Information Center — The Home

Evaporative cooling has been around much longer than central air conditioning and has proven to be just as good at cooling in arid parts of the country. The technology works by the same process our bodies use to control temperature—perspiration. As we sweat and our perspiration evaporates, our skin feels cooler. Swamp coolers use hot air to absorb water, and the hotter the air, the better the cooling. Warm air from outside is drawn into a fan and pushed through moistened pads. The air is then vented into a room or through ductwork. Pads are made of shaved wood (cedar...

Evaporative coolers (or swamp coolers) can help homeowners, business owners, and industry professionals by keeping building occupants cool. Evaporative cooling increases humidity, improving the breathability of the air. It offers cooling and air filtration in one unit, as it pushes air through a layer of padding. The padding acts as a filter, removing certain contaminants from the air—especially those that can cause allergies. Swamp coolers also filter odors, making indoor work and leisure more enjoyable. Evaporative cooling technology can expose building occupants to fresh air throughout the day. Unlike central air conditioning units, evaporative coolers don’t require a building to...

Evaporative coolers (also known as swamp coolers) can lower the temperature of outdoor air by as much as 30 degrees. Evaporative technology cools without the hassle or high costs of central air conditioning, but there are some things to know know before you buy: Evaporative coolers cost half the price of air conditioners that cool the same size area. Some municipalities and government entities offer rebates for use of evaporative coolers. An evaporative cooler requires a constant supply of water and a 120-volt power supply to operate. No Freon is required in evaporative cooling. Swamp coolers create a complete air...

Exhaust fans play a major role in air quality and temperature controls for residential, commercial, and industrial applications. They work by drawing stale air out of homes and buildings to be replaced with fresh, outdoor air to meet HVAC industry-recommended air quality standards. Ventilation exhaust fans can help provide a healthful living environment by removing toxic gases, chemicals, and odors. Mold and mildew caused by heat and moisture (particularly in bathrooms, kitchens, and other areas that generate heat and moisture) can cause health problems and compromise the structural integrity of a home or building. Similarly, areas that generate smoke, chemicals,...

Residential ventilation is important for supplying quality airflow and ventilation to homeowners. Since most modern homes are built to be airtight, and because windows are often shut at certain times of the day, circulation is essential to keep stale air, humidity, and contaminants at bay. Maintaining or improving the quality of indoor air can be achieved by evaluating and updating mechanical ventilation. Operating an efficient HVAC system that employs ductwork, vents, and exhaust fans will result in proper circulation. There are several types of residential exhaust fans: The most common type of modern household exhaust fan is a ceiling-mounted exhaust...