The swamp cooler, also known as an evaporative cooler, is an efficient way of cooling down your home. In fact, it is more effective and efficient than a traditional air conditioner.
Swamp coolers work in both small and large spaces. They ventilate large spaces even in a hot and dry environment. But how much water will a swamp cooler use to bring down temperatures in your home?
How much water does a swamp cooler use daily?
A swamp cooler requires a constant supply of water, especially if you use it on a regular basis. As water evaporates from the swamp cooler to cool the air, more water is needed as a replacement.
So, how many gallons does a swamp cooler use in a day? Well, in a normal environment, expect it to use 7-11 gallons of water per hour. This means it uses 66 gallons per day.
However, this is not a fixed figure. The amount depends on three major factors; the combination of heat and humidity at a certain time, the size of the swamp cooler, and the drain valve usage.
READ: Do misting systems work in high humidity?
1. Size of swamp cooler
The smaller the unit, the less water is required for operation. An example is a unit that consumes less than 100 watts and may use 1 gallon of water per hour.
On the other hand, large evaporative coolers can use approximately 20 gallons of water per hour, depending on the heat and humidity levels of the environment.
2. Combination of humidity and heat
A swamp cooler provides a more cooling effect in a dry climate than a humid one. Therefore, you might use less water in a swampy environment but that doesn’t mean your home will be comfortable. On the other hand, you will use more water to cool a hot room in a dry climate.
3. Drain valves usage
The role of drain valves is to allow recycled water to flow out of the swamp cooler and be replaced with clean water.
Draining water prevents mineral deposits from damaging or corroding the evaporative coolers. However, mineral deposits can also cause clogging of pipes and pads, causing the swamp cooler to stop working efficiently.
Should you run a swamp cooler all day?
You can run a swamp cooler for the whole day as long as there is a constant water supply. However, it is recommended that you turn it on in the morning when the air is cool, and it runs the whole day efficiently. If it is not filled on time, it will overheat, causing pump failure.
The only problem when using a swamp cooler is that it depends on the humidity level of the surroundings. You should not use the swamp cooler in areas with high humidity. The less the humidity, the more conducive the environment is to use a swamp cooler.
READ: Is it safe to leave a humidifier on all night?
Unless you have to, you shouldn’t run your swamp cooler all day. Not only will you waste energy but also set yourself up for spending more on maintenance costs. If you have to run the swamp cooler all day, just make sure your home is properly ventilated and there isn’t much humidity in the air.
Note that running a swamp cooler in a room whose windows and doors are closed will lead to an increase in humidity which can irritate your skin.
What is the cost of running a swamp cooler the whole day?
It is cheaper to run a swamp cooler all day compared to an air conditioner. While the cost is low, it all depends on the swamp cooler’s model, wattage, average duration, energy usage, and local cost per kilowatt-hour. An average swamp cooler requires $0.1-$0.4 an hour.
Should you open windows when running a swamp cooler?
Make sure to open windows when running a swamp cooler to prevent humidity from forming. Windows also allow hot air to escape from the room, leaving cool air inside.
Using an evaporative cooler with proper air conditioning allows air to cool and circulate in the room or building.
Should you use a swamp cooler?
Swamp coolers are more efficient and eco-friendlier than air conditioners. They do not use heavy energy compressors and harmful toxic components to operate. On average, the cost of running an evaporative cooler is about 50% of what traditional air conditioners will cost.