Be Cool
In the Southwest, evaporative cooling systems are common. Evaporative coolers do not work well in areas with high humidity, but they are great for dry, hot climates. They are energy efficient, only using between ten and 33 percent of the amount of electricity a conventional air conditioner uses. These coolers do not use refrigerants known to be harmful to the environment and they provide a steady flow of fresh, clean air into your home. However, one disadvantage of evaporative coolers is that they tend to use large amounts of water.
Viewer Tip: It is best to follow a few tips when using evaporative coolers so that you may stay cool and also conserve water. Install a timer on your cooler so that you can control the amount of water you use and how often. Use alternative cooling devices such as ceiling fans, and be sure to slightly open windows to allow cool air to replace the existing air. During cooler evenings, try using the cooler fan without turning on the water pump; this will not use up any water.
Season: Summer
(Sources: H2ouse. California Urban Water Conservation. “Evaporative Cooler Environmental Benefits.” 2009. http://www.h2ouse.org/action/details/action_element_contents.cfm?actionID=33F9AF22-5952-42B1-869F-B2383D530938&elementID=C762FE8A-38B4-4541-907E5203F113D180; Toolbase Services. “Evaporative Coolers: Whole-house Cooling in Arid Regions at a Low First Cost.” 2008. http://www.toolbase.org/Technology-Inventory/HVAC/evaporative-coolers)
