Today, there are different types of cooling systems that you can use to keep your space cool and comfortable during the hot summer months. To choose the right appliance for your needs, you will have to consider factors such as cooling capacity and energy costs. With the numerous options available, you will need to learn more about the types, brands, and models in the market. While most people are familiar with central heating and air conditioning units, very few know about swamp coolers. Below is part of what you need to know about swamp coolers and swamp cooler pads, and how these pads help to provide relief from the summer heat.
What is a Swamp Cooler Pad?
A swamp cooler, also known as an evaporative cooler, desert cooler, wet air cooler, or swamp box, is a device that relies on the power of evaporation to cool air temperatures. A swamp cooler works on the principle that water will absorb a considerable amount of heat for it to evaporate. As water turns from liquid to gas, the highest-energy particles will be the first to leave the water, a factor that causes a drop in temperature. Unlike typical air conditioners that draw moisture out of the air, these devices add humidity to the air that is blown out. These evaporative cooling systems automate the simple process of basic automation and use it to cool your space efficiently.
Swamp cooler pads are important components of these devices. Most swamp coolers are made up of a fan, a water reservoir, a thick pad, and some controls. The work of the fans is to draw dry, hot air into the unit and send it across a series of cooler pads. These cooler pads, which have many layers to provide a wide surface area, absorb water from the reservoir. As the hot air passes through the pad, water molecules on the surface absorb heat energy from the air and evaporate, causing the air temperature inside the unit to drop significantly, after which the fan will blow the cold air into the room. Through this process, the cooler creates a cooling effect that allows you to enjoy the chill on a hot day. Some evaporative coolers will also feature air filters and pads to help improve air quality.
Considering the role that swamp cooler pads play in these units, swamp coolers have several advantages. The devices make for a cost-effective way to keep your space cool, especially if you are on a budget. With the evaporative cooling process, swamp coolers naturally humidify the air, a factor that makes them great for use in uncomfortably dry climates. This also helps to relieve dry air symptoms such as itchy eyes, sore throat, and dry skin.
What are They Made of?
Choosing the best swamp cooler pads goes a long way in ensuring optimal cooling performance. One of the factors that determine how efficiently these parts work is the material from which they are made. As such, you should familiarize yourself with some of the common pad materials and the characteristics with which they are associated.
Wood
A good number of wood fiber pads today are made from shaved aspen trees. One of the reasons why this material is popular is because it strikes an excellent air and water balance. Wood swamp cooler pads allow more air to move across the mildly saturated pad, a factor that makes the air in your space cooler. This material absorbs only part of the water, effectively preventing over-saturation that could cause the warming up of water held in the pad.
Cellulose
The construction of the spongy pads features heavy honeycomb-shaped cellulose paper. Compared to wood, this material is thicker and holds more water, making it ideal for use in areas that experience extremely dry conditions. Generally, water tends to evaporate faster under dry and hot conditions. Cellulose is also a great option when your cooler has a strong fan that delivers greater velocity when pushing air across the pad. However, it is important to note that cellulose pads cost more than their wood counterparts.
Plastic
The non-absorbent nature of plastic material means that these swamp cooler pads will not be as effective as the other types. Apart from repelling water, plastic is also a thin material that will not stay saturated to keep cool air blowing in your space. While plastic swamp cooler pads can work, they are not the best solution for long-term use.
As much as pads have a great impact on the performance of your swamp cooler, there are other electrical and mechanical parts that also affect cooling performance. As such, you cannot always blame the compromised performance of the pads.
What are the Best Ones?
To keep your swamp cooler running efficiently, the swamp cooler pads will have to be changed during maintenance. With the huge impact that these components play in the performance of the devices, you will have to choose the best ones. There are two main types of cooling pads: fiber and rigid.
Fiber Swamp Cooler Pads
Fiber swamp cooler pads are further divided into aspen pads and synthetic fiber pads, each with different characteristics.
Aspen Pads
This type of swamp cooler pads is common and widely used and has been used with swamp coolers for many years. Aspen pads use wood shavings, which offer a number of notable advantages. The material is all-natural, affordable, works excellently, and gives the pad a sweet, fresh smell. One downside associated with aspen fiber pads is that they have to be replaced more regularly than other types.
Synthetic Fiber
The main difference between these pads and the aspen pads is that these feature synthetic shavings instead of wood. The synthetic shavings increase both their reliability and durability. While calcium buildup can block the pads, synthetic can be cleaned and reused in many situations. The fact that they resist mold also makes them a great option to consider. Synthetic is also known to help deliver great cooling performance.
Rigid Swamp Cooler Pads
These swamp cooler pads are mostly found in units with a single air intake. Compared to fiber, rigid swamp cooler pads are less used and more expensive to use. However, they work really well and last a long time, with the ability to be cleaned and reused in certain situations offering great benefits.
Make Sure Your Swamp Cooler is Functioning
If you own and use a swamp cooler in your home, or you’re a company using an industrial swamp cooler, you will have to learn where to buy the best swamp cooler pads for your unit. Premier Industries Inc. designs and manufactures quality and efficient evaporative cooling solutions. Contact us today to learn about our wide range of products that are designed to meet your cooling needs.
