Information Center

Evaporative cooling provides a low-tech, low-cost alternative to air conditioning. It cools by combining water evaporation with the simple movement of air. A blower circulates fresh outdoor air after it has been pulled through wet material, cooling the air by evaporation. Also known as a swamp cooler air conditioner, this type of cooling can lower temperatures as much as thirty degrees. They work best in dry areas rather than in humid regions. A small evaporative air cooler can be installed in a window to blow cool air into a room. Larger evaporative cooling units can be used with duct work...

According to the Environmental Protection Agency, indoor air can be two to five times more polluted than air from outdoors. To keep air quality optimal for homeowners and employees, various methods of ventilation can be used to exchange stale indoor air with fresh outdoor air. The American Society of Heating, Refrigerating, and Air-conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE) suggest air circulation in the amount of 15 cubic feet per minute (CFM), per person to maintain a safe balance of indoor and outdoor air. Equipment, installation, operation, and maintenance are key to striking a balance in air quality. The overall design of a system...

While explosion-proof fans (or hazardous location air exhaust/ventilation fans) are more expensive than regular axial or centrifugal fans, they’re the safest way to cool in a volatile environment. They are required in any location in which flammable gases, vapors, or fine dust is concentrated enough to cause fire or combustion. Explosion-proof ventilation fans can be found in the following industries (among others): Paint spray booths Textiles Woodworking Petroleum refining Fiber processing Dry cleaning Solvent extraction Plastics manufacturing Gas plants Fuel servicing Grain elevators Spice grinding If you’re in an industry where explosion-proof fans are required for safety purposes, it is...

According to the EPA, there are several ways to improve cooling in residential buildings. The current trend in home building is toward energy efficiency and green construction. Knowing what types of money savers and environmentally friendly options to offer can give contractors more business: Insulation is the most obvious investment. Look for insulation with a high R-value (insulating capacity) to keep the attic cooler during warm weather. Note that it’s easier to install insulation during home building or roofing. Photovoltaic (PV) solar panels use light to generate power. PV systems are becoming more affordable, but check to see if there...