Evaporative coolers, also known as swamp coolers, are efficient and cost-effective alternatives to traditional air conditioning systems using moisture to cool air. If you've ever gone swimming on a warm day, you'll already be familiar with the process of evaporative cooling. When you exit a pool, the air hits your wet skin, and you feel cold. When moisture interacts with warm air, it creates a cooling effect. Swamp coolers use this same principle to cool your home. But, how exactly do swamp coolers accomplish this natural and energy-efficient means of cooling?

Below, our HVAC company outlines the exact components, and processes swamp coolers use to cool a home. Contact Spoor's Heating & Air Conditioning today to schedule swamp cooler service!

How Does An Evaporative Cooler Work?

The Components Of A Swamp Cooler

Swamp coolers are made up of a series of valves, pumps, pads, and motors that help release moisture into the air and cool a home. The following are some of the essential components of a swamp cooler.

  • Water Supply Valve - A swamp cooler's water supply valve is located inside the home, typically where the water heater connects to the home's plumbing system. This valve is connected to the swamp cooler by a tube and is responsible for bringing water into the swamp cooler.
  • Float - A swamp cooler's float is located on the bottom of the unit. As water gathers in the bottom of the swamp cooler, the float rises on top of the water, eventually shutting off the water supply valve once it reaches a certain area.
  • Evaporative Pads - Evaporative pads line the inside of swamp coolers. These pads are responsible for cooling and cleaning the air.
  • Pump - A swamp cooler's pump is located at the bottom of its unit. The pump pushes the water through the unit's water distribution lines, keeping the evaporative pads moist.
  • Blower - The swamp cooler's blower is responsible for bringing cool air into the home's ductwork.

How Swamp Coolers Work

First, the water supply valve opens, bringing water into the bottom of the swamp cooler. Water will continue to flow into the swamp cooler until the float reaches a certain level and shuts the water supply valve off. Once enough water has filled the swamp cooler, the pumps will begin to pull water through the water distribution lines and into the evaporative pads. Once the pads are full, the blower will begin pulling warm air into the swamp cooler and through the damp evaporative pads. As the warm flows through the evaporative pads, the moisture in the pads cools and cleans the air. After the air has been cooled and cleaned, the blower pushes the cool air into the ductworks and throughout the home.