Evaporative Coolers On Humid Days–How Effective Are They?
Confronting Humidity Head-On
G’day Mates! We’re all familiar with those hot, sticky days when finding relief seems impossible. Fortunately, a solution offers a refreshing escape from the heat- evaporative coolers! But have you ever wondered how well they work when humidity levels rise? Let’s understand the science behind these cooling devices and find some exciting tips on making the most of them in our climate.
Understanding the Science of Evaporative Coolers
Evaporative coolers, also known as ‘swamp coolers,’ operate on a simple yet fascinating principle: evaporation. Imagine stepping out of a pool on a scorching day and feeling the cool breeze on your skin. That’s evaporation at work. In an evaporative cooler, a fan draws in warm air from outside, passing it over water-soaked pads. As the water evaporates, it absorbs heat from the air, lowering its temperature. This cooled air is then circulated indoors, providing a welcome respite from the heat.
Evaporative Air Cooler Water Drainage
It’s important to note that while some of the water evaporates to cool the air, some minerals may accumulate in the water reservoir over time. To prevent this buildup and maintain water quality, some evaporative coolers feature a built-in mechanism for periodically dumping a small amount of water. This helps to ensure the cooler operates efficiently throughout the season. Refer to your cooler’s manual for specific details on its water drainage system, including how often it dumps water and any maintenance tasks associated with it.
Performance of Evaporative Coolers: A Closer Look
Let’s closely examine how these coolers fare on humid days.
Under ideal conditions—hot weather with humidity below 30%—evaporative coolers excel, delivering a temperature decrease of up to 14°C, making them highly effective in hot and dry weather conditions.
Do Evaporative Coolers Work in High Humidity? As the humidity level rises to 30-50%, their performance may decrease slightly, but they remain effective in cooling the air. In our climate, evaporative coolers are effective throughout most of the summer. However, on occasional humid days, optimizing their performance becomes essential to ensure they continue working effectively.
Enhancing Your Cooler’s Performance on Humid Days
In South Australia, where the summers can be both hot and humid, it’s crucial to optimize the performance of your evaporative cooler to ensure your home stays relaxed and comfortable.
Even on humid days, there are ways to boost your evaporative cooler’s efficiency:
Proper Ventilation
Ensuring proper ventilation is about more than just leaving your doors and windows open. It’s about understanding the layout of your home and creating an airflow that can effectively circulate the cool air. For instance, if your home has a central hallway, you can open windows at both ends to create a cross-breeze. This can significantly reduce the humidity levels and make your evaporative cooler more effective. This method can be a game-changer in South Australia’s humid summer days.
Correct Sizing
When it comes to choosing an evaporative cooler, size truly matters. The unit should match the size of your home and its typical occupancy. For instance, a large house with multiple occupants might require a more powerful unit than a smaller home with fewer occupants. Paying attention to the sizing can save you from discomfort during those hot summers and prevent unnecessary energy consumption, leading to high electricity bills.
Efficient Usage
Running your cooler strategically can significantly enhance its efficiency. Remember that evaporative coolers work best when there’s a considerable temperature difference between the water and the outside air. So, instead of running it continuously throughout the day, consider turning it on when the temperature is at its peak, usually in the late afternoon in South Australia. Also, pre-cool your home by running the cooler in the early morning when the outside temperature is still relatively low. This way, your home stays more relaxed throughout the day without overworking your cooler.
Enjoy The Cooling Comfort At Your Home Today!
Stay cool and comfortable in your home with Accustom Air. Our team of experienced, certified technicians is ready to assist you with all your air conditioning needs, from installation and maintenance to repair and replacement. We offer a range of systems, including split systems, evaporative cooling, ducted reverse cycle, window air conditioners, and light commercial units. Don’t wait for the heat to become unbearable. Contact us today at 0423490183, or visit our website for more information on our services. Enjoy the best in quality workmanship and customer service with Accustom Air!