Evaporative Cooling FAQ

Everything you need to know about swamp coolers, from how they work to maintenance best practices.

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How They Work Climate & Humidity Maintenance & Care Costs & Savings Evaporative Cooling vs. Air Conditioning

How They Work

What is an evaporative cooler (swamp cooler)? Why are they called "swamp coolers"? How much can an evaporative cooler lower the temperature? Do evaporative coolers work without open windows? Do swamp coolers work in 100 degree weather? Can I leave a swamp cooler on all night? Do swamp coolers make things wet?

Climate & Humidity

Where do evaporative coolers work best? Can I use a swamp cooler in humid climates? Does monsoon season affect evaporative cooling? What humidity level is too high for evaporative cooling? How cool should my house be if it's 100 outside?

Maintenance & Care

How often should I replace the cooler pads? How do I prevent mineral buildup and scale? What maintenance is needed at the start and end of each season? Why does my swamp cooler smell bad? Does putting ice in a swamp cooler make it colder? What happens if a swamp cooler runs out of water? What can I put in my swamp cooler to make it colder?

Costs & Savings

How much does it cost to run an evaporative cooler vs. AC? How much water does an evaporative cooler use? What does a new evaporative cooler cost? How long do evaporative coolers last? Are swamp coolers a fire hazard?

Evaporative Cooling vs. Air Conditioning

What are the main differences between swamp coolers and AC? Can I use both an evaporative cooler and AC in the same home? Is evaporative cooling better for the environment? Why would someone choose AC over an evaporative cooler? Why do people not like swamp coolers?

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