Air conditioning units and evaporative coolers are the two main appliances that are used to reduce the overall heat levels of a home during the summer months. Despite having similar functions, both types of appliances work in vastly different manners, which gives each type of system a distinct set of advantages and disadvantages. Understanding the pros and cons associated with both air conditioners and evaporative coolers can help you choose the home cooling method that best fits your needs and desires.
Air Conditioning
Air conditioning is the process of using a series of fans and refrigerant chemicals within a closed system to cool down air pulled in from outside your home and then move it throughout the rooms of a building. Because the air that moves through an air conditioning system is moved through a series of filters and ducts, contaminants and other materials in your home's air supply are gradually removed, improving overall air quality and reducing humidity. Further, the cooling provided by air conditioning systems is consistently the same temperature.
However, air conditioners can use a great deal of energy, and require expensive installation processes if an existing duct system is not already in place in your home. This can raise the overall cost of purchasing and installing an air conditioning unit. Further, since air conditioners reduce humidity, they are not ideal for areas that are already extremely dry and hot.
Evaporative Coolers
Evaporative coolers work by pulling air through a pad that is soaked in water, cooling it, before pushing it directly into rooms. The main advantage of evaporative coolers is the fact that they use much less energy than air conditioning units do, and do not require the same extensive installation process, which can make them a much more attractive option for homeowners with tight budgets. Finally, the very nature of evaporative coolers means that they increase the humidity levels within your home, making them ideal for hot and dry climates.
However, evaporative coolers do have a number of downsides. Firstly, they do not provide the same level of consistent cooling that air conditioners do, which can be a problem depending on the severity of the weather. Further, evaporative coolers need to operate with the windows and doors of your home open, as the humid air needs to circulate through your home in order to cool it down. If the windows and doors are closed, condensation will form within the interior of your home where it can cause all sorts of water damage and mold growth.
For more information, contact a company like Marcotte Air Heat & Refrigeration.
Share29 April 2017
Working with HVAC contractors is an important part of being a homeowner. Not only do your contractors ensure that a new system you buy is properly installed, but they also ensure optimal performance throughout the years through a series of regular inspections, maintenance services, and repairs. But there are lots of things you can do in between your contractor's visits to ensure that your HVAC investment is always in tip top condition, aside from cleaning out the air filters. After working with my dad for more than a decade in the HVAC business, I've put together a few methods homeowners can use to maintain a well working system, and I have published those tips and tricks right here on this blog. I hope some of the information you find here helps you on your journey as a homeowner!
