Car swamp coolers, also known as evaporative coolers, are a cost-effective alternative to standard air conditioning for vehicles. Before modern A/C systems became standard, most vehicles used swamp coolers to keep the cabin nice and cool.
Though they’re not as popular as they once were, they work well enough for some people to use in the 21st century. To understand the appeal of swamp coolers, let’s take a closer look at how they work as well as their pros and cons.
How Do Car Swamp Coolers Work?
Swamp coolers work by evaporating water into the air, reducing the temperature inside the cabin. If you’re wondering how swamp coolers release water vapor, their fans draw in warm, dry air and pass it through cooling pads. These pads are typically made of corrugated cellulose sheets kept moist and cool with a water tank.
When the air passes through the cooling pads and into the cabin, the water evaporates and absorbs the heat from the surrounding air. Not only does this lower the temperature of the air inside the cabin, but it also makes it more humid.
Swamp Cooler Advantages
The biggest advantages of swamp coolers include their eco-friendliness, energy efficiency, budget-friendliness, ease of installation, improved air quality, and ability to cool the cabin.
Better for the Environment
One of the best reasons to use a swamp cooler over an air conditioner is that it doesn’t use chemicals, refrigerants, or other special fluids to keep your vehicle’s cabin clean. Instead, it uses water, air, and cooling pads. This makes it safer to use and less harmful to the environment.
Budget-Friendly
Swamp coolers are both budget-friendly and cost-effective. You can get your hands on a decent swamp cooler for around $200, with prices going as high as $1,000 and beyond.
They’re cheaper than air conditioners and consume significantly less energy. This, combined with the fact that they don’t require a lot of maintenance, makes them very affordable.
Cools the Cabin
Swamp coolers are a step above fans because they’re capable of cooling the ambient temperature in your vehicle’s cabin. With the help of a swamp cooler, you and your passengers can enjoy cabins as cool as 20° to 40° Fahrenheit.
Easy to Install
Another advantage of using a swamp cooler is that they’re easy to set up and install. It’s simple enough that you don’t need to dismantle your vehicle before installing it.
Though it’s recommended to hire a professional to install your swamp cooler for you, it’s something you can do with basic mechanical know-how.
Energy-Efficient
One of the biggest advantages of using a swamp cooler is that they’re more energy efficient than air conditioners. They use 50-90% less power than air conditioners and don’t require you to purchase refrigerant either.
Improved Air Quality
Swamp coolers don’t just make the cabin cooler. They also increase the airflow circulation by taking in warm air from outside and releasing cool air inside. The cooling pads double as filters, trapping any dust and dirt and preventing contaminants from entering the vehicle.
Swamp Cooler Disadvantages
Unfortunately, swamp coolers don’t come without drawbacks. Major disadvantages include poor performance in humid climates, frequent filter changes, inability to cool as effectively as air conditioners, the need for water supply, and unsuitability for asthmatics.
Frequent Filter Changes
Both the air filters and the water filters will need to be changed regularly to prevent the buildup of mold, mildew, and bacteria. It’s a good idea to replace your filters at least once every year.
Needs Replacement Parts
If you plan on using a swamp cooler, you must be ready to buy many replacement parts. Cooling pads, pumps, fans, and motors will need to be replaced regularly, ranging from once every few months to once every few years.
Not as Cold as A/C
Though swamp coolers make the cabin a lot cooler for you and your passengers, there’s no denying that it’s not as effective as a modern car’s A/C system. Despite this, it’s a viable alternative for drivers who want to save money or enjoy a cool, unique alternative to A/C.
Not Suitable for Asthmatics
Because swamp coolers make the air more humid, too much humidity can be bad for asthmatics or people with respiratory issues. Air full of moisture can potentially trigger symptoms of asthma. Mold and bacteria can also grow inside your vehicle, contaminating the air.
Performs Poorly in Humid Climates
It’s not recommended to get a swamp cooler if you live in a humid state. Too much humidity leads to the growth of mildew, dust mites, and mold in your cooler and inside your vehicle. This often happens when the swamp cooler isn’t properly aerated. Humidity can also damage electronic devices.
Requires Water Supply
Since swamp coolers need a lot of water to cool the air, you’ll need to bring water with you more frequently. Some coolers have water tanks whereas others will use hoses attached to external water sources.
Where Are Swamp Coolers Installed in Cars?
Swamp coolers are mounted on the side windows of a vehicle, typically on the passenger’s side. Some models are mounted on the trunk, mimicking the designs of rear-mounted air conditioning systems in old Cadillac models. Swamp coolers need to be installed outside the vehicle because they draw in ambient air to cool the interior.
Taking Care of Your Swamp Cooler
If you want to prevent mold and mildew from growing in your swamp cooler, it’s important to know how to take proper care of it. This means draining the sediment, replacing the cooling pads, and cleaning the filters.
Drain the Sediment
It’s important to clean and drain your swamp cooler at least once a week to get rid of any dirt, minerals, or sediment that might be accumulating inside the reservoir.
Clean or Replace Cooling Pads Regularly
You should clean your swamp cooler’s cooling pads at least once or twice a year. They should also be replaced once every two to three years.
Clean or Replace the Filters
Clean or replace your swamp cooler’s air and water filters each time you replace the system’s cooling pads. This way, you minimize the risk of contaminating your swamp cooler.
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Any information provided on this Website is for informational purposes only and is not intended to replace consultation with a professional mechanic. The accuracy and timeliness of the information may change from the time of publication.
