Indirect evaporative cooling (IEC) has proven itself to be a cost-effective way to lower the inside air temperature. This is because the technology allows indirect evaporative cooling units to provide the benefits of evaporative cooling without adding humidity. Customers who understand these benefits ask if there is a way to use IEC to improve the efficiency of air conditioning systems. The answer is yes. Using indirect evaporative cooling for make-up air reduces the cost of cooling hot outside air.
Make Air Requirements
Any air-conditioned space will require some amount of make-up air. The amount depends on the number of people, the frequency of door openings and activities in the space. If the activities in the space generate contaminates such as dust or fumes, then the make-up air requirements increase significantly.
Cost Benefits of Indirect Evaporative Cooling
In most areas of the country, an indirect evaporative cooling unit (IEC unit) can reduce the temperature of the outside air in the range of 12 to 20 degrees F. An IEC unit can provide the temperature drop at 60% to 80% cost saving compared to air conditioning. Depending on the make-up requirements the cost savings can be a few hundred dollars per year for a small facility or several thousand dollars per year for a large facility.
Conclusion
We have partnered with Cambridge Air Solutions to provide the best indirect evaporative cooling technology to our customers. Their IEC units that can provide make-up air from 2,400 CFM up to 56,000 CFM. If you are in the market to replace your current make-up air system, contact an Eldridge ventilation specialist to find out how much money you can save using indirect evaporative cooling for make-up air.