HVAC Tips

Whole House Fans to Save Money

Using a whole house fan, or air movement fan, is a simple, inexpensive, and efficient way to cool a house or building. Whole house fans draw cool air inside and exhaust hot air outdoors through attic fan vents. A whole house fan can provide excellent ventilation and evaporative cooling to the entire house, with or without central air conditioning.

A two-ton central air conditioner costs about 20 cents per hour to run; it costs 17 cents to run window units. Whole house fans cost only five cents per hour to run. Consider installing one to save on energy costs. At night, when outdoor air is cool, turn off the A/C, open some windows, and run the fan. A whole house fan can take the place of air conditioning in spring and early fall. Take advantage of fresh, outdoor ventilation for a healthier and less expensive way to cool.

Swamp Cooler Tips

Here are a few things you should know about swamp coolers:

• It is not recommended to use a swamp cooler (or evaporative cooler) and a central air conditioner (or window unit) together. It creates a drain on energy, since windows need to be open for a swamp cooler to work. Use one method or the other.
• Swamp coolers work best in hot, arid climates.
• Swamp coolers work more efficiently during the hottest parts of the day.
• An evaporative cooling unit with the right cooling capacity can make central air conditioning unnecessary.
• Perform regular maintenance on your swamp cooler to keep it in working order. Change or clean filters and pads according the manufacturer's instructions.
• Look for swamp coolers that have water filtration to remove impurities.
• For small spaces, a portable evaporative cooler can provide effective cooling.
• Find a reliable dealer of swamp coolers who can help size a cooler to your application.

How to Maximize Your Evaporative Cooler

Here are some ideas on how you can maximize the benefits of your evaporative air cooler (swamp cooler):

• First, read the manufacturer's instructions on setup, use, and care of your cooler.
• Use evaporative coolers in arid environments.
• Open a window. Closing up your home or building will create excess humidity, making your cooling system less efficient.
• Operate your system during the hottest part of the day. Swamp coolers work best when the air is dry. The relative humidity should be less than 30 percent.
• Keep the filter clean. Evaporative cooler filters absorb impurities, and you'll need to keep them clean in order for the system to work.

Evaporative Cooling for Industrial Applications

Industrial evaporative cooling (or swamp cooling) might be the answer if you're looking for an efficient way to cool large spaces at minimum cost. This Freon-free method of cooling uses only 25 percent of the energy it takes to run central air conditioning. In arid climates (where humidity is below 30 percent), it makes sense to use a swamp cooler air conditioner over central A/C. If you are considering evaporative cooling for your commercial or industrial application, here are some options:

• Portable evaporative coolers use the same evaporative technology as standard units, but they can be used anywhere.
• Evaporative cooling towers are heat removal systems that cool water for use in industrial and air conditioning processes. They are generally used in large, industrial operations and save time, energy, and money.
• Ducted evaporative coolers make it possible to cool a building from a single cooler unit. They work by pushing cooled air into ducts, then into individual rooms. Ducted evaporative cooling is less expensive than central air conditioning and allows building occupants to breathe fresh air.
• Misting systems provide extra cooling by spraying a cooling micro-mist of water on targeted areas. They are often used in zoos, livestock facilities, veterinary clinics, greenhouses, kennels, and recreation areas.