Swamp Evaporative Cooler Buying Guide

Swamp coolers use less energy than air conditioners and humidify the air at the same time. Also called portable evaporative coolers, swamp coolers are excellent for spot cooling.

Swamp Coolers Operating Principle:

A swamp cooler lowers the temperature of air by evaporating water, similar to the way the human body cools itself by sweating. The heat from warm, dry air is absorbed by the evaporating water and the result is cooler air with a higher moisture content.
A fan in the swamp cooler moves air to be conditioned through damp pads moistened with water that is continuously pumped onto the pads.
Warm, dry conditions are best for swamp coolers – humid air absorbs less water and heat, providing less cooling.

Benefits of a Swamp Evaporative Cooler:

• Low maintenance
• Very reliable, only moving parts are fan and pump
• Lightweight
• Fast, easy setup
• Uses less energy than compressorized air conditioner

Swamp Evaporative Coolers and Things to Consider:

• High humidity decreases cooling capacity. For example, at 90 degrees F and 10% relative humidity, a certain model evaporative cooler will discharge air at 65 degrees F. At 90 degrees F and 50% relative humidity, this same cooler has a discharge air temperature of 78 degrees F.
• Leaving air is 80-90% relative humidity and may cause corrosion, condensation, or discomfort
• Water is required to wet the evaporative pads and is typically supplied by manually filling an internal tank or hooking up to an external water source for automatic continuous operation

Swamp Evaporative Cooler Configurations:

Most evaporative coolers are mounted on wheels to they can be easily moved. Smaller units have internal water tanks, and larger units have external tanks. Standard 3/4" hose connections are common for all capacities and allow automatic water fill and continuous operation.

Swamp Evaporative Coolers - Installation Overview:

1) Fill water tank or connect to external water source.
2) Plug it in.
3) Start up and fine tune direction of cooling airflow.

Swamp Evaporative Coolers - Increasing the Efficiency and Lowering Energy Requirements:

1) Once you purchase a swamp cooler, make sure that you set it up per the manufacturer’s recommendations.

2) Open a window and/or provide adequate ventilation. If the air indoors becomes too humid, the swamp cooler will not be able to evaporate water as rapidly and as a result will not be able too cool the area as efficiently.

3) The warmer the surrounding air, the more water can be evaporated. The greater the difference in temperature between the cool water and the hot air, the more efficient your swamp cooler will be. So, don’t try to cool your house just a degree or two. Wait until it is sufficiently hot (Usually mid-80s).

4) Keep your evaporative pads clean. If they become clogged, they will not work efficiently. Impurities on pads will prevent the maximum amount of water from being evaporated and decrease the efficiency of a swamp cooler.

5) Do not run a swamp cooler and air conditioner at the same time. The two operate on almost opposite principles. This will prevent either from working efficiently. This is huge waste of energy and environmentally unfriendly.

6) Finally, keep water in your swamp cooler. If the cooling pads become dried out, there will be no water to evaporate and no cooling will take place.

Commonly Asked Questions:

1) Is There Any Assembly Required?
ANSWER: No. Swamp Evaporative Cooling units are ready to use right out of the box.

2) How Do I Prepare My Swamp Evaporative Cooler For Storage?
ANSWER: Simply drain the unit, dry out the pads and place the unit, preferably covered, in a dry place for the winter season.

3) I Just Hooked Up My Swamp Evaporative Cooler For The First Time And There's An Unpleasant Odor.
ANSWER: The pads, located in the back of your Swamp Evaporative Cooler, have never been wet. The resin in the pads will emit an odor the first time you wet them that lasts approximately one to three weeks. Keep the unit in an open area until the odor goes away or put a capful of laundry softener directly in the tank in the bottom of your unit.

4) My Swamp Evaporative Cooler Isn't Putting Out Any Cool Air.
ANSWER: First, check the back of your unit to see if the pads are damp. Adjust the water flow. For the evaporation process to occur, the pads must be damp before you turn on the fan. Second, make sure there is water in the tank. It should be allowed to fill before you turn the pump on. Thirdly, make sure the water source and electricity source are connected and working. If you use an extension cord, make sure there are no frays or shorts and that it is a 12 gauge or better cord.

5) What Is The Best Environment For A Swamp Evaporative Cooler To Produce The Most Cool Air?
ANSWER: For optimum performance, the temperature should be 85 degrees F or higher and the relative humidity should be below 75%. However, Swamp Evaporative Coolers will reduce the temperature in almost any environment, making it more pleasant.

6) What Is The Difference Between Evaporative Cooling And Misting Systems?
ANSWER: Misting units spray a shower of water into the air that will collect on a person, getting the person wet. Swamp Evaporative Coolers use the evaporative process to produce cooler air.

7) How Do I Oil The Fan Motor?
ANSWER: Sleeve bearing motors require periodic reoiling. Re-oil continuous duty units once a year, intermittent duty units every two years, and occasional duty units every five years with 30 to 35 drops of SAE no. 20 non-detergent or electric motor oil.

8) What Should I Do If My Unit Smells?
ANSWER: A new unit will go through a break-in period and may emit some odor. Approximately after two weeks of operation, the odor should disappear. If the unit is not a new unit, algae or bacteria growth in the unit from improper maintenance will cause odors. Please refer to your Owner's Manual for proper cleaning and maintenance.

9) How Often Do Pads Have To Be Replaced?
ANSWER: Depending on the quality of maintenance and frequency of use, pads typically last up to five years. However, should you have any questions about the life of the pads for your unit, please call our tech support department for more detailed information about replacing your pads

10) What Is The Amount Of Moisture Produced By A Unit?
ANSWER: Approximately 2% to 5% increase in humidity is produced depending on the temperature and humidity of the environment. This amount of increase in humidity is not noticeable in a ventilated area where the air produced by the unit is exhausted.

11) How Long Will The Water Supply Last In The Sump Tank?
ANSWER: With no direct water source available, the unit will evaporate the water in a filled sump tank within two hours of operation. The evaporation rate will vary depending on temperature and humidity. A water source for refilling the sump tank is recommended by the manufacturer. Every unit has an internal float valve for regulating water flow into the sump.

12) Should I Use Ice In The Sump Tank For Better Cooling?
ANSWER: Some of the vapor from the ice water may be picked up and distributed by the fan, but this does not increase evaporation and therefore will not produce significant cooling.