The time it takes to cool a room with an evaporative air conditioner or swamp cooler can vary based on several factors, including the size of the room, the outdoor humidity level, the efficiency of the unit, and the desired temperature drop. However, in general, evaporative air coolers can cool a room more quickly than traditional air conditioners in dry and hot climates.
The cooling process of an evaporative cooler involves drawing warm air through water-saturated pads, where the air is cooled by evaporation, and then blowing the cooled air into the room. As the cooled air circulates, it helps lower the indoor temperature.
Here are some factors that can affect the cooling speed:
Outdoor Humidity: Evaporative coolers work best in dry climates, where the air has low humidity. The drier the air, the faster the evaporation process, and the more effective the cooling.
Room Size: The size of the room plays a significant role in the cooling time. Smaller rooms will cool down more quickly than larger ones since the cooled air can cover the space more effectively.
Unit Size and Efficiency: The cooling capacity of the evaporative cooler and its efficiency also impact the cooling time. A properly sized and well-maintained unit will cool the room faster.
Initial Indoor Temperature: The starting temperature of the room affects how long it takes to reach the desired temperature. The higher the initial temperature, the longer it will take to cool down.
As a rough estimate, in hot and dry climates, an evaporative cooler can lower the temperature in a room by a few degrees within 10 to 30 minutes, depending on the factors mentioned above. However, in more humid climates, the cooling effect may be less noticeable, and it might take a bit longer to achieve the desired temperature drop.
Keep in mind that evaporative coolers work best with open windows or doors to allow proper air circulation. Additionally, they are not suitable for humid climates since they add moisture to the air, which can lead to discomfort and may not effectively cool the room.