Determine the area of the space you want to cool. Multiply this figure by the height of your ceilings. Divide that number by 2 (120 for European measurements). The result is the CFM rating for the evaporative cooler you need. For example: If you have a 1,500 square foot home with 8 foot (2. 4 m) ceilings: 1,500 square feet x 8 feet (2. 4 m). ceilings = 12,000 ÷ 2 = 6,000 CFM. You need a unit rated at 6,000 CFM or higher. Example 2, in CMS (cubic meters per second): If you have a 140m2 home with 3m ceilings: 140m2 x 3m ceiling = 420 ÷ 120 = 3. 5 centimeters (1. 4 in). You need a unit rated at 3. 5 centimeters (1. 4 in) or higher.
Swamp coolers are most efficient on the roof: cool air sinks, after all. But there may be issues with placement, leakage, or supply that prevent that. Consider portable evaporative coolers. They are also available in-wall or window-mounted. Make sure you follow the manufacturers instructions completely to maximize the output of your swamp cooler.
If that’s not enough to motivate you, consider why the evaporative cooler bears the euphemistic name swamp cooler. Early units had a problem with algae growth, and the resultant odor would make an alligator feel right at home.
