An evaporative air cooler uses evaporation – the conversion of water into water vapor – to fan out a cool breeze and lower air temperatures. Its cooling power is more robust than a standard fan, yet it still consumes minimal energy. Evaporative air coolers are also known as swamp coolers, desert coolers or wet air coolers, and are most effective in hot, dry climates. The sensation is like a lakeside breeze—a cool wind with a hint of moistness.

Evaporative air coolers include two motorized components: a pump and a fan. The pump circulates water around the unit and saturates a honeycomb-shaped irrigation pad. The fan blows air through the wet irrigation pad, causing the moisture to evaporate into vapor. The conversion of heat energy into evaporative energy results in a coolness in the outgoing air. The perfect example of this is a lakeside breeze: the air along a lake or waterfall feels cooler than the air inland. This is because heat has been converted into water vapor.

A standard fan simulates cooling through fanning air past your hot skin. The blowing air allows your skin to evaporate sweat faster, cooling you down. However, the temperature of the air circulating around your room remains unchanged. Evaporative cooling actually lowers the ambient air temperature. This is because the evaporative cycle converts heat energy into the physical process of evaporation.

An air conditioner uses refrigerant gases to absorb and expel heat from your home to the outside. While it is powerful, its cooling mechanism is complex, it has high energy consumption and raises the outdoor temperatures of your local ecosystem. An evaporative air cooler is energy-efficient with a straightforward apparatus and costs a fraction of the cost to operate compared to a traditional air conditioner. Conversely, if your summers are hot and humid, air conditioners can cut the heat and extract the humidity more effectively than evaporative coolers.

Mason & Deck coolers are constructed with weather-resistant materials and a GFCI power plugs, making them safe to operate in rain or shine. Attention to long-lasting performance and quality is a signature of Mason & Deck air coolers. They are equipped with metal fan blades that won’t deform over time, and strong, 360o rotating casters that roll easily over rugged ground.

Mason & Deck air coolers are perfect for large, open spaces and can be used in both indoor and outdoor areas. Examples include: garages, warehouses, medical facilities, exhibition halls and restaurants, and outdoor areas such as patios, al fresco dining areas, theme parks and bazaars/markets. They are also great for cooling guests at outdoor events like weddings and concerts.

Yes. Air coolers do not contain complex machinery, so they consume very little energy. Mason and Deck swamp coolers consume less than 250 watts at their highest fan speed.

Mason & Deck evaporative air coolers, with a CFM of 2100-2800, can cool a space that is about 888-950 square feet. Bear in mind, though, that evaporative air cooling is also highly dependent on the heat and humidity of its environment.

Evaporative air cooling works by drawing in hot, dry air, and fanning out cooler, more moist air. After a while, though, your room will need ventilation or a cross-breeze to circulate the more humid air out the room and restart the process with fresh dry air. It is recommended to keep a window and/or door open for adequate cross ventilation. In larger rooms, air from outdoors is not required, but there must be some type of airflow to keep the cooling action moving.

When used indoors, evaporative air coolers are most effective in dry regions with humidity levels under 60%. For outdoor use, or for tough-to-cool, large indoor spaces, evaporative coolers are one of the few cooling options that reduce temperature and can be used even in more humid climates.

A garage is very suitable for evaporative cooling. Its open ventilation can assist with the airflow the air cooler needs. Additionally, if your floor plan allows for it, Mason & Deck units are equipped with an optional hose connection, allowing for continuous, hassle-free cooling.

Every 3-6 months, depending on your usage and maintenance. Check the honeycomb visually, clean it with water and a soft toothbrush. If dirt cannot be removed, or if the fibers are starting to deteriorate, then it’s time for a new pad. Contact Mason & Deck Customer Service for more information on how to order replacement pads.

Not necessarily. Most Mason & Deck evaporative air cooler models are 3-in-1 appliances that adapt into humidifiers for the drier winter season. Used on a low-fan setting, they can add moisture to dryness caused by central heating or simply being in a dry climate.