A Buying Guide for Evaporative Cooling Systems

Evaporative cooling systems are also known as swamp coolers. They are suitable for places where there is low humidity and the air is hot. These helps in combining the cooling properties of water with a steady breeze for lowering the indoor temperatures.

There are a number of factors which needs to be considered before choosing these systems. These factors are described below:

1. Type of coolers

Before buying an evaporative cooling system, it is essential to know what kind fulfills all requirements. Following described the types of coolers.

• Direct: This model helps in cooling down the surrounding air. This cool air is then released into the medium. Thus, it helps in increasing the humidity and removing stagnant air from the surroundings.


• Indirect: These are slightly different from the direct ones. They utilize an evaporative media, which is suitable inside a cooling tower. This helps in cooling down the water to an appropriate temperature.


• Up Draft: These systems are generally installed on the house's floor. This helps in blowing the cool air in a direction upwards into the house.


• Down Draft units: The installation of a down-draft system is done on the roof of a house. This helps in blowing the cool air in the downward direction. These are very popular among homeowners. It is important to keep in mind that their maintenance is time consuming and expensive.


• Side draft units: The installation of these units is done on the side of the house, generally in a window. The blowing of cool air into the house is similar to that of a window air conditioning system.


• Portable: These coolers are designed for small living areas. They can be used in individual rooms too.

It is important to remember that each type of evaporative coolers have their own sets of pros and cons, and needs different installation and maintenance procedures. Those that make less noise and give better cooling effect must be purchased.

2. Types of Pads

After choosing the type of these systems, one needs to select the type of pad to be used in them to increase their performance. There are basically two types of pads. The first type of pad is fibre pad and the second type is rigid media pad. Although fibre pads are not expensive, their replacement frequency is high and also requires more maintenance. On the other hand, although the rigid media pads are expensive, less maintenance is needed. If they are maintained properly, then they can last for many years.

• Fibre Pads: The materials used for making fibre pads are synthetic fibre, aspen wood shavings and cellulose fibre. Fibre pads are used in those units which have inlets on multiple sides. These pads are highly economical. They are generally one to two inches thick. Pads made of aspen wood are the most durable ones. They come in exact sizes. On the other hand, those made of synthetic or cellulose fibres are cut to fit.


• Rigid media pads: These pads are made of stacked corrugated material. These kinds of pads are used for those units that have single inlets. They need more upfront investment. They are generally eight to twelve inches thick. They require lower maintenance. They help in allowing air to pass at low speed. This results in an increase of humidity in the air, thereby reducing its temperature. If regularly maintained is done, their life cycle is extended to a very long time.

3. Selecting a suitable brand

Once the type of evaporative cooling system and the pads to be used in them is decided, the last step is to decide the brand to be selected. Although there are a number of popular brands, one that fulfils all requirements must be selected.

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