Do evaporative air coolers increase the risk of Legionnaire’s disease? Are they suitable for industrial environments such as the steel industry? Are they noisy?
This article answers the most frequently asked questions about evaporative cooling.
Do evaporative coolers present a risk of infection or other health problems ?
No, quite the contrary! This question is often based on the misconception that the slight increase in humidity caused by evaporative coolers would encourage the growth of viruses, bacteria and moulds. However, all VILO air fresheners are equipped with a UV lamp, which purify the air by eliminating particles likely to spread pathogens.
The benefits of evaporative cooling are widely recognized. In addition to providing fresh, clean, filtered air, evaporative cooling uses much less energy and is easier to maintain. Unlike many air conditioners, it does not require the use of harmful CFC gases.
I work with steel products and want to avoid humidity in my environment to prevent any risk of corrosion. Does this mean that evaporative cooling is not a viable option ?
Our coolers evaporate water, but in the form of steam, not liquid micro-droplets. Humidity in the air will generally increase by 2% to 5%, depending on the environment.
To limit the increase in humidity in your environment, here are a few things you can do:
- Increase ventilation (by opening doors and windows). The more air circulates, the lower the humidity.
- Constantly monitor temperature and humidity to keep them at optimum levels. Our evaporative coolers come with an integrated control panel as standard, so you can do this easily.
Spot cooling with portable coolers generally concerns a specific area, meaning that the total humidity in the entire space will be well below 2-5%. It’s also important to note that powerful evaporative coolers actively expel warm, humid air outside the building.
Does evaporative cooling present an increased risk of legionella due to the use of water ?
Legionella is a bacterium that thrives in hot water systems. Our units are equipped with UV lamps, ensuring that 100% of the water flowing over the cooling panels is treated by these rays.
It is transmitted by inhalation of aerosols of water contaminated with Legionella bacteria. However, our units do not generate aerosols. Water is either vaporized or transported as steam, not as a liquid.
The risk is therefore very low, and equivalent to that of a traditional air-conditioning system.
Is it possible to reduce the noise level of evaporative air coolers ?
In our main markets (industry, logistics, production), our devices generally generate lower noise levels than the existing working environment. What’s more, the cooling effect offered by our units is far more important than noise reduction. Our coolers are equipped with a speed control, enabling you to reduce the speed and therefore the noise level if necessary. The more compact the cooler, the lower the noise level. The noise level of our units is 66 dB.
How can I adjust the airflow to suit my needs ?
As with the noise issue, in a factory hall, some people may find the airflow annoying. In this case, it’s possible to move the unit or adjust the direction of flow. Our coolers are equipped with adjustable louvers to control the direction of airflow. It is also possible to modulate the speed using the unit’s control panel, to reduce the intensity of the airflow.
Why spend money on comfort? Isn’t it cheaper not to ?
Installation, operating and ownership costs are actually relatively low, making evaporative cooling a cost-effective solution. What’s more, employees working in hot environments are subject to heat stress, which impacts on both their safety and productivity. On the other hand, a comfortable working environment promotes concentration and improves efficiency.
How do I maintain my cooler and prepare it for storage at the end of the season ?
If the working environment is dusty or dirty, we recommend increasing the frequency of cleaning and emptying. We recommend emptying the water tank once a month during the period of use, and cleaning with clear water.
Winterize coolers at the end of the season.
Panels do not need to be replaced if stored in a dry place at the end of the season.
To winterize evaporative coolers at the end of each season, follow these steps:
- Drain water from appliances.
- Rinse with clean water.
- Run appliances with clear water, adding white vinegar if necessary.
- Drain remaining water completely.
- Run units for at least 6 hours without water circulation to dry panels and unit.
Another question ?
If you have any further questions, please don’t hesitate to contact us. Our team will be delighted to answer any questions you may have, and to support you in your air cooling project.