Here at Air & Water, we offer a multitude of cooling options. Thank you, modern technology! Something not everyone realizes, however, is that there are different kinds of heat, and that is why there are different kinds of cooling.
A device that works for someone in the dry Arizona heat won’t necessarily be ideal for their brother down in humid Louisiana. But how do you know which one is for you?
To cool down your home, there are three great options you can pick from: an air conditioner, evaporative cooler (aka, a swamp cooler) or electric fan. Here’s what each one does:
Air Conditioner
Air conditioners fall into four different categories: window, through-the-wall, central, and portable. Many newer homes and buildings have central air conditioning, but for those that don’t, the alternatives offer great zone cooling.
Portable air conditioners, for example, are a great alternative to central air conditioning because of their easy maneuverability, small size and energy efficiency. They’re great for cooling individual rooms and places where a traditional AC may not be feasible.
Air conditioning is great for humid climates because air conditioners produce a cooling effect by using a refrigeration cycle and coolant, like Freon. Air conditioners work as a natural dehumidifier, and you can even see evidence of one dehumidifying when you use a portable air conditioner, which collects water in a bucket (or exhausts it through a hose) as it works. By getting rid of heat-causing moisture in the air, your AC produces a more comfortable environment.
Evaporative Cooler
If you live in a dry, arid climate, an evaporative cooler is for you! They’re different from air conditioning systems since they cycle hot, dry air through moist pads, cool the air through evaporation, and then circulate cooler air back into the room. For this system to work, you’ll need to get a good airflow so a window or door should be open.
Unlike air conditioners, evaporative coolers release both cool air and moisture into a room, and will balance humidity levels in arid environments. They are NOT ideal for areas with a lot of humidity already in the air.
An indoor humidity level less than 30% is too dry. It can cause any wood in your home to warp and shrink. Even pianos can go out of tune! Evaporative coolers reinvigorate your home and your body, keeping you hydrated and healthy.
They are also cheaper to buy and maintain than air conditioning units. You can search for an evaporative cooler under its other name: swamp cooler.
Electric Fans
Electric fans are great for circulating air in your home. They’re a cost-effective way to keep cool during the summer and use relatively little energy. They’re great for moderate climates and can refresh a stuffy room. Portable, inexpensive and low maintenance, they come in many sizes and designs to fit any situation.
If a fan, which just moves around air, isn’t strong enough for you, it’s a great way to supplement other kinds of cooling. You can set your AC thermostat a couple degrees warmer if you add in a fan to help circulate the cool air, for example.
It’s also great for getting rid of smoky air, whether you’re trying to air out a kitchen or dealing with a cigar-smoking uncle. Face a table fan outside, and it will suck up the stagnant air and blow it outside. Once the room has cleared, turn the fan around to blow fresh air back in.
Electric fans also slightly lower the humidity levels in your home by keeping air circulating. They can really help cool any space!
Which of these are you using to cool your home?
What other things do you do to stay comfortable during the summer?
Ventilate Your Home
