It’s almost time. Daylight Saving Time has arrived, and the hours of daylight are increasing rapidly. Soon the cooling season will be here and for many homes in Glenwood Springs, Aspen, and Vail, CO that means turning on the evaporative (swamp) cooler. More on that process in a moment, but first let’s talk about a common complaint we receive at Climate Control Company, clients who say their swamp coolers aren’t keeping their home or business comfortable when the hot air of summer arrives.
Let’s review the basics
This is a great time to talk about what’s good about swamp coolers and what the limitations are. They are extremely energy efficient because they don’t use electricity to cool the air. Instead, the process of water evaporation cools the air which is distributed throughout the house. Remember how you shiver when you get out of the pool, lake, or river even on a hot day? That’s an easy way to demonstrate the principle of evaporative cooling.
Weather can be a huge factor
Swamp coolers are a great choice for the Western Slope because of our cool nights, moderate daytime temperatures, and low humidity. That said, swamp coolers can only cool the air so much. If we have unusually hot air in the area you may need some form of supplemental cooling to be truly comfortable. It’s very rare for Glenwood Springs, Aspen, and Vail, CO to experience high humidity, but if it happens it can also make your home or business uncomfortable. Unlike air conditioners, swamp coolers do not remove moisture from the air. In fact, they add humidity.
Conditions are normal but the swamp cooler isn’t doing the job
If you’re having trouble even when we’re not experiencing unusually hot or humid air, then it’s time for a professional technician to take a close look at your evaporative cooler. Coolers are generally very reliable because they don’t have many moving parts, but they do depend on a consistent flow of water which keeps pads saturated. Air is then passed over the pads causing evaporation and cooling. Water flow can often be reduced because of mineral deposits, meaning the pads aren’t being saturated and the air isn’t as cool as it should be.
Professional start up
This is just one example why Climate Control believes you should have a professional technician handle the spring startup procedure for your swamp cooler. While mechanically simple, startup for coolers is more complicated than air conditioners. Checking and cleaning those water tubes is just one part of the startup process.
Now is the time to get ready for summer
Whether it’s a swamp cooler or air conditioner in your Glenwood Springs, Aspen, or Vail, CO home, Climate Control Company will make sure it’s ready for the hot air that will be arriving before you know it. Be sure to like and follow us on Facebook and Twitter for more great information to keep your home comfortable year round.
