteria throughout the home.