Cost-Effective Alternatives to Air Conditioning
South African summers can be unpleasantly hot; highs of 35 to 40 degrees Celsius aren’t unusual.
Conventional air conditioning is one way to keep the interiors of homes and offices at a comfortable temperature – but it’s not the only way. It’s also not always the most cost-effective choice.
Evaporative coolers
Evaporative coolers are low-maintenance cooling systems designed for hot, dry climates. They’re available as standalone portable machines, or as built-in, structurally contained air cooling components that are easy to install.
Air passes through saturated pads to provide cool, fresh air that’s free of dust, smoke, pollen and other pollutants. Energy consumption is comparatively meagre. The system’s carbon footprint is light, and the entire operation is quiet and non-intrusive.
Evaporative coolers are healthy, low maintenance cooling solutions appropriate for residential, business and industrial applications in areas in South Africa with oppressive, arid heat.
How evaporative cooling systems work
Hot dry air, extracted from the exterior, is fan-blown through cooling pads saturated by the system’s integrated water distributor. The airstream automatically cools as moisture from the pads evaporates into it.
The chilled, filtered air is then circulated into the room via a motorised fan to create comfortable ambient conditions ideal for work or play. As cross-ventilation is key to the performance of evaporative coolers, windows and doors can be left open to enhance the free flow of fresh air.
The system does not support dehumidification. As a result, evaporative coolers are not suitable for use in regions with high humidity.
Key benefits of evaporative air conditioning
- Energy efficient: evaporative coolers use up to 87 percent less electricity than conventional air conditioners.
- Cost effective: the system is cheap to operate and maintain.
- Eco-friendly: no carbon emitting refrigerants are used in the cooling process.
- Healthy: fresh air is filtered to remove contaminants, and windows and doors can be left open to encourage ventilation.
Turbine ventilators
Turbine ventilators are another economical and environmentally friendly way to beat the summer heat. Circular ventilators, comprising a number of vents or vanes that revolve, are easily erected on the roofs of buildings.
Turbine ventilators consume zero electricity. They rely solely on the wind and the natural forces of extraction and induction to cool and ventilate interior spaces.
A turbine ventilator is a simple but effective cooling system that requires no maintenance, and has little to no impact on the structure of a building. The latest generation of residential turbine ventilators are made from lightweight polymers, and can easily be self-installed.
How turbine ventilators work
During the summer, hot, stale air – together with smoke, dust and other pollutants – is extracted from the room or building by the turbine action of the wind enabled vents. Fresh air from the outside automatically flows into the vacant space to ventilate and cool the room.
In the winter months, the turbine effect of the ventilator removes warm moisture-laden air that accumulates from the kitchen and bathrooms. According to some estimates, up to 15 litres of moisture can collect each day. If it is not extracted, it can damage the room’s insulation, and promote the growth of mildew and mould.
Advantages of a roof vent cooling system
- Clean and green: turbine ventilators do not use electricity or emit carbons.
- DIY installation: residential components, such as Supavent, are lightweight, easy to install, and available in a range of options.
- Longevity: Supavent ventilators are top of the residential cooling range, and are made from chip-, crack- and corrosion-resistant polymers.
- Quality air: extraction removes dust, smoke and harmful pollutants.
- Convenience: no maintenance is required.
- Strength: designed to withstand wind speeds of up to 180 km/h.
Inexpensive cooling systems from Turbovent
Turbovent specialises in providing affordable and efficient cooling systems to South African homes and businesses. We offer a range of high-quality but cost-effective products, from conventional air conditioning and heating systems to evaporative coolers and turbine ventilators.
Contact us online or call 0860 266 537 to discuss your cooling needs.
