How to Choose the Right Size Evaporative Cooler for Your Space

As the top evaporative cooler provider in the Phoenix, AZ region, we understand the importance of choosing the right size evaporative cooler for your space better than anyone. That’s why we have prepared this guide that is sure to assist you when it comes to making this all-important decision. Read on to learn more about the selection process and how you can keep your air temperatures down this summer. The “What size evaporative cooler do I need?” question has never been easier to answer.

Evaporative Cooling: Advantages and Disadvantages

These coolers are often chosen because they are far less expensive to purchase and run on a daily basis. The installation is half as much as a typical air conditioner, with a quarter of the energy usage. That does not mean that they can be used everywhere, though. The best evaporative cooler is going to work best in climates where the air outdoors is drier during the warmest times of the year.

This means that those who reside in low-humidity regions of the western United States are the most likely to benefit from the usage of evaporative coolers. While they may require a bit more maintenance than the average air conditioner, they are relatively simple to use.

Choosing The Right Size Evaporative Cooler

Of course, deciding on the right size of evaporative cooler can be challenging. With so many different models to choose from, it is easy to become confused. We cannot go by the methods that are used for choosing an air conditioner because the cooling capacity is measured much differently. An air conditioner measures its cooling capacity in BTUs (British thermal units), while the evaporative cooler’s cooling capacity is measured in CFM (cubic feet per minute).

Evaporative coolers will often have both units listed, which is why it is important to know as much as possible about each of them. For starters, evaporative coolers are smaller than the average air conditioner, which gives them more utility within the home. They are also essentially interchangeable with swamp coolers, but the swamp cooler is able to cool a much larger area.

Establishing the Proper Criteria

When it comes time to zero in on the right size, there are certain criteria that need to be followed. For starters, the humidity level is the first aspect that needs to be considered. The efficiency of the device you choose will be determined by the humidity level in the room that you are looking to cool. These coolers work best in drier climates because they rely on moisture during cooling.

If the place is poorly insulated, this will also affect the size of the chosen evaporative cooler. More energy will be needed if the insulation process has not been handled properly. To choose the right size, you will also need to know more about the size of the room. How high is the ceiling, and what is the overall size of the space? These are questions that have to be answered.

Lastly, what are the personal requirements in this particular instance? In other words, how often is the cooler going to be used? If you need to cool down a personal space, this will not require the same size evaporative cooler as you would need to cool off an entire room.

Size Calculations

As soon as all of the aforementioned questions have been answered, it is time to make the necessary size calculations. The following equation is the best way to go about it:

The height of the ceiling (in feet) x the square feet that need to be cooled

Take this number, divide it in half, and this will provide you with the total CFM (cubic feet per minute) that you need. These coolers are designed to cool a personal space as efficiently as possible, and some may also choose to measure these needs in BTUs (British thermal units). These measurements won’t be as precise as they would have been for an air conditioner, but they can be helpful.

Additional Tips and Pointers

Knowing when and where you plan to use the evaporative cooler is of the utmost importance. Let’s take a closer look at the following structures so that you are able to make the best choice for the space in question.

Manufacturing Facilities/Warehouses

In a windowless facility, you will need access to the biggest evaporative cooler possible in order to achieve the desired effect. That’s because they will not have access to the air outdoors in order to function. It is often in the best interests of anyone who is looking to cool a facility of this size with an evaporative cooler to contact the professionals.

Larger Homes/Workshops With Windows

Evaporative coolers that are designed for the windows are the top choice in these instances. Best of all, they are also able to be easily stored once the winter months roll around.

Entire Buildings

In these cases, the entirety of the building will usually require more than one evaporative cooler. Since a sizable amount of installation work is required, this is a better option for those who own the building in question.

Personal Cooling

The evaporative cooler is typically the best choice when it comes to personal cooling needs. In these instances, all that is needed is a smaller cooler that is able to provide a steady flow of fresh air, as opposed to a much larger air conditioner that costs far more to run. It is easier to point this air in the exact direction you desire, and the breeze created is equal parts gentle and eco-friendly.

If you have any further questions about the best evaporative air coolers and how they can assist you, please be sure to speak with our team of experienced professionals as soon as possible. At Premier Industries, Inc, we have the know-how you need in your corner once the temperatures rise. Be sure to call us as soon as possible whenever you want to learn more about the many advantages of evaporative coolers!

Categorised in: Coolers, Evaporative Coolers

This post was written by Mike Nicolini