Do Swamp Coolers Work In Humid Climates?
Swamp coolers, or evaporative coolers, are an energy-efficient option for cooling off during hot, dry weather. But do swamp coolers work in humid climates? The answer is yes, but they don’t work as well as they do in drier climates.
How Swamp Coolers Work
Swamp coolers work by evaporating water to cool the air around them. They draw warm air through a wet pad, which cools the air as the water evaporates. The cooled air is then pushed out of the cooler and into the room.
Why Swamp Coolers Don’t Work as Well in Humid Climates
In humid climates, the air is already saturated with moisture. This makes it harder for the evaporative cooler to cool the air, since it’s already near its saturation point. The cooler can still cool the air, but not as efficiently as it would in a dry climate.
Tips for Using a Swamp Cooler in Humid Climates
If you live in a humid climate and want to use a swamp cooler to keep cool, there are a few things you can do to make it more effective.
First, make sure the cooler is properly sized for the room. A swamp cooler that is too big won’t cool the room as efficiently as one that is the right size.
Second, keep the windows and doors closed when the cooler is running. This will help keep the cooled air inside the room, making it more comfortable.
Finally, make sure the cooler’s water pad is kept wet. The cooler won’t work as well if the pad isn’t wet enough.
Conclusion
Swamp coolers can work in humid climates, but they don’t work as efficiently as they do in drier climates. To make them more effective, make sure the cooler is the right size for the room, keep the windows and doors closed, and keep the water pad wet.
Kyle Whyte is a notable scholar and professor at the University of Michigan, holding positions such as the George Willis Pack Professor in the School for Environment and Sustainability and Professor of Philosophy. Specializing in environmental justice, his work critically examines climate policy and Indigenous peoples’ ethics, emphasizing the nexus between cooperative scientific endeavors and Indigenous justice. As an enrolled Citizen Potawatomi Nation member, he brings a vital perspective to his roles as a U.S. Science Envoy and member of the White House Environmental Justice Advisory Council. His influential research is supported by various prestigious organizations including the National Science Foundation, and disseminated through publications in high-impact journals. Kyle actively contributes to global Indigenous research methodologies and education, with affiliations to numerous institutes and societies dedicated to traditional knowledge and sustainability. Recognized for his academic and community engagement, Kyle has earned multiple awards and served in various visiting professorships. His efforts extend to leadership positions on boards and committees focused on environmental justice nationwide.