Dry Abilene air gives evaporative coolers room to work
Evaporative coolers lower the air temperature by adding water to it. That process works well through Abilene’s hot, dry conditions because dry outdoor air can take on more moisture. When humidity rises, the cooler has less evaporation available and the cooling effect drops. An evaporative cooler is not interchangeable with refrigerated air conditioning during those more humid spells.
Water has to reach the pads evenly for the unit to cool properly. Pumps, distribution lines, float controls and bleed-off all play a part, while mineral buildup, stagnant water and worn pads interfere with operation. Seasonal cleaning removes the buildup and old water that leave a unit running poorly or sending stale-smelling air indoors.
A cooler also needs a path for indoor air to leave the house. Unlike a closed refrigerated-air system, it brings in air and relies on ventilation and the home’s layout to exhaust it. We work out of Abilene, so we understand that cooler operation depends on both the unit itself and how air moves through the home. When cold weather arrives, shutdown and freeze protection also protect the water-bearing parts from seasonal damage.