Do People Still Use Swamp Coolers?

Want to know, Do People Still Use Swamp Coolers? This blog will help you to know more.

As winter comes to an end and spring returns, temperatures begin to rise, and the time has come to try to cool off. Gone are the cold months of trying to stay warm, and now is the time to crank up that cold air and enjoy the sunny and warm days. There are lots of ways to find an escape from the heat outside. Common fixes may include finding a nice and shady place to cool off, complete with an ice-cold drink.

But when the heat starts to crank up, all most people want to do is go inside and escape it. Inside, you can enjoy nice fans to help circulate the air. But, most likely, you will want to have some type of cooling unit to use, such as a swamp cooler, a standalone air conditioner, or centralized air conditioning. Most homes being built now or within the last twenty years have central air built into their homes. Many older homes have taken steps to transition from having swamp coolers to having central air installed.

The Pros and Cons of Swamp Coolers

Swamp coolers used to be the standard of home cooling options, and then there was a shift in the market to air conditioners and later central air. Swamp coolers did have some benefits and pros compared to the more widely used air conditioners now. 

Pros

Some of the pros of swamp coolers might include:

• Be able to cool isolated areas better instead of cooling an entire home. 
• Less expensive and more eco-friendly energy usage.
• Fewer chemicals are used, such as refrigerants that an AC unit will require.
• Less costly than centralized air and most stand-alone air conditioner units.
• Keep the air inside more humid and not too dry.

Cons

Now, some of the drawbacks of swamp coolers include the following: 

• They can only reduce the temperature by up to 20 degrees in most cases. This isn’t much relief for those who live in very hot summer climates.
• The more humid the climate, the less effective the swamp cooler can work.
• Because of the lack of popularity, it can be challenging to find parts for replacing or repairing the unit.
• Swamp coolers rely on moisture to work, which means that the same moisture used to cool can also create water damage.
• Can grow mold and mildew within the unit, filter, and surrounding areas.
• Must have water connected which can become a hazard for trips or leaks.
• The swamp cooler on the roof can create opportunities for critters to enter and nest in or inclement weather could cause it to loosen or allow leaks. 

Do People Still Use Swamp Coolers?

By comparing the pros and cons, swamp coolers are probably not the best option for homeowners anymore. Having a centralized air conditioner is most ideal, so what happens when you have a swamp cooler in your home and no longer want it?

A swamp cooler on the roof will need to be removed regardless of if it is no longer in use. An unused swamp cooler left on a roof will begin to damage the roof. The swamp cooler needs to be removed for the following reasons:

• It can be dangerous to leave the swamp cooler on the roof.
• Your home value and curb appeal could go down, as swamp coolers are sometimes considered an eyesore.
• It could become loose and fall, creating damage and harm. 
• The surrounding areas of the roof could be damaged. 

When a swamp cooler is removed, the following steps need to be completed:

1. Have someone who can help with holding the ladder and lifting and lowering the unit from the roof.
2. Have all the tools you will need to complete the job, ladder, tools, rope, caulking glue, etc.
3. Disconnect all power sources to the unit.
4. Drain any water remaining inside and disconnect the water source.
5. Remove the unit, starting with the side panels.
6. Remove the screws from the unit connecting the swamp cooler unit to the plenum. The plenum is the connecting piece between the unit and the roof.
7. Cut and remove the glue that was around the unit.
8. Disconnect the electrical wires. Remember, the power should be off. Before touching any electrical wires, confirm that the power is off.
9. Lift the swamp cooler unit up and off. Be careful not to put on any of the wires. 
10. Lower the swamp cooler off the roof. Be careful handling the unit, as they are heavy and awkward.
11. Remove the plenum and lower it off the roof.
12. The unit must be disposed of according to any local laws and regulations. There will be a fee involved in most cases. 
13. Repair the hole from where the swamp cooler used to be. A few options here could work, replace with roofing materials (shingles, etc.), and install a skylight or attic fan. Be sure to seal the light or fan if you go with that route.

Skip the DIY and Go With Out There Roofing!

Instead of removing and hauling away your swamp cooler, consider hiring a company that can remove it and dispose of it. Removing a swamp cooler can be quite a dangerous endeavor. It is best to be able to pay for it to be professionally removed and hauled away.

Besides, it isn’t worth the dangers involved, nor does it make sense to deal with the stress and struggle of doing it yourself. A swamp cooler tear-off isn’t something that can be easily accomplished alone and should be completed by a professional who knows the safest way to do it. Have a professional remove the swamp cooler and haul it away. For a swamp cooler Utah removal, Out There Roofing is the solution!

Getting started with us is easy! Simply contact us and schedule a time for one of our repairmen to come by. You can get a free appraisal for costs and time before making your decision. When you’re ready, Out There Roofing is there!