Has your HVAC contractor recommended having a swamp cooler installed? At first, you may be perplexed by this recommendation. The term "swamp cooler" is a little confusing and may even sound off-putting. And you might be unsure as to why they're recommending this type of unit over a standard, central air conditioner. The bottom line is that swamp coolers are more common than you might think, and they can do a great job of cooling homes in certain settings. Here are some more specific questions you may have after a swamp cooler is recommended for you.

What is a swamp cooler?

The more "proper" term for a swamp cooler is an evaporative cooler. This is basically a type of air conditioner. It works by blowing air across a pad that is wet – or in other words, swampy. As the air blows over the pad, it not only cools off but also gathers moisture. In this way, a swamp cooler is able to slightly raise the humidity levels inside a home while it cools.

When are swamp coolers recommended?

Swamp coolers are usually recommended in areas where the summer climate is very dry. Do you live somewhere that people like to say has a "dry heat?" If so, that's an area where a swamp cooler will work well.

A standard, central air conditioner works, in part, by removing moisture from the air. In a dry climate, there's really no moisture to remove from the air, which means a standard air conditioner won't work well. A swamp cooler performs much better in an area where the air is dry.

What does a swamp cooler look like?

A swamp cooler basically looks like a big box. The average person won't be able to distinguish it from a standard air conditioner. It will sit outside, usually on a concrete pad. There will be a water supply valve that connects the unit to your plumbing. Plus, the swamp cooler will have a blower motor, or central fan, to move air. The air it generates will be pushed through ducts and into your home.

Hopefully, this article has given you a better understanding of what swamp coolers are, how they work, and why an HVAC contractor might recommend one for your home. If you are seriously considering a swamp cooler, get a quote. It is often easier to make decisions about your HVAC equipment with a quote in mind.

Reach out to a company like Mike's Heating and AC Service to learn more.