PORTABLE SWAMP COOLERS FOR RVS: HOW THEY WORK, BENEFITS, AND BUYING GUIDE
8/16/2024
If you’re looking for a way to stay cool this summer but don’t want to use the electricity required to run a traditional RV air conditioner, you might want to look into portable swamp coolers instead. A portable swamp cooler offers an inexpensive, lightweight, and energy-efficient solution to cooling your rig that we boondockers absolutely adore.
HOW PORTABLE SWAMP COOLERS WORK
Wondering how a portable swamp cooler works to cool a space? In short, the air is cooled by evaporating water. A swamp cooler consists of four basic parts: a water tank, cooling pads, a fan, and a pump.
Water is pumped from the tank onto the cooling pads.
The fan pulls warm air through the wet pads.
As air passes through the pads, it cools down.
The cooler air is then circulated into the RV.
This works quite well in hot, dry climates but is less effective in humid places such as Florida and South Texas.
BENEFITS OF PORTABLE SWAMP COOLERS FOR RVS
There are many reasons someone might choose to invest in a portable swamp cooler for their RV.
COST-EFFECTIVE
A portable swamp cooler can save money over a traditional air conditioner in a couple of different ways. For one thing, the purchase price of a portable swamp cooler tends to be less than the purchase price of air conditioner units, especially RV-specific A/C units.
On top of that, portable swamp coolers use much less electricity than traditional air conditioner units. If you pay for electricity in your RV, using a swamp cooler rather than the rooftop A/C unit could mean saving on your monthly bill.
BOONDOCKING-FRIENDLY
We also love that swamp coolers are so much more boondocking-friendly than traditional RV air conditioners. Because they use so little electricity, it’s easy to run one of these off of your battery bank, and you won’t totally deplete the batteries either.
ECO-FRIENDLY
As if all of that wasn’t enough, portable swamp coolers are also more eco-friendly than other types of air conditioners. This is because they require less electricity to run, and they use water to cool the space rather than chemical refrigerants, which are terrible for the environment if they make their way onto the ground or into bodies of water.
EASE OF USE AND MAINTENANCE
Swamp coolers (particularly portable swamp coolers) are relatively easy to setup, meaning pretty much anyone can add one to their RV. They also require very little maintenance. You won’t have to waste much of your precious travel time taking care of a swamp cooler.
COMBINING SWAMP COOLERS WITH AIR CONDITIONING: WHEN IT WORKS AND WHEN IT DOESN’T
Using both a portable swamp cooler and a traditional air conditioner together in your RV can be a game changer in managing indoor temperatures effectively. However, the efficiency of this combination depends heavily on the climate conditions and how each device operates. Here’s a closer look at when and why to use both, and when it might not be the best idea.
UNDERSTANDING THE OPERATING PRINCIPLES
Swamp Coolers: These devices add moisture to the air while cooling it, which works best in dry, arid climates. The principle behind swamp coolers is evaporative cooling — as water evaporates, it absorbs heat from the air, thus cooling it. However, they increase humidity.
Air Conditioners: In contrast, air conditioners remove moisture from the air while cooling it. They work on the principle of condensation and evaporation using a refrigerant. Air conditioners are effective in both dry and humid environments but can consume more energy.
OPTIMAL CONDITIONS FOR COMBINING
Very Hot and Dry Climates: In extremely hot and dry conditions, a swamp cooler might not suffice by itself as the air can become uncomfortably dry, and its cooling efficiency decreases as the outside temperature climbs above 100°F (38°C). Here, an air conditioner can help manage the excess humidity produced by the swamp cooler, while also providing a more consistent cooling effect.
Transitional Times of the Day: During cooler parts of the day, such as early mornings or late evenings, running a swamp cooler might be adequate. As the day heats up, integrating air conditioning can help maintain a comfortable environment inside your RV.
WHEN COMBINING MIGHT NOT WORK
High Humidity Environments: In places with high ambient humidity, such as coastal regions or during rainy seasons, using a swamp cooler can make the indoor air uncomfortably humid because the saturated air impedes the evaporation process. Adding an air conditioner in this scenario can lead to overworked equipment, as the A/C tries to remove the excess moisture added by the swamp cooler, leading to inefficient operation and increased energy consumption.
Small Spaces and Insufficient Ventilation: Effective use of a swamp cooler requires good ventilation to push the humidified air out and bring dry air in. In an RV, if the space is too confined or poorly ventilated, combining both systems might not yield the desired temperature drop and can instead create a damp, clammy environment.
SCIENTIFIC CONSIDERATIONS
Thermal Comfort: Human comfort in hot weather depends on the balance between air temperature and humidity. The evaporative cooling effect of swamp coolers raises humidity, which can be offset by the dehumidifying action of air conditioners. However, the right balance is crucial to avoid an overly dry or moist atmosphere.
Energy Efficiency: Using both systems together can be energy-efficient in specific scenarios but requires smart management. For example, setting timers or using smart thermostats can help in running the air conditioner during peak heat hours while relying on the swamp cooler during cooler times, optimizing energy use.
SITUATING YOUR PORTABLE SWAMP COOLER IN THE RV
Once you acquire your swamp cooler, the first thing you’ll need to do is figure out where in the RV to place it. While permanent swamp coolers like those from TurboKOOL are handy because they stay in place during travel, they can be more difficult to find a space for and install. Investing in a portable unit and securing it during travel. This allows you to move the cooler throughout the RV as needed.
When choosing a spot for your portable swamp cooler, you will need to make sure it is in front of a window or door that can remain open while it is running. Additionally, many people find that it’s best to set the cooler up on a table, as the cool air will merely hang out near the floor if the unit itself is sitting on the floor.
In some instances, we have seen people actually create ductwork for their unit. This might work well if you prefer not to keep a window open. Covering all of the windows that are not open can also help the cooler do its best work.
WHAT TO LOOK FOR WHEN BUYING A PORTABLE SWAMP COOLER
Not sure how to shop for a portable swamp cooler? Really, there are just a few things you should be looking for.
QUALITY AND DURABILITY
First, consider the quality and durability of the unit. Read customer reviews to make sure the unit holds up over time and works the way it is meant to. Try to purchase from a well-known brand that you recognize and trust.
FEATURES
You’ll also want to take a look at the features of the unit in question. Some key features to keep an eye out for include the following:
Size and capacity relative to the RV’s interior space
Power requirements and compatibility with RV electrical systems
Water tank capacity and refill frequency
Additional features (remote control, variable speed settings, timers)
COST VS. VALUE
Obviously, you’ll also want to keep cost in mind. While you probably don’t want to buy the least expensive swamp cooler on the market, it should be possible to find a very affordable unit that works well and holds up for years.
MAINTENANCE AND CARE FOR PORTABLE SWAMP COOLERS
Caring for your portable swamp cooler is key if you want it to last. Fortunately, as mentioned above, swamp cooler maintenance is pretty darn easy.
DRYING PADS
At the end of each day, be sure to run the swamp cooler on fan mode for 15–30 minutes to ensure the cooling pads are dry.
CLEANING AND REPLACING PADS
Pads will need to be cleaned or replaced regularly. Many owners’ manuals recommend doing this once a month. Make sure the pads are dry before removing them, and refer to your manual for cleaning instructions.
DRAINING THE TANK
You’ll also want to drain and clean the holding tank once a week. This helps prevent mold and mildew buildup.
HARD WATER TREATMENT
Depending on what water source you are using, you may also need to use some sort of hard water treatment from time to time. Refer to your owner’s manual for more info on this. To avoid doing this, use only bottled water in your cooler.
RECOMMENDED BRANDS AND MODELS ON THE MARKET
There are tons of swamp coolers on the market these days. If you’re having trouble deciding which one is best, consider choosing from the list below.
HOMELABS EVAPORATIVE COOLER
Easily one of the best portable evaporative coolers on the market, the hOmelabs Evaporative Cooler is highly recommended by customers.
It features a super simple design that is easy to use and maintain. The built-in timer helps ensure the cooler is never left running for too long, and the visible and audible water level indicator helps ensure you refill the 10L water tank when it’s time to do so.
We love that this cooler is so lightweight, making it ideal for RV travel, and the remote control means you don’t even have to leave your seat to get the setting you need.
FRIGIDAIRE EC300W-FA PORTABLE EVAPORATIVE AIR FAN AND HUMIDIFIER
Frigidaire is a well-known appliance brand that makes high-quality products, and the Frigidaire EC300W-FA is no exception. We appreciate that this is an oscillating cooler, meaning the cool air spreads out across the entire RV. The silent setting is also wonderful, as is the extra-large holding tank.
HONEYWELL 500-694CFM INDOOR OUTDOOR PORTABLE EVAPORATIVE COOLER
Another popular small appliance company, Honeywell, offers the 500-694CFM Evaporative Cooler. This unit is neat because it is weather-resistant for outdoor use. Of course, you’ll likely use it indoors, where it can cool up to 300 square feet of space. The cooler includes a water reservoir but also has an ice compartment for those seeking extra cool air.
WRAPPING UP
Portable swamp coolers present a viable, eco-friendly alternative to traditional air conditioning units for RV owners, particularly those who frequent arid and dry climates. The affordability, low energy requirements, and ease of use make these devices an attractive option for those aiming to enhance their comfort without a hefty investment. Moreover, the adaptability of portable units allows for easy placement and movement within your RV, ensuring cool air wherever it’s needed.
Whether you’re a seasoned boondocker seeking relief from the desert heat or an eco-conscious traveler looking to reduce your carbon footprint, a portable swamp cooler could be just the upgrade your RV needs.
If you would like to reserve a stay with us and enjoy the Williamston, Greenville, Washington and Eastern NC area please give us a call 252-943-1699 or visit our website: Treeside RV Park
To reserve a spot, give us a call 252-943-1699