How are swamp coolers different from air conditioners?
Air conditioners use a compressor to cool the air, which is a much more efficient method than that of a swamp cooling unit. Air conditioning can bring down the temperature based on the thermostat, shutting off and on automatically, opposed to manual or remote control like swamp cooling. Air conditioners also displace hot air outdoors and cool the inside air with the refrigerant contained in the system. However, air conditioners require venting kits to aid in hot air removal while also dehumidifying the air. If you are in a dryer climate, where the relative humidity is below 50%, a swamp cooler may be a better choice for your cooling needs. Not only is it a more cost effective means of cooling your building, but it will humidify the air in your space as well.
