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Pulling from ancient cooling principles, the 'swamp cooler' remains important today
The simple cooling system remains effective in dry air and still helps people without conventional air conditioning, experts said.
- America's first evaporative cooling system was perfected by Oscar Palmer in 1908 in Arizona. Dubbed "swamp coolers," these devices pull hot air through water-saturated pads to cool and humidify indoor spaces.
- By the 1930s, these gadgets transformed life in southwestern states like New Mexico and Nevada. Before traditional air conditioning became standard in the 1950s, residents relied on these low-cost systems to make desert environments livable.
- Ankit Kalanki, principal of cooling at RMI, notes evaporative coolers offer "low cost, low energy consumption" solutions. However, these systems fall short in humid regions because the air is already saturated and cannot handle more water.
- In desert-like states, evaporative coolers remain vital because the air is exceptionally dry. Eric Verpolegen, founder of CoolVeg, says "if it's really dry out, in Arizona, you're going to get a greater cooling effect."
- Innovation is driving hybrid solutions marrying evaporative cooling with independent humidity management. As humidity worsens in some areas, these advancements aim to provide the "best of both worlds," helping Americans manage heat efficiently.
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Washington Top NewsReposted by 
The Seattle Times
The Seattle TimesPulling from ancient cooling principles, the ‘swamp cooler’ remains important today
Before air conditioning spread across the United States, before temperatures increased and the world heated up, people in the Southwest sweltered.
·Chevy Chase, United States
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Coverage Details
Total News Sources12
Leaning Left4Leaning Right0Center8Last UpdatedBias Distribution67% Center
Bias Distribution
- 67% of the sources are Center
67% Center
L 33%
C 67%
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