Differences:
An evaporative cooler uses water to soak cooler pads and then draws outside air over the pads to cool the air. This cool, moist outside air is then blown into the house to cool it. An air conditioning unit uses refrigeration inside an indoor coil to absorb heat from the air. An air conditioning system also provides dehumidification and filtration for the home while a cooler does not.
Benefits:
- For years, the only real advantage of evaporative cooling over air conditioning has been cost savings. Coolers traditionally have been cheaper to operate. With the increased efficiency of air conditioning systems today, this is no longer the case. There is no longer any benefit of an evaporative cooler over an air conditioning. They cost about the same to operate, and air conditioning will provide you with a more comfortable and healthy home.
- Evaporative coolers add mold and dust to the indoor air, which are serious health hazards. All peoples' health can be negatively affected by evaporative coolers, but those with allergies, mold sensitivity, and respiratory problems are the most affected.
- Coolers damage ductwork by rusting them over a short time.
- Coolers require a great deal of maintenance in comparison to air conditioners. An air conditioning system needs maintenance twice yearly, while a cooler needs maintenance much more frequently to operate correctly due to water usage and alkaline build-up.
- Coolers leak, then damage roofs and the structure below.
- Coolers promote rusting throughout the home.
- Due to the adverse health effects and high risk of home damage associated with evaporative coolers, ACT does not install these machines on any home.