If you’re thinking about installing a new air conditioning system, you may think there are only three choices: window/portable units, a central AC unit, or a ductless mini-split system. Denver’s climate, with average summer temperatures of 85-90 degrees and humidity less than 40%, makes a fourth option possible: an evaporative cooling system. And while you may think of evaporative cooling systems as the humble “swamp coolers” from the past, new advances make them more efficient and powerful than ever before.
Instead of using refrigerant and cooling coils to cool air, an evaporative cooling system pulls hot air through a pad soaked with water, and the water which evaporates as a result removes heat from the air and lowers its temperature. This is the same principle as perspiration evaporating from your skin cooling your body temperature.
Using an evaporative cooler is heavily dependent on the climate where you live, so you’ll want to consult with an expert who knows everything about evaporative cooling in Denver.
Evaporative coolers typically require only 15-35% as much power to operate as refrigerant AC systems. That’s because the only cost is to power a pump to keep the wet pad moist and a fan to push cool air into your house. In the summer months, traditional AC systems will commonly use at least 50% of the energy on your bill, so the savings can be significant.
Refrigerant ACs use a closed-air system. That is, the air in your house is constantly recirculated as cold air is pushed out and, then, the warmer air is pulled back in to be cooled again. Evaporative systems, however, are constantly introducing fresh air into your home.
While we usually think of air quality in terms of outdoor pollen and related particulate levels, pollutants inside your home can exist at levels 100 times greater than outdoors. This is especially the case with energy-efficient construction techniques common to new homes. Continually introducing fresh air can be much healthier, and the wet pad acts as a filter which also increases interior air quality.
Due to the relative simplicity of evaporative cooling systems – there’s no refrigerant, compressor, or cooling coils – there are fewer components to break down or even be maintained. In comparison, fixing a central AC unit refrigerant leak can cost up to $1,500, replacing a compressor can easily be $2,000, and a new condensing unit coil can run almost $3,000.
In addition, evaporative cooling systems can last longer because of their less complex mechanics. A central AC unit has a lifespan of 10-15 years while a top-of-the-line evaporative cooler should easily last up to 25 years.
Installing an AC system shouldn’t be left to just anyone. Bell Plumbing and Heating has been locally owned and operated since 1926. We know your heating and cooling systems are an integral part of your home, and that’s why we offer a 100% guarantee on all the work we do.
Contact Bell Plumbing and Heating for professional AC installation today!
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