Useful Accessories for Evaporative Coolers

August 4, 2023

There are a few important considerations if you're renting a portable evaporative cooler for any need, and one that should be at the top of your list is any kind of accessory need you may have. There are several common accessories used in coordination with evaporative coolers, some related to their water-based cooling method and others less so.

At 1 Source Portable Air, we're here to offer an extensive range of portable HVAC equipment rentals, including numerous portable cooling options - evaporative cooling among them. Here's a primer on how these coolers work and why accessories are often such an important part of their operations, plus some general accessory options here depending on your cooling needs.

How Evaporative Coolers Work

For anyone just learning about evaporative cooling, it can be helpful to understand the basic concept of how this type of cooling works. Basically, these coolers work by using water-saturated pads to increase evaporation and reduce the air temperature in an area. This happens via a fan which pulls air through the evaporative cooler pads, increasing its evaporation rate and thus reducing the air temperature of the affected area.

This kind of cooling is often effective for areas that have high humidity, because the process of creating evaporative cooling involves adding moisture to the air. This is extremely effective in places such as the southwestern United States, where the climate is hot and dry. While it's not optimal for use in humid climates, it can still provide some relief from heat.

Why Accessories Are Often Important

Due to the water-based method of cooling, accessories often play an even larger role for evaporative coolers than for other types. They often help regulate the water supply to the cooler, in addition to any other needs you may have.

They may also help with long-term maintenance, such as ensuring that the cooler is kept in top condition by regularly replacing water filtration pads. Our next several sections will go over some top options to consider depending on your specific cooling needs.

Calcium Filter

For both indoor and especially outdoor uses, a calcium filter can be an important part of operating an evaporative cooler. That's because it helps to remove the lime deposits that often build up in systems due to their use, which can sometimes cause clogs and malfunctions. A good-quality calcium filter will also help keep your unit running better for longer, since it can help eliminate the need for frequent maintenance.

As you're considering calcium filter options, know that there are various types available depending on the specific unit you're using. For instance, some smaller units may only need a carbon-based filter to keep it working well, while larger coolers might require more specialized filters in order to maintain optimal performance.

Hot Water System Protector

Water basins in evaporative coolers can get hot, so it's important to have a hot water system protector in place. This will help protect the unit and its components from damage due to excessive heat buildup, as well as helping to maintain an optimal temperature for cooling.

The right choice of hot water system protector will depend on the size of your evaporative cooler. For instance, larger units may require a more powerful hot water system protector to protect their components from damage.

Tablets

If you're worried about issues like scaling or corrosion within your evaporative cooler, adding tablets may be a good solution. These tablets are designed to help keep the water inside the unit clean and free of deposits or buildup, as well as helping to reduce any odors that might otherwise arise due to bacteria growth in the basin.

Many of these tablets are also formulated specifically for use with evaporative coolers, so you can be sure that you'll get the best results by choosing one of these. Additionally, they are usually designed to last for several months before needing to be replaced, so you don't have to worry about frequent maintenance or upkeep in order to keep your unit working properly.

Digital Temperature Switch/Sensor

For many evaporative cooling applications, it's important to have a temperature switch or sensor in order to ensure that the air passing through the unit is cooled properly. A digital temperature switch/sensor can help you monitor the temperature of the air coming from your cooler and make any necessary adjustments in order to keep it at an optimal level.

This kind of component is especially useful in applications where precise cooling is necessary, such as industrial settings. It's also helpful for large-scale units, since it can provide real-time feedback about the air temperature and help ensure that your unit is running efficiently.

Hose Connectors

Finally, it's often important to have hose connectors in place in order to ensure that your evaporative cooler works properly. This is especially true if your unit is located outdoors, as the connections between the hoses and the cooler can be vulnerable to corrosion or damage due to weather conditions.

By investing in a good-quality set of hose connectors, you can help protect your evaporative cooler from any potential issues caused by bad connections. This can help ensure that your unit will continue to function optimally for years to come, and save you from needing to purchase costly replacement components down the road.

At 1 Source Portable Air, we have all the accessories you might need related to evaporative coolers or any of our other portable HVAC rentals. Contact us today with any questions about the right accessories for your specific cooling needs. We'd be happy to help!