Many homeowners find it essential to have heat conditioning to survive the summer heat. It is expensive to install central AC in older homes, especially if they don’t have forced heat.
People often choose to install evaporative coolers, also known as “swamp”, coolers instead of central AC. Swamp coolers make use of a fan to push warm air through a pad that has been soaked in cool water. The pad cools the air and then it enters your home.
Each cooling option has its pros and cons. This is what you should know about each system before you make a decision. Read out to know about evaporative cooler vs central air.
Installation
A swamp cooler installation is easier than an entire AC system. Installing central heating makes it easier. Central heating and air conditioning can share the same ducting, so it is as simple as hooking up the electric lines and fans to distribute the cool air throughout your home.
Swamp coolers are usually installed on the roof. While the unit may not look right on a rooftop it is easy to install.
Cost To Run
The swamp cooler is the clear winner in the savings category due to its low cost of installation and maintenance. Central air conditioning compressors consume a lot more electricity to operate. A swamp cooler does not require electricity to run its fan or water pump. The swamp cooler is the best option for summer cooling for those with limited budgets.
Maintenance
Although central AC requires some maintenance, it is not difficult to do. Evaporative coolers require more maintenance. They need to be winterized and sealed before winter. To prevent mildew from growing, it is important to change the water-holding pads frequently. The pump may wear down and need to be replaced every few years. Swamp coolers will not work for those who prefer to leave the AC on and forget it.
Even Cooling
Swamp coolers and central cooling have different ways of cooling the house. Swamp coolers do not usually have to duct. They circulate through the home using pressure changes. If you keep the windows open in every room, cool air flows through the home, forcing warmer air out. Cool air pulls coolness into each room.
For those who have larger homes, or historic homes with multiple rooms, a swamp cooler might not work as well for them as it may be for smaller ranch-style homes or apartments.
Temperature Control
The best thing about central air conditioning, you can set the thermostat to whatever temperature you want. 65 degrees may be the preferred temperature for those who enjoy a cold environment. If you are looking to get rid of the summer heat, 78° may be the right temperature.
You don’t have this advantage with a swamp cooling unit. When temperatures soar to triple digits, your cooler may not be able to provide cold air. Your cooler’s cooling capacity remains the same. If temperatures rise to triple digits, your cooler will still blow colder air than outside.
Weather
The weather is more important for swamp coolers than central air conditioners. To allow the evaporative cool effect to work, the cooler must have very dry and warm air. The cooler will not work well if there is excessive humidity or a warm storm.