reprinted courtesy of ServiceMagic.com
A common and economical form of
residential evaporative cooling is a "swamp cooler,"
which uses a vertical pad of cellulose fiber, a system for delivering
water to the top of the pad, and a fan to draw air through the
porous pad as the water runs down the pad and is absorbed. As
dry air moves over the wet pad, water evaporates, and the air
gives up its heat. The air moving from the wet pad into the home
is cooler than the outdoor air.
The moisture content of the supplied air is increased, which may not matter provided the air is cooled sufficiently. Evaporative cooling works best in dry climates.
Most swamp coolers that are damaged are due to failure to winterize. The water in the pump and spray tubes will freeze and burst, if they are not allowed to drain completely before winter.
Evaporative coolers work best in dry heat. If these type of coolers are maintained properly, they will work very efficiently and last a long time.
-- Tips courtesy of Service Magic