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Evaporative cooling

Will a swamp cooler work today?

Evaporative cooling lives or dies on how dry the air is. Set the outdoor temperature and humidity and see roughly how cold the supply air would be — and when refrigerated air is the better answer.

Outdoor conditions

Drag to today's afternoon temperature.
Your phone's weather app has this.

A rough estimate using a standard wet-bulb approximation and about 80% pad effectiveness. Real machines vary with pad condition, airflow and water temperature.

How it would do

Very good conditions Supply air around 75°F

On dry days an evaporative cooler can take a big bite out of the temperature. Keep a window or door cracked so the air has somewhere to go.

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Keeping a swamp cooler honest

  • PadsReplace or clean them each season; a clogged pad cools less and restricts airflow.
  • Hard waterConcho Valley water leaves scale. A working bleed-off or purge pump makes pads last.
  • Air outThe house needs an opening for the air to leave, or the cooler just pressurises the rooms.
  • WinterDrain the line and cover the unit, or the first freeze will find the water in it.
  • HumidityIt adds moisture indoors. On muggy days it will feel worse, not better.
New cooler pads being fitted into an evaporative unit on a roof
A new refrigerated air handler installed in a closet with new duct connections

Converting to refrigerated air

Plenty of houses here still cool with a swamp cooler and want refrigerated air. It isn't only a new box: the duct system usually has to change, because evaporative systems move much more air, the openings that let air escape have to be closed up, and the electrical side needs checking.

We price the whole job — equipment, ducts, electrical and the roof opening left behind — in writing, so nobody finds a surprise halfway through August.

Set an appointment (325) 208-3607