Because swamp coolers rely on evaporation in order to cool the air, swamp coolers will only be effective cooling agents where the climate is dry and hot. Also, remember that swamp coolers require fresh air in order to work, so they require a window, a duct or some other source of fresh air in order to function properly.
Next, swamp cooler installation should be based on a unit that is appropriately sized for your needs. The basic formula for determining the size cooler that will work for your space is to take the cubic feet of the intended area and divide it by two. For example, if you have a home that is 2000 square feet and has 8 foot ceilings, your cubic footage is 16,000. Divide that by 2, and you know that you need a swamp cooler with 8,000 CFM (cubic feet per minute). You can also choose a unit that has variable air speed and fan controls that will allow you to precisely control the air flow.
Because a swamp cooler requires evaporation in order to work, it will need a water supply. Since sodium and salts in the water won’t actually evaporate, you need a way to cleanse out the water supply as well. You will need either a method for creating a continuous “bleed” off of the water system, or a salinity meter combined with a pump-out valve. You will need to create a way for the water to run off of either the roof or away from the area around the cooler so that you don’t end up with puddling.
As with any form of home appliance or electric appliance, be sure to follow the manufacturer’s instructions for the swamp cooler installation. But there are some other things to consider. Because the cooler needs fresh air, be sure to install it away from plumbing, clothes dryer, exhaust or other vents.
Be sure that there are no chemicals or fuel sources near the cooler. In order to save energy, it’s a good idea to install a thermostat that will automatically turn the cooler on and off as necessary. Since the unit operates with a large amount of water, you’ll want to test the float valve to make sure that the water won’t overflow, and it’s a good idea to install a water shut-off valve as well. Following these guidelines and the instructions from the manufacturer will ensure successful swamp cooler installation and allow you to enjoy all the benefits that evaporative cooling provides.
