Las Vegas is a popular spot for industrial development and the need for warehouse facilities is in high-demand. As developers and owners are looking to build industrial warehouse facilities throughout the valley it’s important to choose the right HVAC system. The location, cost and type of business will play a major role in deciding whether evaporative cooling or air conditioning is best for your industrial project.
Breaking down the differences.
Air conditioning removes the heat and moisture from the interior of occupied space and is used to cool and dehumidify rooms filled with heat-producing electronic devices, or to safely store delicate or perishable items. The temperature can be set and maintained at all times.
Evaporative cooling is the reduction in temperature resulting from the evaporation of a liquid, which removes latent heat from the surface from which evaporation takes place. This process is used in industrial cooling systems to keep facilities around 20 degrees cooler than outside temperatures.
Below is a comparison to easily show the differences between evaporative cooling versus traditional air conditioning in the Las Vegas valley throughout the summer.
Evaporative Cooling | Traditional A/C Cooling |
Economical to operate | Higher cost to operate |
Energy efficient | Higher energy use |
Best use in hot, dry climates | Effective in any climate |
Uses fresh clean air | Uses recirculated air |
Inexpensive installation | More upfront installation costs |
Minimal maintenance required | Regular cleaning needed |
Very low CO² emissions | Higher CO² emissions |
Adds moisture to the air | Removes moisture from the air |
Quiet operation | Can be noisy when running |
Understanding these two options is critical to choosing the system that is most beneficial and cost-effective for the business. “As a rule of thumb, evaporative cooling will keep the warehouse facility about 20 degrees cooler than the outside temperature. This system works best if you are a 3PL storing goods that can withstand moderate temperatures. However, if the warehouse needs to be below 80 degrees because of food storage or some other perishable good, you might have to air condition the space due to the high temperatures the valley experiences throughout the summer months,” said Brenden Graves, Director of Client Services, DC Building Group. “This can be a big decision, as air conditioning can typically cost five-times more than utilizing an evaporative cooling system. “
The Most Cost-Effective System for the Valley
Ultimately, in Las Vegas using Evaporative Cooling in an industrial warehouse is the most cost-effective and energy efficient way to cool a large space. It also adds humidity to the air which is in short supply here in the Mojave Desert.
As the growth of the industrial industry in Las Vegas continues to expand and E-commerce shifts the way consumers shop, it’s important for developers and owners to understand their HVAC needs from the beginning and work with a qualified team of professionals to ensure they are using the most effective system.