Although swamp coolers and air conditioners were invented to turn hot air into cool, the science behind each method is quite different.
What is a swamp cooler?
Air Compressor
It's just another name for an evaporative cooler. Water is used to wet absorptive pads around the sides of the cooler. A fan or "squirrel cage" draws outside air through the pads and the air is cooled as the water in the pads evaporates. The major benefit of this type of cooler is that you only need to power a water pump and a fan to draw the air through the pads.
They typically use between three and 10 gallons of water per day. That's equivalent to a few toilet flushes or, on the high end, a short shower.
Unless the relative humidity is lower than 30% or so, swamp coolers are not very effective. They work well in the southwest, west Texas, and parts of Idaho, Washington, Colorado, Wyoming, and Montana. In those areas you should be able to achieve a 20 degree differential between outside and inside.
Also, for a swamp cooler to remain effective it must exhaust as much air as it takes in. This means keeping a window open. If you don't, the humidity will rise and so will the temperature of the air blown from the cooler.
Air conditioning, on the other hand, is popular because it will reliably dehumidify and cool the air, no matter where you live. This how an air conditioner works:
The compressor compresses cool Freon gas, causing it to become hot, high-pressure Freon gas. This hot gas runs through a set of coils so it can dissipate its heat, and it condenses into a liquid.
The Freon liquid runs through an expansion valve, and in the process it evaporates to become cold, low-pressure Freon gas. This cold gas runs through a set of coils that allow the gas to absorb heat and cool down the air inside.
Mixed in with the Freon is a small amount of lightweight oil that lubricates the compressor.
Swamp cooler vs air conditioner: which is cheaper to operate?
In our friendly contest the swamp cooler wins handily. For similar sized units, even an air conditioner with and Energy Star rating uses 4-5 times the power needed to run a swamp cooler.
The difference is the amount of energy required to power an air conditioner compressor versus the electric motors used in a swamp cooler.
Which is better for the outdoor environment?
Unless you believe that soon to be outlawed R-22 refrigerant leaking into the atmosphere from your air conditioner is a good thing, the swamp cooler wins again. The swamp cooler maintains a Green profile by mimicking nature's way of cooling.
The way in which an air conditioner or swamp cooler affects the indoor environment of your home is determined by the way it circulates the air. Although an air conditioner re-circulates the same air, this is helpful in controlling allergens such as dust and pollen.
Since an open window is necessary when running a swamp cooler, you'll be letting in what the air conditioner keeps out.
Swamp cooler vs air conditioner: Which one wins?
I think swamp coolers are a good option since they're relatively less expensive and much cheaper to operate than air conditioning as long as you live in Phoenix, Arizona. But if you call Little Rock, Arkansas your home, nobody's going to talk you out of your air conditioner.
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DEWALT D55140 1-Gallon 135 PSI Max Trim Compressor Feature
- Heavy-duty 1-gallon trim compressor with protective roll cage
- 135 psi maximum; durable oil-free pump; low 69 dB rating; low 2.6 amp motor
- Cast-iron construction
- Includes 1 compressor; hose & nailer not included
- 9-inches wide; 24 pounds; 1-year warranty
DEWALT D55140 1-Gallon 135 PSI Max Trim Compressor Overview
The DeWalt D55140 One-Gallon, Max 135-PSI Trim Compressor is a one-person tool that offers efficiency and dependability. This indispensable hand-carry compressor features a lightweight, compact design and quiet operation for punch-out work. Ideal for finish carpenters and woodworkers, the D55140 can be used for remodeling and custom installation of shelves or other furniture, cabinet trim installation, pressure-testing new plumbing lines, and more.
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 Control panel features universal connection for use with any pneumatic tools. View larger. |
 Portability and quiet operation make the compressor especially versatile. |
Whether you're testing plumbing lines or making quick work of a remodeling project, the D55140's high-performance operation simplifies trim work and other jobs.
The D55140 features a one-gallon tank and a 2.6-amp motor that delivers 0.75 SCFM at 90 PSI and 135 PSI max, which makes for high-surge performance and quick recovery. Additionally, the draw motor offers easy startup and reduced breaker tripping, as well as a high-flow regulator that provides maximum air pressure to increase jobsite performance. And running at 69 dBA, the D55140 provides end users with a quieter operation compared to the competition.
The D55140 is also equipped with an oil-free, long-life pump, allowing for maintenance-free operation. The oil-free design of the pump eliminates the need for you to check or refill the pump, and it also helps keep your jobsite clean by preventing oil from transferring to your work surface.
Exceptionally Durable for Long Life
The efficient and unique design of the D55140 ensures maximum durability and longevity. DeWalt built the heavy-duty cast-iron compressor with an innovative roll cage and a full-protection frame designed to shield the unit from routine wear and tear and accidental damage. In addition, a wrap-around control panel covers the frame and provides further protection of key compressor components.Compact, Lightweight Design for Easy Portability
Measuring 24 pounds and with a height of just nine inches, the D55140 is ideal for those who prefer hand-carry compressors. For further convenience, DeWalt equipped the D55140 with a one-hand, universal quick connection for easy-to-use operation with any of your pneumatic tools. And for increased efficiency, the D55140 was designed with a ball drain valve for quick and thorough tank draining and with a convenient cord wrap for easy storage.
What's in the Box
135-PSI compressor and manual.
Available In Stock. |
