How to Maintain an Evaporative Cooler
Published on : March 14th, 2024
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In Australia's hot climate, staying cool during summer is crucial. That's where evaporative coolers shine. Made to use nature's principle of evaporation to cool hot air, this Australian designed cooling solution proves effective.
Besides lowering air temperature, they’re energy-efficient and eco-friendly compared to traditional air conditioners.
Their working mechanism involves drawing in hot air and cooling it by passing it through wet pads. Whether you’re planning a new installation or optimising what you have, understanding evaporative coolers is key to a cooler, comfier space.
How an Evaporative Cooler Works
Have you ever felt the fresh breeze while sitting by a lake on a warm day? That’s natural evaporative cooling at work, and it’s the same basic principle behind evaporative coolers, a simple yet effective way to cool your space.
Here’s a brief overview of how evaporative cooling works:
- When water evaporates, it absorbs heat from the surrounding air. This is the core idea behind an evaporative cooler. The cooler draws in warm outside air through cooling pads that are saturated with water.
- As the air moves through these pads, some of the water evaporates, pulling heat out of the air and causing the temperature to drop.
- The fan inside the evaporative cooler then pushes this cooled air into the space, providing a stream of fresh air that’s more comfortable during hot weather.
Fresh Air, All Day Long
Evaporative coolers need a constant supply of fresh air to be effective. Unlike air conditioners that recirculate the same air, evaporative coolers continually cycle in new air from the outside, keeping the atmosphere in your home or workplace feeling fresh.
This system is not only simple but also energy-efficient, using only water and a fan to lower the temperature. As you can see, the basic operation of an evaporative cooler is quite straightforward, using the natural process of evaporation to bring coolness and comfort into our lives.
Evaporative Coolers vs Traditional Air Conditioning
When it comes to cooling your house, choosing the right system can make a big difference in comfort, cost, and efficiency.
Let’s take a look at how evaporative coolers stack up against traditional air conditioning models.
Efficiency and Running Costs
- Evaporative coolers are highly energy efficient, using only water and a fan to cool the air. This can lead to lower running costs compared to traditional air conditioning units which use more energy-intensive components to chill the air.
- Air conditioning units use refrigerant and consume more electricity to achieve a cooling effect, making them less energy-efficient and costlier to operate over time.
Cooling Effect and Comfort
- Evaporative coolers are best in environments with low humidity, where they provide a natural and cooling effect along with fresh air circulating throughout the house. This can enhance comfort during hot days.
- Traditional air conditioning systems recirculate the same air within the house and can provide a more consistent temperature even in very high humidity, offering heating comfort in a variety of climate conditions.
Noise and Environment
- Evaporative coolers tend to be quieter than most air conditioning models, reducing noise pollution inside the house.
- Standard air conditioning systems, depending on the model, can be noisier and they have a higher environmental impact due to their energy consumption and refrigerant use.
In comparison, both systems have their advantages. The choice between an evaporative cooler and a traditional air conditioning unit often comes down to the specific needs of your house, local climate conditions, and your priorities regarding energy efficiency, cost, and environmental impact.
Advantages of Using Evaporative Coolers
Contemplating the idea of using an evaporative cooler? Here are some key benefits that highlight why this option might be suitable for your needs.
- Energy efficiency: Evaporative coolers are extremely energy efficient because they use the natural process of water evaporation to cool the air. This fundamental process requires significantly less energy to operate, as compared to a standard air conditioning unit.
- Lower running costs: As a result of this efficiency, the running costs of an evaporative cooler are drastically reduced. By using less energy, not only do you save on your utility bills, but you also contribute positively to the environment.
- Fresh air: Evaporative coolers also provide a unique form of heating comfort. Rather than simply recycling the same air, as a traditional air conditioner does, they constantly intake fresh air from outside and cool it down through the evaporation process. This results in a continuous flow of naturally cool, fresh air in your home.
- Better comfort level: In areas with low humidity, evaporative coolers can significantly increase the comfort level by bringing down the temperature and improving the overall air quality.
To sum up, evaporative coolers offer a cost-effective, energy-efficient, and environmentally friendly way to keep your indoor air cool and fresh.
Maintaining Your Evaporative Cooler
Proper maintenance of your evaporative cooler is essential to ensure it runs efficiently and effectively. Here are 10 tips to keep your unit in top condition:
- Before the peak cooling season, check the condition of the pads. Over time, they can collect dust and debris which will reduce their efficiency.
- If the pads look worn out or overly dirty, they need to be replaced. Most evaporative cooler pads can be removed easily for cleaning or replacement.
- Examine the water distribution system to ensure water is being evenly dispersed across the pads. Uneven water flow can cause dry spots, limiting the cooling effect.
- Clean any mineral deposits you find on the water distributor or lines.
- Drain and clean the water tank and filter as needed to remove sediment and scale. This helps to prevent any blockages and maintain water quality.
- When using an evaporative cooler, ensure that windows or doors are slightly open to allow for efficient airflow. Closed spaces do not allow for proper evaporation.
- Regularly inspect the fan blades and clean to remove dust. Also, lubricate the motor if it’s not a sealed unit.
- Tighten any loose bolts and nuts to prevent any noise or vibrations.
- If you live in an area where the cooler is not used year-round, prepare the unit for winter storage. Drain all water, clean the pads and interior, and cover the unit to keep it free from dust and debris.
- Once you’ve completed the steps above, turn on the cooler to make sure it’s operating correctly. Listen for any unusual sounds and pay attention to the energy consumption. If the cooler is well maintained, it should operate quietly and without a significant increase in energy use.
Maintaining an evaporative cooler is not a cumbersome task and by doing it regularly, you ensure that the unit runs at optimal performance. This not only maximises the cooling effect but also helps to save energy and extend the lifespan of the cooler.
Keep the Fresh Air Flowing
In the heat of the Australian climate, an evaporative cooler is a practical choice. Using the principle of evaporation, it cools the temperature, offering an energy-efficient and eco-friendly cooling solution for your home. Remember, it’s about circulating fresh air, so they thrive best in low humid environments.
Ensure your space stays cool and comfortable all year around. Whether you need a fresh installation or to optimise your existing one, we’re here to help.
If your evaporative cooler is malfunctioning, make sure you speak to a qualified professional technician so that you can keep your cool during the sweltering summer.
Please note: This information is provided for advice purposes only. Regulations differ from state to state, so please consult your local authorities or an industry professional before proceeding with any work. See our Terms & Conditions here.