Pros and Cons of Swamp Cooler Conversion

With the summer season approaching, you want to be sure that your cooling unit can match the weather. Most old homes use evaporative cooling units, also known as swamp coolers. However, they may not be sufficient during summer as homeowners end up installing window AC units to augment the difference.

If you want to be ready for summer, you should start considering converting your swamp cooler. In this article, we will highlight the pros and cons of swamp cooler conversion. This will help you decide whether to proceed or stick to your current evaporative cooling unit.

Refrigerated Air vs Evaporative Cooler

Refrigerated air works by refrigeration. The system uses a refrigerant that passes through an evaporating coil, a compressor, and a condensing unit to produce cool air; this video explains how it works. The air circulates around the house through a duct. Refrigerated air or central cooling is highly efficient and powerful.

An evaporative cooler, on the other hand, operates on the principles of evaporation. It cools and moisturizes air through a process that extracts warmth from the air and infuses water particles before circulating the cool air. This method is quite cost-efficient especially for people who love green products.

However, it is insufficient for cooling. Extracting warmth through regulated water does not produce great results all the time because some days are hotter than others. Therefore, another air conditioning unit is required, which makes the use of evaporative coolers less cost-effective and less efficient.

Advantages of Converting a Swamp Cooler

Technology has improved on modern central cooling units, making them very efficient. The benefits of converting your swamp cooler to a central AC include the following:

1. You will enjoy greater comfort in your home.
2. A swamp cooler depends on clear weather and milder days to function while a central AC does not depend on the weather. Therefore, your home will stay cool all through the summer season.
3. Although swamp coolers are quite efficient, you still need to use window units, box fans, and other augmentations. However, with a central cooling unit, you will save more energy.
4. There will be no need to open your windows, exposing your home to passers-by, pests, and bugs.
5. It is quite difficult to maintain a swamp cooler, but a central cooling unit can last up to 15 years and rarely require more than one simple tune-up annually.
6. A central cooling unit has a dual system for filtration that helps to reduce allergen, dust, and pollen levels. Overall, you will enjoy the cool air and stay in good health. You can check out https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/allergies/in-depth/allergy/art-20049365 to find out how to allergy-proof your home.

Drawbacks of Swamp Cooler Conversion

When deciding whether to convert your swamp cooler or not, there are various factors to consider. And to make a wise decision, you need to weigh the potential disadvantages.

Cost of Conversion

Converting an evaporative cooling unit to a central cooling unit is a costly project. Although central coolers cost more than evaporative coolers, the difference in their efficiency is clear. During hot humid periods, evaporative coolers simply make your home cool by removing warmth from the air. But when there’s muggy weather, the air does not become cool before entering your home.

On the contrary, a refrigerated AC does not cool your home with external air. It also has a thermostat that allows you to choose your desired temperature while the unit handles the rest of the job. Some models have smart features that allow you to regulate the temperature through your smartphone. These features come at a price, which you must consider before going ahead to convert your unit.

Cost of Remodeling

Installing a central cooling unit requires some remodelling. This may be a setback or something that may deter you from switching. However, if your home already has ductwork, the remodelling won’t be too extensive. You can also consider installing the AC unit beside your house instead of the roof. You should consider reaching out to swamp cooler specialists to explore your options.

Conclusion

Swamp coolers are environmentally friendly, but they cool just a few rooms. Therefore, if you want an AC unit that cools multiple rooms, then it is time to convert your swamp cooler. This conversion offers many benefits such as increased efficiency, greater comfort, and low maintenance. The drawbacks include the cost of the conversion and remodelling of your building.