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Swamp Cooler or Traditional HVAC

WHAT’S THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN SWAMP COOLERS AND TRADITIONAL HVAC?

Evaporative coolers, known as swamp coolers, are more common here than in most parts of the country, but there’s still some confusion about how they work. Most people are accustomed to a swamp cooler or a traditional central AC, so they’ve never really needed to think about the components involved in the cooling process.  What’s the difference between swamp coolers and traditional HVAC?

HOW SWAMP COOLERS WORK

Swamp coolers work using evaporative cooling. The name swamp cooler isn’t exactly accurate. Evaporative cooling works so well in our area because it takes advantage of our typically dry conditions.

  • A motor pumps water to a pad within the system.
  • A motor also runs a fan that sucks in warm air and moves it over the pad.
  • Water on the pad evaporates, a process that requires expending heat energy.
  • Heat is removed from the air, effectively lowering the air’s temperature by about 10-15° as long as the air is dry enough for evaporation.
REFRIGERATED HVAC UNITS DON’T USE WATER

Central air conditioners work much differently. They typically use refrigeration, a process requiring a chemical called refrigerant to move throughout the system, which means more moving parts and more energy consumed. In brief, here is how a conventional central AC unit works.

  • A blower fan sucks in air from the house and moves it over the evaporator coil, which cools down through refrigeration.
  • Refrigerant evaporates and absorbs heat from the air as it moves through that indoor coil. This is what allows the coil to cool.
  • Refrigerant moves to the outdoor compressor, where it gains pressure and heat.
  • Heat releases as refrigerant become liquid at the outdoor condenser coil. A large fan helps this heat to dissipate into the air.
  • Refrigerant cycles back through to continue absorbing and releasing heat from the air.

THE PROS AND CONS

We live in an area where we can choose between the two. Swamp coolers are unavailable (or, at least, not recommended) in most parts of the US—anywhere without notoriously dry conditions—but that doesn’t mean they are always the best option in our area.

SWAMP COOLERS
Pros:
  • Cheaper to install.
  • Lower monthly costs.
  • Relatively simple maintenance—may be completed by a homeowner.
Cons:
  • Not effective on humid days—like during El Nino season.
  • It may not lower the temperature to your liking (it only goes down about 10-15°.
  • Maintenance can be complex for a homeowner, especially in the hot summer months.

CENTRAL AC

Pros:
  • Customizable temperatures from a central thermostat.
  • Reliable cooling, no matter the humidity.
  • Modern units are highly efficient, costing less to run than they once did.
Cons:
  • The major drawback is cost. Installation is more costly than any repairs, and you pay more per month since there is more than just a fan requiring electricity.
  • It may not last as many years.

We have many requests to retrofit evaporative coolers with central AC, but the choice is ultimately personal. We hope we have helped answer the question:

WHAT’S THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN SWAMP COOLERS AND TRADITIONAL HVAC?

If you have any questions, please get in touch with us at 661-270-1961; Our technician will provide the appropriate recommendation for your home.AC Dave Heating & Air will help you decide the best unit for you & your family.

#ACDAVEHEATINGANDAIR  #HVAC #STAYINGCOOLINTHEHEAT #ACDAVE

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4 WAYS TO IMPROVE YOUR HVAC SYSTEMS EFFICIENCY

FOUR  WAYS TO IMPROVE YOUR HVAC SYSTEMS EFFICIENCY

There are several things you can do on your HVAC unit that will help you determine its efficiency. You will need to check and determine the following aspects that could play a part in how well it is performing: Below are four ways to improve your HVAC systems efficiency:

1 . You Keep Paying to Repair an Old System

Buying a new heating and air conditioning system is a significant investment. If your HVAC system must be fixed frequently, you could just be throwing money away on repairs.  You might be trying to hang on to your old unit to avoid the cost of buying a new one. Of course, occasional repair issues happen with HVAC systems.

Investing in a new unit can avoid repair issues and save money over time. With a new, energy-efficient unit, you may be able to save on your heating and cooling bills in the long run.

If you’re unsure whether your unit needs to be replaced, consider having it looked at by AC Dave Heating & Air. Then, you can get professional advice about whether it’s time for a replacement. You can also get advice about the best unit to purchase for your home.

  1. You Don’t Have a Programmable Thermostat

Investing in a programmable thermostat is an excellent idea for many families. With a programmable thermostat, you can avoid heating and cooling your home all day when no one is home.  You can also avoid walking into a hot or cold house after a long day. Your programmable thermostat can be programmed to suit your lifestyle and preferences. Investing in a programmable thermostat is an excellent idea for many families.

  1. You’re Using Other Sources of Heat or Air Conditioning

Some people are under the impression that using space heaters in the winter can be a more affordable way to heat the home. Even though a space heater may be able to save you money if you’re only heating a small room, it’s generally not as efficient as using your heating unit.

In addition, an HVAC system that’s working properly can keep your home at a more comfortable temperature than a space heater can.

The same principle is true with window unit air conditioners during the hot and humid summers. If you don’t use your system for cooling, you could still feel hot and sticky and might also end up with a higher electric bill.

  1. You Haven’t Had Your Unit Serviced

When you’re busy with other things, it’s easy to put off things like having your HVAC unit serviced. This big mistake can cost you money in a few ways. For example, when a professional services your HVAC unit, they will help ensure that your unit is operating as efficiently as possible. This can help you save on heating and cooling bills.

Additionally, failing to service your HVAC unit can lead to excessive wear and tear.  If your HVAC unit has not been serviced, it could be more prone to breakdowns.  If it hasn’t been adequately maintained, it might have to be replaced sooner. It’s a good idea to have your unit serviced seasonally to save money and ensure that your family stays comfortable.

If you’ve noticed any of these signs, then it might be time to implement one or more of the four ways to improve your HVAC systems efficiency. For help, contact us today at AC Dave Heating & Air (661) 270-1961.   Our Nate-trained experts will advise you on repairing or replacing your system. We’ll provide a solution to your heating and cooling problems that is best for your family.

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Spring is Here & Allergies Too!

Spring Is Here and Allergies Too!

iWave’s technology generates the same ions that nature creates with lightning, waterfalls, ocean waves, etc. Nature uses energy and shear to break apart molecules, naturally cleaning the air and producing a healthy environment. The only difference between the iWave’s technology and nature is that the iWave does it without developing harmful ozone.

When the ions come in contact with viruses, bacteria or mold, they remove the hydrogen molecules – without them, the pathogens have no source of energy.

We’re all looking for ways to protect our homes and businesses from COVID-19 has changed our lives dramatically and in order to limit the spread of the coronavirus, The iWave Air Purifier had been proven to fight many types of coronavirus long before our lives were disrupted by COVID-19. Now, an independent lab has reported that the iWave may inactivate the virus which causes COVID-19: SARS-CoV-2.

Contact us for more details: 661 270 1961

http:/www.acdaveheatingandair.com

 

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