Swamp Cooler Humidity Chart & Tips for Optimal Cooling
June 16, 2021 5:40 pm Leave your thoughtsEvaporative air coolers, commonly referred to as swamp coolers, are affected by humidity. It’s why they’re so popular in dry parts of the country such as Arizona and Texas. When you use evaporative swamp cooling in an area where there is already a lot of moisture (or your system is overproducing humidity), it’s important to understand the overall effects of swamp cooler humidity on performance.
Will An Evaporative Cooler Work In High Humidity?
Swamp coolers are designed to compensate for low humidity levels in the air. As such, when there’s less humidity in the air, they can cool the air by more degrees. For example, at 10% humidity, a swamp cooler can drop the temperature by 20 to 30 degrees. When relative humidity spikes to 50%, the cooler may only lower the temperature by 10 degrees.
Understanding Swamp Cooler Humidity Chart
This swamp cooler humidity chart shows how delivered temperature drop varies based on relative humidity. Use it to estimate performance in your climate.
Why Don’t Swamp Coolers Work In Humidity?
Evaporative media, the pads used to provide moisture into the evaporative process, are designed to work when air is dry. That air passes through wet media, creating evaporation. If there’s already high moisture in the air, evaporation—and therefore cooling—is reduced. Excess moisture can also lead to drips and potential rust if the unit isn’t serviced properly.
Humidity Limits Temperature Drop
There are big differences between hot & arid climates (like Arizona) versus hot & humid climates (like Florida). In arid regions, a 20–30°F drop is common, but in high-humidity areas, you may only get a 10°F drop. Always check local swamp cooler humidity forecasts before sizing or operating your system.
Optimal Humid Air Movement
Unlike central AC, swamp coolers add moisture. When humidity rises, open windows or vents to allow excess moisture to escape. Good airflow ensures the air remains as dry as possible and maintains cooler efficiency.
Does Evaporative Cooling Increase Humidity?
Excessive humidity forces your cooler to run on overdrive. In muggy conditions, pair your cooler with a dehumidifier to remove moisture, allowing drier air to pass over the media and improve cooling. Understanding swamp cooler humidity helps you optimize performance, whether humidity is 10% or 50%.
Tips to Control Swamp Cooler Humidity
- Regular Maintenance: Clean pads and reservoirs to prevent bacterial growth and excess moisture.
- Ventilation: Use vent fans or open windows to expel humid air.
- Dehumidification: Consider a dehumidifier in muggier climates for better cooling.
- Humidity Monitoring: Install a hygrometer to track indoor humidity levels.
FAQ: Swamp Cooler Humidity & Charts
What is the ideal humidity for a swamp cooler?
Ideally, relative humidity should be below 40% for maximum cooling efficiency. Above 50%, performance drops significantly.
How do I read a swamp cooler humidity chart?
Locate your current relative humidity on the chart’s X-axis to see the corresponding temperature drop on the Y-axis. This helps predict cooling output.
Will adding water increase humidity too much?
Evaporative cooling inherently adds moisture, but proper ventilation prevents excessive indoor humidity. Ensure fresh air intake to balance moisture levels.
Can I use a swamp cooler in 60% humidity?
At 60% humidity, expect only a 5–7°F drop. Consider supplemental cooling or dehumidification for comfort.
How often should I replace swamp cooler pads?
Replace pads at least annually, or sooner if they show mineral buildup. Clean them monthly during peak season to prevent mold and maintain airflow.
Learn more about swamp cooler humidity control and performance optimization by contacting Premier Industries, Inc. We’ll help you explore all the advantages of evaporative cooling in your climate.
Categorised in: Evaporative Cooling
This post was written by Mike Nicolini