Introduction
If you’re looking for a way to stay cool in hot weather, especially in a drier climate like Arizona, buying an evaporative cooler, also known as a swamp cooler, might be the solution you need. With a wide range of options available, it’s important to understand the truth behind the claims made by manufacturers. In this article, we’ll examine different models of evaporative coolers to give you an unbiased overview of what they offer and help you make an informed decision.
How Do Evaporative Coolers Work?
Evaporative coolers, also called swamp coolers, function by taking in dry air, adding moisture to it, and then releasing air that is more humid than what it initially drew in. The fan blades, similar to those of a regular fan, generate airflow by pulling air from the rear and sides and expelling it through the front at a higher speed. At the bottom of the cooler, there is a water reservoir. A pump draws water from the reservoir to wet a filter-like pad that covers the back and sides of the cooler. As the fan pulls air through the wet pads, it absorbs additional moisture, increasing humidity levels. The result is a more comfortable environment that utilizes both airflow and evaporative cooling for an effective cooling experience. It’s worth noting that evaporative coolers perform best when the relative humidity is below 60%.
Buying a Swamp Cooler
To help you make an informed decision, we’ve gathered four different evaporative coolers to compare their claims with their actual performance. Before diving into the specific models, let’s take a look at the key factors we consider when evaluating swamp coolers:
CFM (Cubic Feet per Minute)
CFM is a measure of airflow, indicating how much air passes through the cooler. Higher CFM values indicate better cooling performance. However, we found that some manufacturers’ claimed CFM values differed significantly from our measurements.
Airspeed
We also assess the airspeed to understand how effectively the cooling effect spreads when you move away from the cooler. Coolers that can reach farther distances are better suited for cooling larger spaces efficiently.
Noise Level
The noise level of a swamp cooler is important, especially if you plan to be in close proximity to it. A lower noise level means less noise interference during conversations or other activities.
Current Draw
While evaporative coolers don’t consume much power, energy efficiency is still important, particularly if you rely on solar or generator power. The more energy-efficient the cooler, the better it is for these situations.
GFCI (Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter)
For outdoor use, it’s crucial that a swamp cooler has a GFCI plug to protect against electrical shocks caused by faults. Models compliant with the UL 507 standard are recommended for outdoor use.
Tank Dimensions
Swamp coolers constantly draw water into the air, so having a larger tank means less frequent refilling.
Filter Size
A larger filter pad surface area allows for more contact between air and water, resulting in better humidity conversion.
Fan Blade Material
Metal and plastic blades can generate similar airflow, but plastic blades may deform over time when exposed to harsh outdoor environments, potentially affecting airflow and noise levels.
Price
Budget is always a consideration, but it’s important to assess the quality and performance of a cooler in relation to its price, rather than solely focusing on the lowest cost.
Now, let’s explore the test results of the evaporative coolers we’ve evaluated:
Hessaire MC37M Swamp Cooler
Circulation Flow Meter
The Hessaire MC37M claims to provide 3100 CFM. However, our measurements showed an actual airflow of 2067 CFM, a difference of over 1000 CFM or 34% from the claimed value. While it still delivers a solid airflow, such a discrepancy raises concerns about the accuracy of manufacturer claims.
Airspeed Change
At various distances from the cooler, the Hessaire MC37M maintained the following airspeeds:
- 0 feet: 1352 ft/min (15.63 mph)
- 3 feet: 1100 ft/min (12.5 mph)
- 6 feet: 942 ft/min (10.7 mph)
- 12 feet: 625 ft/min (7.1 mph)
This model provides a cooling range that extends farther than any other unit we tested.
Noise Level at 3 Feet
- Low: 74 dB
- Medium: 83 dB
- High: 87 dB
As expected, the most powerful swamp coolers tend to be the loudest. If you’re seated close to the cooler, you may find conversations challenging, but the Hessaire MC37M still offers a significant range with a noticeable airflow at greater distances.
Current Consumption
- Low: 0.9 Amps
- Medium: 1.2 Amps
- High: 1.7 Amps
Compared to other models, the Hessaire MC37M consumes more power. If you’re using solar or a generator, you may want to consider more energy-efficient options.
GFCI
The Hessaire MC37M doesn’t come with a built-in GFCI plug, and it doesn’t explicitly state that it’s suitable for outdoor use. We strongly recommend using a GFCI extension cord or outlet to ensure electrical safety.
Tank Size
With a 10.3-gallon tank, the Hessaire MC37M has a smaller capacity compared to other models in its class. This means you’ll need to refill it more frequently.
Filter Size
With a filter pad area of 818 square inches, this Hessaire swamp cooler covers a reasonable space. However, other competitors offer a higher ratio of filter area to airflow, potentially resulting in better humidity conversion.
Supplementary Notes
- 3 plastic fan blades
- Bottom-fill or garden hose connection for tanks
- Sharper and rougher seams compared to other models
- Smooth-rolling casters for easy mobility
- No vertically adjustable blinds, but includes automatic lateral swing
Specifications
- Model: Hessaire MC37M
- Manufacturer’s Recommended Coverage Area: 950 square feet
- Weight: 40 lbs
- Dimensions (H/W/D): 37.25 x 24.13 x 16.25 inches
- Price: $299
Honeywell CO610PM Evaporative Cooler
Circulation Flow Meter
The Honeywell CO610PM claims to provide 2100 CFM, and our measurements confirmed an actual airflow of 2099 CFM. This indicates that the manufacturer’s claim is accurate, making it one of the most reliable models in terms of stated performance.
Airspeed Change
At different distances from the cooler, the Honeywell CO610PM maintained the following airspeeds:
- 0 feet: 1294 ft/min (14.70 mph)
- 3 feet: 1082 ft/min (12.3 mph)
- 6 feet: 862 ft/min (9.8 mph)
- 12 feet: 563 ft/min (6.4 mph)
With a comparable coverage area to the Hessaire MC37M, this model provides an excellent effective range.
Noise Level at 3 Feet
- Low: 80 dB
- Medium: 83 dB
- High: 85 dB
Compared to the Hessaire MC37M, the Honeywell CO610PM produces quieter noise levels at both the low and high settings.
Current Consumption
- Low: 0.9 Amps
- Medium: 1.0 Amp
- High: 1.1 Amps
The Honeywell CO610PM offers a good balance between airflow and energy efficiency. It consumes 35% less power at high settings compared to the Hessaire model, while still delivering slightly more airflow.
GFCI
The Honeywell CO610PM includes a GFCI plug, making it the only model in our test group to feature this safety measure. It is also explicitly designed for outdoor use, according to the manufacturer’s materials and product descriptions.
Tank Size
With a 14-gallon tank capacity, the Honeywell CO610PM provides ample water storage, allowing for longer intervals between refills compared to similarly sized units.
Filter Size
This larger Honeywell evaporative cooler boasts 929 square inches of filter space, nearly 15% more than the Hessaire model. This larger filter area promotes better humidity conversion and more efficient evaporative cooling.
Supplementary Notes
- 5 metal fan blades
- Top-fill or garden hose connection for tanks
- Top container can hold ice cubes to lower water temperature during filling
- Smaller casters may not roll smoothly on certain surfaces
- Manual vertical blind adjustment and automatic lateral swing
Specifications
- Model: Honeywell CO610PM
- Manufacturer’s Recommended Coverage Area: 850 square feet
- Weight: 45 lbs
- Dimensions (H/W/D): 40.50 x 27.75 x 18.00 inches
- Price: $499
Luma EC220W Evaporative Cooler
Circulation Flow Meter
The Luma EC220W claims an airflow of 1650 CFM. Our measurements revealed an actual airflow of 1914 CFM, slightly higher than the claimed value. This indicates that the manufacturer’s claim is conservative and the cooler performs better than expected.
Airspeed Change
At varying distances from the cooler, the Luma EC220W maintained the following airspeeds:
- 0 feet: 1197 ft/min (13.60 mph)
- 3 feet: 844 ft/min (9.6 mph)
- 6 feet: 607 ft/min (6.9 mph)
- 12 feet: 387 ft/min (4.4 mph)
While its coverage range is slightly smaller than the previous models, the Luma EC220W still provides effective cooling within a reasonable distance.
Noise Level at 3 Feet
- Low: 78 dB
- Medium: 80 dB
- High: 81 dB
With slightly lower airflow comes reduced noise levels. The Luma EC220W strikes a good balance between loudness and airflow, making it a suitable option if noise is a concern.
Current Consumption
- Low: 1.0 Amps
- Medium: 1.1 Amp
- High: 1.3 Amps
Although not as energy-efficient as the Honeywell model, the Luma EC220W consumes less power than larger units when running at medium to high power settings.
GFCI
The Luma EC220W does not include a built-in GFCI plug, but it is designed for both indoor and outdoor use. We recommend using a GFCI extension cord or outlet when using it outdoors to ensure electrical safety.
Tank Size
With a 10.6-gallon tank size, the Luma EC220W offers sufficient water capacity for its intended cooling area.
Filter Size
The Luma EC220W features a filter pad area of 688 square inches, providing an effective ratio of filter area to airflow comparable to larger units.
Supplementary Notes
- 5 metal fan blades
- Bottom-fill or garden hose connection for tanks (requires cutting off the end of the hose for the included hose clamp)
- Smooth-rolling casters
- Manual vertical blind adjustment and automatic lateral swing
Specifications
- Model: Luma CO610PM
- Manufacturer’s Recommended Coverage Area: 650 square feet
- Weight: 42 lbs
- Dimensions (H/W/D): 41.13 x 27.00 x 17.00 inches
- Price: $369
Hessaire MC18M Swamp Cooler
Circulation Flow Meter
The Hessaire MC18M, a compact evaporative cooler, claims to offer 1300 CFM. Our measurements indicated an actual airflow of 808 CFM, significantly lower than the claimed value by nearly 500 CFM or 38%.
Airspeed Change
At various distances from the cooler, the Hessaire MC18M produced the following airspeeds:
- 0 feet: 1009 ft/min (11.47 mph)
- 3 feet: 783 ft/min (8.9 mph)
- 6 feet: 493 ft/min (5.6 mph)
- 12 feet: 308 ft/min (3.5 mph)
Due to its compact size, this model has a more limited cooling range compared to larger units. It performs best within 10 feet.
Noise Level at 3 Feet
- Low: 67 dB
- High: 77 dB
The Hessaire MC18M generates less background noise, making it ideal for situations where maintaining a quiet environment is a priority.
Current Consumption
- Low: 0.3 Amps
- High: 0.4 Amps
This smaller Hessaire unit offers significantly lower energy consumption compared to larger models, making it an excellent choice for those concerned about energy usage.
GFCI
Similar to the previous model, the Hessaire MC18M does not include a built-in GFCI plug. If used outdoors, we strongly recommend plugging it into a GFCI outlet to reduce the risk of electric shock.
Tank Size
With a 4.8-gallon tank, the Hessaire MC18M provides a sufficient water supply for its compact footprint.
Filter Size
The Hessaire MC18M features a filter pad area of 278 square inches, resulting in a lower filter area to airflow ratio compared to other units. This might affect its humidity conversion efficiency.
Supplementary Notes
- 3 plastic fan blades
- Bottom-fill or garden hose connection for tanks
- Sharper and rougher seams compared to other models
- Smooth-rolling casters for a unit of this size
- Manual vertical blind adjustment, but no lateral adjustment
Specifications
- Model: Hessaire MC18M
- Manufacturer’s Recommended Coverage Area: 500 square feet
- Weight: 16 lbs
- Dimensions (H/W/D): 28.75 x 19.75 x 10.75 inches
- Price: $209
Conclusion
After assessing multiple evaporative cooler models, it’s clear that manufacturer claims may not always align with reality. It’s essential to consider factors such as airflow, airspeed, noise level, power consumption, GFCI protection, tank size, filter size, fan blade material, and price when purchasing a swamp cooler. The four models we’ve examined provide a wide range of features and performance levels, allowing you to choose the right one for your cooling needs. Remember to prioritize your preferences and consider your specific requirements for optimal comfort and efficiency. Stay cool!