Evaporative Coolers vs. Air Conditioners: Which is Better for Bangladesh?

Bangladesh’s constant temperature rises above 40°C, and searching for efficient and eco-friendly cooling solutions is all the more important.

Evaporative cooling provides a green substitute for conventional air conditioners, which release greenhouse gas emissions and use a lot of energy.

This article will examine how evaporative cooling uses natural processes to keep homes and businesses comfortable, especially given Bangladesh’s diverse climate.

We’ll look at the benefits, factors to consider, and various kinds of evaporative coolers to give you the information you need to change your cooling approach.

Decoding the Climate Challenge in Bangladesh

The quality of the incoming air has a big impact on how well evaporative cooling systems work. In Bangladesh’s drier northern regions, where summer humidity typically hovers around 50%, direct evaporative coolers can produce impressive outcomes. Imagine that, with an amazing effectiveness rate of 80%, you could enjoy a cool escape from the oppressive outdoor heat with a departing air temperature of about 19.8°C.

However, direct evaporative cooling is not as effective in humid coastal areas such as Dhaka and Chittagong, where summer humidity frequently exceeds 70%. Such coolers may only be able to reach a leaving air temperature of 35.6°C in these areas, providing minimal protection from the sun’s intense heat.

The Pros and Cons of Air Conditioners

Strong cooling has been promoted by air conditioners –  as it produce a cool, refreshing atmosphere by removing heat from the air through the use of a refrigerant cycle. 

Because of their capacity to significantly lower temperatures, they are indispensable in Bangladesh’s hot and muggy environment – ACs can maintain a consistent temperature, providing prolonged comfort from the heat.

They are also very good at dehumidifying the air, which is a very useful quality in our hot summers.

However, the ease of use of air conditioners is not without cost, especially when it comes to initial and continuous energy consumption. For those on a tight budget, buying and installing an air conditioning unit can be highly costly.

Prices can differ significantly depending on the brand, size, and features; they usually range from BDT 30,000 to over BDT 70,000. Typically, professional installation is necessary, which raises the total cost.

Running an air conditioner continuously can result in noticeably higher electricity bills, which makes it a less practical choice for a lot of families. Thus, using refrigerants poses environmental risks, particularly if improper disposal is done.

What Is The Process of Evaporative Cooling?

Using evaporation, a natural process, evaporative cooling works almost magically. Imagine a cool breeze blowing through your house:

• Air is drawn through a wet pad using a fan.
• The heat from the entering air is absorbed by the water as it evaporates from the pad.
• After cooling, this air is redirected into your living or workspace area.

In addition to the comfort of having a private haven in the middle of the heat, the constant flow of fresh air improves the quality of the air.

Evaporative Coolers vs. Air Conditioners: Key Differences Explained

Evaporative coolers and air conditioners differ from one another in more ways than just how they work; there are a few key elements that make these two cooling systems unique.

• Air conditioners vs. Evaporative Coolers in terms of cost-effectiveness:

Evaporative coolers are very energy-efficient and cost-effective to operate, especially in larger open areas, because they use the natural process of evaporation to create cool air. Their overall lifespan costs are further reduced by the fact that they are simple to install and require little maintenance.

On the other hand, to establish and preserve cozy indoor environments, air conditioners rely on energy-intensive compressors, which use more resources when cooling bigger spaces.

In smaller, more enclosed spaces, air conditioning may be more economical. – by extending the shelf life of products, air conditioners’ precise temperature control can save money in delicate applications like pharmaceutical laboratories.

• Comparing Air Conditioners and Evaporative Coolers for Environmental Impact

In addition to being more energy-efficient, evaporative coolers only generate water vapour as a byproduct, which makes them an environmentally responsible and sustainable option for controlling indoor temperature.

However, because many air conditioners’ compressors use a lot of electricity and contain strong greenhouse gas-containing refrigerants, they are more detrimental to the environment.

• Use and Ideal Conditions: Air Conditioners vs. Evaporative Coolers

Evaporative coolers work best in areas with open windows and doors because they can regulate temperature, humidity, and air quality all at once by bringing in fresh outdoor air.

However, because of this dependence on outside factors, their effectiveness is weather-dependent.

As a result, large, open commercial settings like factories, warehouses, and retail stores are perfect for these coolers.

On the other hand, air conditioners are capable of sustaining desired temperatures in any kind of weather. Over time, they also lower humidity, which is beneficial in settings where too much moisture can be uncomfortable, dangerous, or hinder productivity. 

Air conditioners work best in smaller, sealed spaces such as pharmaceutical facilities, small offices, and hospitals where exact temperature control is essential. They are less effective in large open areas or spaces exposed to the elements.

• Upkeep and Dependability: Comparing Evaporative Coolers and Air Conditioners

Evaporative coolers are dependable and low maintenance because of their straightforward construction and limited number of moving parts. But they do require maintenance; to guarantee the best long-term performance and efficiency, cooling pads must be changed once a year.

Although air conditioning systems can also be trusted for climate control, they may need to have regular maintenance performed by qualified technicians, which raises the cost of operating them.

How to Choose the Perfect Cooler for Your Environment?

Reliable evaporative coolers like the BIO 18AIV are your best bet when it comes to controlling temperatures in large commercial spaces like shopping centers, expansive offices, or aircraft hangars.

When portability is crucial, portable evaporative coolers such as evaporative air coolers are perfect for effectively cooling particular spaces because they combine the benefits of this affordable technology with exceptional mobility and ease of use.

Looking from a different perspective, air conditioners are usually the better choice in smaller spaces where accurate temperature control is essential. This applies to enclosed pharmaceutical facilities, small offices, and hospitals.

Air conditioning systems are convenient to carry and assemble anywhere cooling is needed, making them ideal for varying climatic conditions.

There’s more to protecting equipment, keeping workers healthy and safe, and preserving productivity than just picking the correct cooler. Take into account the following elements when selecting the ideal system for your building:

• The size of your space
• The occupants and materials within it
• The desired indoor conditions you want to achieve
• The surrounding climate of your building

Conclusion

The decision between cooling systems in Bangladesh’s intense heat primarily comes down to your particular environment. Evaporative coolers can be a great option for offices located in less humid environments. These units cool your home effectively without raising your utility bills noticeably. They are also eco-friendly and support better indoor air quality, so you can benefit from them as well as the environment.

Then again, conventional air conditioners might be a preferable choice in extremely humid areas or rooms that need precise temperature control. They efficiently control humidity levels and maintain constant temperatures, which is crucial in environments like labs and hospitals.

All things considered, evaporative cooling seems like a promising way to combat Bangladesh’s extreme summer heat. These coolers can greatly improve the quality of the air inside your home while providing an affordable, energy-efficient, and environmentally friendly means of staying comfortable.