This post is the ninth in a multi part series on swamp cooler repair, maintenance, and replacement. If you haven’t read parts 1 – 8, I recommend you do before continuing.

Fortunately, the modern consumer has far more choice when it comes to air conditioning than folks did back in the 70s and 80s. There are direct, indirect, and two stage evaporative systems, refrigerated air systems, heat pumps, and more. But with so much choice, how can the consumer pick the best choice for their home? Let’s take a look at some of the options for home cooling and some of their pros and cons.

Option 1: replace your old swamp cooler with a new swamp cooler

Swamp cooler technology has improved by leaps and bounds since many of Albuquerque’s units were installed in the 70s and 80s. They are more efficient, have more cooling power, and come in more variations now than ever before. If the time has come to replace your old swamp cooler, a new model might be the easiest, cheapest, most effective solution. Let’s take a look at the types of evaporative coolers available today and some of their advantages and disadvantages.

Direct (open circuit) evaporative coolers

Direct evaporative coolers are the traditional kind we’re used to seeing in New Mexico. They work by soaking a pad and drawing outside air through it. As the air passes through the pad, the water evaporates, cooling the incoming air and making it more moist. Then, the direct system simply pushes the cool, moist air into the structure. The output stream of a direct system typically has a relative humidity of around 80%.

Check back soon for How to maintain your swamp cooler, when to replace it, and what to replace it with, part 10. In the meantime, check out our page on swamp cooler repair and replacement.