Over time, the number of households and establishments that use evaporative coolers has been increasing steadily. These coolers are being utilised since they possess cost-effective benefits that are beneficial for property owners. Evaporative coolers consume less energy compared to traditional air conditioning units. They can also significantly improve air quality by filtering dust, fumes, and foul odours. Using them can also benefit the environment since evaporative coolers do not emit any toxic pollutants.
How does evaporative cooler works?
Evaporative coolers maximise evaporation so that they can cool the air. The very first thing that they will do is to circulate the water from the reservoir on to a cooling pad, which is done by a pump. Simultaneously, the fan of these coolers will draw air from the outside so that they can pass through the moistened pad. As the air passes through the wet pad, it will now be cooled through the evaporation process. This cool air will now leave the cooler and then circulated across your room or specific area.
One important thing that must always happen within the evaporative cooler is for the cooling pads to be moistened and saturated all the time. Without a moistened pad, your evaporative cooler will not be able to provide you cool and fresh air.
Does water quality affect their performance?
Since water is deemed as one of the most important elements in an evaporative cooler, then owners should watch out for its accompanying properties. After all, the quality of your water can generally affect the performance of the evaporative cooler.
As mentioned, cooling pads must be supplied with water all the time so that they can initiate the evaporation process. And since evaporation only involves pure water, all other minerals that come from your water supply will be left behind on your evaporative cooler. When these dissolved minerals accumulate and recirculate on your system over time, their overall concentration will then exceed the ability of the water to hold them in solution.
Once the above situation happens, issues like scaling, corrosion, or biological fouling may occur on your cooler. Scaling on your evaporative cooler will not only reduce its heat transfer and system efficiency, but it can also lead to under-deposit corrosion. Any presence of red rust on steel components and white rust on galvanised surfaces can also shorten the service life of your unit. Biological fouling may also occur once slime and algae have formed inside your unit. These formations may reduce heat transfer, promote corrosion, and harbor pathogens like Legionella.
What should I do to improve water quality?
To improve the performance of your evaporative cooler, then you must regulate the quality of your water as well as your whole unit. You can use different types of cooler treatment tablets as they can prevent mineral build-up, control corrosion, and freshen the air. Applying additives to your water supply is also a great way to increase the solubility of calcium and other minerals.
Cleaning your unit, especially the water tank, is also recommended so that any accumulated mineral deposits and scale can be removed. During evaporative cooler operations, your water should always be at the proper level in the tank.
As long as you maintain the water that comes in your unit, then you can expect great performance out of your evaporative cooler. To have your unit checked, you can give us a call at Peter Ross Enterprises.