[{"data":1,"prerenderedAt":37},["ShallowReactive",2],{"$fRXcoWevefgPuXLn1MRsqgdB4z3lrG-TQkzSOqMx7jFo":3},{"post":4,"relatedPosts":14},{"category":5,"date":6,"html":7,"image":8,"readingMinutes":9,"slug":10,"sourceUrl":11,"summary":12,"title":13},"Cooling","2019-06-13","\u003Cp>As June begins to give way to July, temperatures are steadily climbing—and so are our energy bills. If you’re like a lot of homeowners, you might be researching ways to keep your cooling costs manageable. At some point, you’re likely to come across a promising option with an odd name: the swamp cooler.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\u003Ch2>What’s a swamp cooler?\u003C\u002Fh2>\n\n\u003Cp>Swamp coolers, otherwise known as evaporative coolers, are a simple, efficient, cost-effective, and environmentally friendly way to keep \u003Cem>some \u003C\u002Fem>homes cool. We’ll get to that “some” in a bit, but first let’s talk about sweat.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\u003Cp>Yes, sweat.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\u003Cp>When our body temperature starts to rise, our sympathetic nervous system cues our sweat glands to go to work. While different parts of our body release different types of sweat, it all serves the same purpose: to cool us down. As our sweat evaporates from our skin, it takes some heat with it (we’ll spare you the physics lesson), and that helps decrease our body temperature.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\u003Cp>Evaporative coolers, which are about the same size as a room air conditioner, work in a similar way:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\u003Col>\n\u003Cli>Warm air is drawn into the unit from outside.\u003C\u002Fli>\n\n\u003Cli>The air passes over water-saturated pads.\u003C\u002Fli>\n\n\u003Cli>Water evaporates into the air (again: physics), and cools it down.\u003C\u002Fli>\n\n\u003Cli>A fan pushes the now-cooled air into the room.\u003C\u002Fli>\n\n\u003Cli>Warmer air in the room, displaced by the cool air, is pushed outside.\u003C\u002Fli>\n\u003C\u002Fol>\n\n\u003Ch2>How is a swamp cooler different from an air conditioner?\u003C\u002Fh2>\n\n\u003Cp>Standard air conditioners recirculate the same air continuously, while evaporative coolers rely on a steady supply of warm, outside air. In addition, swamp coolers don’t typically use a duct system like central air conditioners do. Instead, air is directed to different parts of the home by opening and closing doors and windows.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\u003Cp>Third, air conditioners require some type of refrigerant to cool the air, and those chemicals tend to be tough on the environment. By contrast, evaporative coolers need just one liquid: water. (Granted, that’s a point in the con column for drought-prone regions.) Perhaps the most encouraging difference between the swamp coolers and air conditioners is cost—both to install and operate. Evaporative coolers are much, \u003Cem>much \u003C\u002Fem>less expensive to purchase and install, and, on average, they use about one-quarter the energy required by traditional AC units, according to \u003Ca href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.energy.gov\u002Fenergysaver\u002Fhome-cooling-systems\u002Fevaporative-coolers\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer\">energy.gov.\u003C\u002Fa>\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\u003Cp>However, in addition to these cooling methods, it’s essential to have versatile solutions for various climates and preferences. That’s why at James Plumbing & Heating, we also offer comprehensive \u003Ca href=\"\u002F\">air conditioning services\u003C\u002Fa> to ensure every homeowner finds their perfect comfort solution, balancing efficiency with environmental impact.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\u003Ch2>So, why are swamp coolers only good for \u003Cem>some \u003C\u002Fem>homes?\u003C\u002Fh2>\n\n\u003Cp>Lucky for you: Swamp coolers are only effective in dry climates. Since they work by adding moisture to the air, \u003Cem>already\u003C\u002Fem> humid environments may just get stickier, rather than cooler.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\u003Cp>To determine if a swamp cooler could make a significant difference for you, you’ll need to figure out two things: the wet bulb temperature and the dry bulb temperature. Determining the dry bulb temp is easy; just take a look at your thermostat and write down the current temperature in your home. The wet bulb temperature is how warm or cool it would be if the humidity were at 100%. To simulate those conditions, simply cover a thermometer with a wet cloth sock, and run a fan across it.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\u003Cp>Now, calculate the difference between those two, which is called the wet bulb depression. An efficient swamp cooler can bring down the temperature by as much as 95% of the wet bulb depression. As the web and dry bulb temperatures get closer and closer (and they will, the more humid the climate), the swamp cooler’s effectiveness decreases dramatically. In general, if your web bulb temperature is higher than 70ish degrees F, you’ll be bummed by your results.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\u003Ch2>What sort of maintenance do swamp coolers require?\u003C\u002Fh2>\n\n\u003Cp>Here’s another reason to hesitate about chucking your \u003Ca href=\"\u002Fservices\u002Fac-repair\">Santa Fe AC\u003C\u002Fa> in favor of an evaporative cooler: they require a good deal of maintenance. You’ll need to clean or change the pads at least monthly, or they’ll begin to stink—which is likely where evaporative coolers earned their swampy nickname. You’ll also have filters and a pump to contend with, and you’ll need to clean and scrub the reservoir periodically, because the evaporation process leaves behind mineral deposits that can damage the unit over time. Finally, some evaporative coolers are installed on the roof, so you’ll cause wear and tear to your home as you do your monthly maintenance.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\u003Ch2>How can I be sure if a swamp cooler is right for my home?\u003C\u002Fh2>\n\n\u003Cp>We’ve helped Santa Fe homeowners weigh the pros and cons of swamp coolers for years, and we’d be happy to help you, too. \u003Ca href=\"\u002Fcontact\">Give us a call today\u003C\u002Fa>!\u003C\u002Fp>","\u002Fimg\u002Fblog\u002Fwhat-exactly-is-a-swamp-cooler-and-do-they-work.webp",4,"what-exactly-is-a-swamp-cooler-and-do-they-work","","As June begins to give way to July, temperatures are steadily climbing—and so are our energy bills. If you’re like a lot of homeowners, you might be researching ways to keep your cooling costs manageable. At…","What Exactly Is A “Swamp Cooler”? And Do They Work?",[15,23,30],{"category":5,"date":16,"html":17,"image":18,"readingMinutes":19,"slug":20,"sourceUrl":11,"summary":21,"title":22},"2025-06-14","\u003Cp>As summer temperatures rise in Santa Fe, your air conditioner works hard to keep your home comfortable. But running it nonstop can lead to high energy bills and unnecessary wear on your system. At James' Plumbing & Heating, we want to help you stay cool—without overworking your AC. Here are our top tips.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\u003Ch3>1. \u003Cstrong>Use Ceiling Fans Wisely\u003C\u002Fstrong>\u003C\u002Fh3>\n\n\u003Cp>Fans don’t cool the air, but they circulate it to help your body feel cooler. Set them to spin counterclockwise in the summer to push cool air down.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\u003Ch3>2. \u003Cstrong>Block Out the Sun\u003C\u002Fstrong>\u003C\u002Fh3>\n\n\u003Cp>Keep blinds or curtains closed during the hottest parts of the day, especially on south- and west-facing windows. Blackout shades or thermal curtains can make a big difference.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\u003Ch3>3. \u003Cstrong>Avoid Heat-Producing Activities During the Day\u003C\u002Fstrong>\u003C\u002Fh3>\n\n\u003Cp>Running the oven, stove, dishwasher, or dryer during the day adds heat to your home. Try cooking in the evening or using outdoor grills and air-dry laundry when possible.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\u003Ch3>4. \u003Cstrong>Seal Air Leaks\u003C\u002Fstrong>\u003C\u002Fh3>\n\n\u003Cp>Air escaping through gaps around windows and doors makes your AC work harder. Use weatherstripping or caulk to seal leaks and keep cool air inside.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\u003Ch3>5. \u003Cstrong>Maintain Proper Insulation\u003C\u002Fstrong>\u003C\u002Fh3>\n\n\u003Cp>Good insulation isn’t just for winter. It also helps keep hot air out during the summer months.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\u003Ch3>6. \u003Cstrong>Program Your Thermostat\u003C\u002Fstrong>\u003C\u002Fh3>\n\n\u003Cp>Use a programmable or smart thermostat to adjust temperatures while you're away. Setting it a few degrees higher when no one is home can save energy without sacrificing comfort.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\u003Ch3>7. \u003Cstrong>Schedule Regular AC Maintenance\u003C\u002Fstrong>\u003C\u002Fh3>\n\n\u003Cp>A well-maintained air conditioner runs more efficiently and is less likely to break down. Change filters regularly and have your system professionally inspected at least once a year.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\u003Ch3>Need a Hand With Summer Cooling?\u003C\u002Fh3>\n\n\u003Cp>Whether you need a tune-up or advice on energy-saving upgrades, James' Plumbing & Heating is here to help you stay cool all summer long.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\u003Cp>\u003Cstrong>Call \u003Ca href=\"tel:5054737148\">505-473-7148\u003C\u002Fa> or schedule an appointment online today!\u003C\u002Fstrong>\u003C\u002Fp>","\u002Fimg\u002Fblog\u002Fhow-to-keep-your-home-cool-without-overworking-your-ac.jpeg",2,"how-to-keep-your-home-cool-without-overworking-your-ac","As summer temperatures rise in Santa Fe, your air conditioner works hard to keep your home comfortable. But running it nonstop can lead to high energy bills and unnecessary wear on your system. At James'…","How to Keep Your Home Cool Without Overworking Your AC",{"category":5,"date":24,"html":25,"image":26,"readingMinutes":19,"slug":27,"sourceUrl":11,"summary":28,"title":29},"2025-06-01","\u003Cp>In dry climates like Santa Fe, swamp coolers (also known as evaporative coolers) are a popular alternative to traditional air conditioning. But are they the right choice for your home? At James' Plumbing & Heating, we help homeowners make informed decisions about their cooling systems. Here's what you need to know.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\u003Ch3>What Is a Swamp Cooler?\u003C\u002Fh3>\n\n\u003Cp>A swamp cooler uses a fan to pull hot, dry air through water-saturated pads. As the air passes through, it evaporates the water and cools down before circulating through your home.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\u003Ch3>Benefits of Swamp Coolers\u003C\u002Fh3>\n\n\u003Cul>\n\u003Cli>\u003Cstrong>Energy Efficiency:\u003C\u002Fstrong> Swamp coolers use significantly less electricity than traditional AC systems\u003C\u002Fli>\n\n\u003Cli>\u003Cstrong>Lower Operating Costs:\u003C\u002Fstrong> With fewer moving parts and less power consumption, they’re generally cheaper to run and maintain\u003C\u002Fli>\n\n\u003Cli>\u003Cstrong>Eco-Friendly Cooling:\u003C\u002Fstrong> Uses water instead of refrigerants\u003C\u002Fli>\n\n\u003Cli>\u003Cstrong>Fresh Air Flow:\u003C\u002Fstrong> Constantly pulls in outside air instead of recycling indoor air\u003C\u002Fli>\n\u003C\u002Ful>\n\n\u003Ch3>Limitations to Consider\u003C\u002Fh3>\n\n\u003Cul>\n\u003Cli>\u003Cstrong>Climate Dependent:\u003C\u002Fstrong> They work best in dry climates—less effective in high humidity\u003C\u002Fli>\n\n\u003Cli>\u003Cstrong>Open Window Requirement:\u003C\u002Fstrong> You’ll need open windows or vents for proper airflow\u003C\u002Fli>\n\n\u003Cli>\u003Cstrong>Seasonal Maintenance:\u003C\u002Fstrong> Units must be winterized to prevent damage during cold months\u003C\u002Fli>\n\u003C\u002Ful>\n\n\u003Ch3>Swamp Cooler vs. Traditional AC\u003C\u002Fh3>\n\n\u003Cfigure>\u003Ctable>\u003Ctbody>\u003Ctr>\u003Cth>Feature\u003C\u002Fth>\u003Cth>Swamp Cooler\u003C\u002Fth>\u003Cth>Traditional AC\u003C\u002Fth>\u003C\u002Ftr>\u003Ctr>\u003Ctd>Energy Use\u003C\u002Ftd>\u003Ctd>Low\u003C\u002Ftd>\u003Ctd>High\u003C\u002Ftd>\u003C\u002Ftr>\u003Ctr>\u003Ctd>Best for Humid Areas\u003C\u002Ftd>\u003Ctd>No\u003C\u002Ftd>\u003Ctd>Yes\u003C\u002Ftd>\u003C\u002Ftr>\u003Ctr>\u003Ctd>Cost to Operate\u003C\u002Ftd>\u003Ctd>Low\u003C\u002Ftd>\u003Ctd>Moderate to High\u003C\u002Ftd>\u003C\u002Ftr>\u003Ctr>\u003Ctd>Maintenance Needs\u003C\u002Ftd>\u003Ctd>Seasonal (wet pads, winterization)\u003C\u002Ftd>\u003Ctd>Regular (filters, refrigerant checks)\u003C\u002Ftd>\u003C\u002Ftr>\u003C\u002Ftbody>\u003C\u002Ftable>\u003C\u002Ffigure>\n\n\u003Ch3>Is a Swamp Cooler Right for You?\u003C\u002Fh3>\n\n\u003Cp>A swamp cooler may be a great fit if:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\u003Cul>\n\u003Cli>You live in a dry climate (like Santa Fe)\u003C\u002Fli>\n\n\u003Cli>You're looking to reduce your energy bills\u003C\u002Fli>\n\n\u003Cli>You prefer eco-conscious home systems\u003C\u002Fli>\n\u003C\u002Ful>\n\n\u003Ch3>Need Help Installing or Servicing Your Swamp Cooler?\u003C\u002Fh3>\n\n\u003Cp>James' Plumbing & Heating specializes in swamp cooler installation, startup, shutdown, and maintenance. Whether you’re looking to switch from AC or need seasonal service, we’ve got you covered.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\u003Cp>\u003Cstrong>Call \u003Ca href=\"tel:5054737148\">505-473-7148\u003C\u002Fa> or book your swamp cooler service online today!\u003C\u002Fstrong>\u003C\u002Fp>","\u002Fimg\u002Fblog\u002Fis-a-swamp-cooler-right-for-my-home.jpeg","is-a-swamp-cooler-right-for-my-home","In dry climates like Santa Fe, swamp coolers (also known as evaporative coolers) are a popular alternative to traditional air conditioning. But are they the right choice for your home? At James' Plumbing &…","Is a Swamp Cooler Right for My Home?",{"category":5,"date":31,"html":32,"image":33,"readingMinutes":19,"slug":34,"sourceUrl":11,"summary":35,"title":36},"2025-03-21","\u003Cp>It’s a hot day in Santa Fe, and instead of a refreshing blast of cool air, your AC is blowing warm air. What gives? At James' Plumbing & Heating, we know how frustrating this can be. Here are the most common reasons your AC might be underperforming—and what you can do about it.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\u003Ch3>1. \u003Cstrong>Incorrect Thermostat Settings\u003C\u002Fstrong>\u003C\u002Fh3>\n\n\u003Cp>Before assuming the worst, double-check your thermostat. Make sure:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\u003Cul>\n\u003Cli>It’s set to “Cool” mode (not just “Fan”)\u003C\u002Fli>\n\n\u003Cli>The temperature is set lower than the current room temp\u003C\u002Fli>\n\n\u003Cli>The batteries are working (if applicable)\u003C\u002Fli>\n\u003C\u002Ful>\n\n\u003Ch3>2. \u003Cstrong>Dirty Air Filter\u003C\u002Fstrong>\u003C\u002Fh3>\n\n\u003Cp>A clogged air filter restricts airflow, which can cause your system to overheat and blow warm air.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\u003Cp>\u003Cstrong>Fix:\u003C\u002Fstrong> Replace your air filter if it looks dirty—it’s a simple and affordable fix that makes a big difference.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\u003Ch3>3. \u003Cstrong>Refrigerant Leak\u003C\u002Fstrong>\u003C\u002Fh3>\n\n\u003Cp>Low refrigerant levels mean your system can’t absorb and remove heat effectively.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\u003Cp>\u003Cstrong>Fix:\u003C\u002Fstrong> This isn’t a DIY repair. If you suspect a leak, call a licensed HVAC technician to inspect and recharge your system.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\u003Ch3>4. \u003Cstrong>Dirty or Blocked Condenser Unit\u003C\u002Fstrong>\u003C\u002Fh3>\n\n\u003Cp>Your outdoor AC unit (the condenser) needs clear airflow to release heat. If it’s clogged with dirt, leaves, or debris, it can’t do its job.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\u003Cp>\u003Cstrong>Fix:\u003C\u002Fstrong> Turn off the power and gently hose off the unit. Trim plants and clear debris from around the condenser.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\u003Ch3>5. \u003Cstrong>Electrical Issues\u003C\u002Fstrong>\u003C\u002Fh3>\n\n\u003Cp>Sometimes the indoor unit is running, but the outdoor condenser isn’t due to a tripped breaker or faulty wiring.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\u003Cp>\u003Cstrong>Fix:\u003C\u002Fstrong> Check your circuit breaker for any tripped switches. If the problem persists, call an HVAC pro.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\u003Ch3>6. \u003Cstrong>Frozen Evaporator Coil\u003C\u002Fstrong>\u003C\u002Fh3>\n\n\u003Cp>Restricted airflow, dirty coils, or refrigerant issues can cause the indoor evaporator coil to freeze, stopping cold air production.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\u003Cp>\u003Cstrong>Fix:\u003C\u002Fstrong> Turn off the system to let it thaw, and call a professional to find and fix the root cause.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\u003Ch3>Don’t Sweat It—We Can Help\u003C\u002Fh3>\n\n\u003Cp>If your AC is blowing warm air, and basic troubleshooting doesn’t solve it, give James' Plumbing & Heating a call. Our HVAC experts will quickly diagnose the issue and get your cool air flowing again.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\u003Cp>\u003Cstrong>Contact us at \u003Ca href=\"tel:5054737148\">505-473-7148\u003C\u002Fa> or book your AC service online today!\u003C\u002Fstrong>\u003C\u002Fp>","\u002Fimg\u002Fblog\u002Fwhy-is-my-ac-blowing-warm-air.jpeg","why-is-my-ac-blowing-warm-air","It’s a hot day in Santa Fe, and instead of a refreshing blast of cool air, your AC is blowing warm air. What gives? At James' Plumbing & Heating, we know how frustrating this can be. Here are the most common…","Why Is My AC Blowing Warm Air?",1787213982226]