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1. If we want a/c can a swamp cooler be converted or does it have to be taken out and replaced with central air?
2. Would we do just a well by keeping the swamp cooler and putting an a/c unit in our bedroom?
Okay, I'm a professional on this question. I moved to Belen, NM from Miami. Miami is hotter than hell. Ran refrigerated air 24/7 for the low low price of $300 a month for 1 bedroom apt.
Moved to Belen, NM.. run swamp cooler 24/7 in the summer for $30 a month.
I am not a nice person when hot, and I sometimes have to turn OFF the cooler in the summer for a few hours as it gets so cold.
Here is the trick for swamp coolers according to me:
-Been in friend's house w/ swamp cooler located in a wall. They have the size "recommended" for their size house and it's hot as hell in there all the time.
-My house- Cooler sits on top of house... no duct work as house is small... the landlord bought a size LARGER than recommended for this little house and it ROCKS!!!!
Make sure your cooler is a size larger than what you need and you've got it made. Also, sits on top of house and either has duct work for a larger home or you can have two coolers that sit on the roof at each end of the house w/o duct work.
Now, if you MUST have it freezing to be comfy in your bedroom. Shut your bedroom door and add a window unit small air conditioner.
That solves your problem and you'll save a LOT of money.
People think I'm crazy because I have not turned on my swamp cooler yet. In fact, I am attempting to go the whole summer without it. Of course it needs an overhaul, so that helps (if it would work at the flip of a switch I would've turned it on weeks ago) but so far I'm surviving with only fans to move air from outside to inside when the outside temp is lower than inside.
Anyone else tough (crazy) enough to survive an Albuquerque summer without A/C?
ABQConvict
nope, not many:: We used to turn it on about mid may and keep it on until at least Labor day. We didn't use it at night as a rule.
good for you,
as for proving it can be done, our ancesters did all their canning without turning on air, using blenders or food processors and didn't use the dish washer to sterilize the jars either, but I certainly do...
Nita
A swamp cooler willd efinitely be cheaper on your wallet compared to a central A/C. You can get by with just installing a room a/c.
If you have a two-story or multi-level, though, it's kind of irritating. Our house here in UT has a swamp cooler and the only place it cools is the top floor, the main level is still warm.
Swamp Coolers/Window AC/Portable AC vs. Central Air Conditioners
You would have to install central air conditioning into your home, which is very expensive. Swamp coolers (also known as evaporative coolers), window air conditioners, and portable air conditioners all are more energy efficient and cost efficient, compared to central air conditioning. Depending on your needs and deciding how much money you are willing to spend to stay cool this summer, will help with your decision on keeping the swamp cooler or getting a different type of air conditioner.
A swamp cooler ... If you have a two-story or multi-level, though, it's kind of irritating. .... only place it cools is the top floor, the main level is still warm.
It's all in how you duct the air flow.
Not everyone with a two-story dwelling has your problem.
How cool should the swamp make the house? On 100 degree days, mine is only cooling the house to 84.5...... It appears to be working fine, the pads are wet and we put in a new motor, pump etc... It doesnt seem to be working that well. What could be keeping it from working better? What should I check?
How cool should the swamp make the house? On 100 degree days, mine is only cooling the house to 84.5...... It appears to be working fine, the pads are wet and we put in a new motor, pump etc... It doesnt seem to be working that well. What could be keeping it from working better? What should I check?
Generally 15 to 20 degrees max. But the outside temperature and the humidity are what basically affects the temperature drop. Last summer was bad because it appears to have had a higher humidity. 90 degrees with 10 percent humidy use to give me about 75 degree's of cool indoor temperatures with my swamp cooler fan set on low...
The past week has been pretty humid, so what you are getting may be all.
1. Are you sure you have enough windows open? If not, that will slow your airflow down. Take a square of toilet paper, if it is held to the screen of an open window you don't have good air flow.
2. I found over the years that thinner pads were working better than thicker pads.
3. I use to change my pads every other year.
4. Make sure your pads are seated in the frame.
5. I use to drain the water out of my cooler almost one a day (Connected a water hose to the drain, with the drain standpipe removed, put a garden hose on, put a cheap valve on the other end of the hose)
Rich
Last edited by Poncho_NM; 07-16-2009 at 10:04 AM..
The cooler should be able to take 100 degree air and turn it into 67 degree air if the relative humidity is about 15%.
Note that the two questions:
(1) How cool should the swamp make the air?
.... and
(2) How cool should the swamp make the house?
.... are different.
Quote:
Originally Posted by BlueRose
On 100 degree days, mine is only cooling the house to 84.5.
Poncho's suggestions are correct. You have to have good airflow.
Generally, with the blower on low, my house is about ten degrees warmer than the air that is coming out of the vents. If I set the blower on high, the house would probably be about five degrees warmer and feel even cooler than that because of the increased air flow.
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Swamp Coolers/Window AC/Portable AC vs. Central Air Conditioners
