Ducted evaporative air conditioning is an efficient and eco-friendly way to cool your home. It works by drawing warm air through water-soaked pads, cooling it down, and circulating it throughout your home via a network of ducts. This method consumes less energy than traditional refrigerant-based air conditioning systems and adds moisture to the air, making it particularly suitable for dry climates like ours in South Australia. However, while it offers many benefits, you should be aware of some potential impacts on your home’s flooring and soft furnishings.
South Australia has an average of 36-39% humidity in the hotter months of December to March (Source: Australian Bureau of Meteorology). Fortunately, when used correctly, evaporative cooling will not affect your home’s flooring or soft furnishings, making it one of the best forms of cooling for South Australian homes.
Being aware of the potential effects that ducted evaporative air conditioners could have on your home through improper use or lack of maintenance will help you know how to prevent them and get the most out of your system for years to come.
Best practices for your home ducted evaporative air conditioning
One of the primary concerns with ducted evaporative air conditioning is excessive moisture. By design, the system adds humidity to the air, which can lead to moisture accumulation in your home if used incorrectly. Increased humidity levels can create a conducive environment for mould and mildew to thrive or cause old wooden floors to warp, swell, or even rot over time.
The easiest solution to avoid this is to allow for proper ventilation, which is also essential for evaporative air conditioning to provide effective and efficient cooling. The system works best when there is a clear path for air to flow from the cooler to the outside of the home. Keeping some windows and doors open allows the hot, humid air to escape and be replaced with fresh, cooler air. Optimal ventilation will vary depending on the manufacturer’s specifications and your home. Still, as a rule of thumb, Glow recommends the opening size should generally be approximately twice the size of the cooling unit’s exhaust vent.
The next best defence against excessive moisture, mould, and allergens is to maintain a regular cleaning schedule by an evaporative air conditioning service professional. This includes cleaning and replacing pads, checking for leaks, and ensuring the system operates efficiently. Regular maintenance not only prolongs the life of your evaporative air conditioner but also ensures that it operates at peak efficiency without causing excessive moisture buildup. Regular maintenance will ensure the evaporative cooler’s pads are cleaned and replaced per the manufacturer’s recommendations, as dirty pads can hinder the cooling’s effectiveness and harbour mould spores.
General Tips for Maintaining a Healthy Home Environment
Regular Maintenance
Ensure that your evaporative cooler is serviced regularly. This includes cleaning and replacing pads, checking for leaks, and ensuring the system operates efficiently. Regular maintenance not only prolongs the life of your cooler but also ensures that it operates at peak efficiency without causing excessive moisture buildup.
Monitor Humidity Levels
Use a humidity sensor to monitor the moisture levels in your home. The ideal indoor humidity level is between 30-50%. If the humidity level consistently exceeds this range, consider using a dehumidifier in conjunction with your evaporative cooler or adjusting the settings on your evaporative cooler.
Proper installation of your ducted evaporative air conditioning system
Ensure that a professional installs your ducted evaporative air conditioning system. Proper installation is crucial for the system to operate efficiently and prevent moisture and airflow issues.
Fan-only function
On high-humidity days, such as those with humidity over 30% or above, it may be better to use only the fan function of your ducted evaporative air conditioning cooler. Using a humidity sensor in the home can help you manage the moisture levels when using evaporative cooling.
Cleaning and Hygiene
Maintain a regular cleaning schedule for your home. This includes vacuuming carpets and upholstery, wiping down surfaces, and using mould-inhibiting cleaners. Keeping your house clean reduces the risk of mould and mildew and helps maintain a healthy indoor environment.
By taking the necessary precautions, you can enjoy the benefits of ducted evaporative cooling without compromising the integrity of your home’s interiors. Remember, the key to a successful and trouble-free cooling experience lies in regular maintenance and proactive measures to control humidity levels. With these tips in mind, installing ducted evaporative air conditioning in your home is an effective and economical solution.
Whether you require installation, repair, or maintenance, our technicians will assist you with top-quality service at any time of the day or night. Take comfort in knowing your indoor air quality is the best it can be with MOE heating & cooling services Ontario's solution for heating, air conditioning, and ventilation that’s cooler than the rest.
Contact us to schedule a visit. Our qualified team of technicians, are always ready to help you and guide you for heating and cooling issues. Weather you want to replace an old furnace or install a brand new air conditioner, we are here to help you. Our main office is at Kitchener but we can service most of Ontario's cities
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