Swamp Cooler or Air Conditioner? (new house, heat pump, to buy)

[81bluewater]

I have looked at some homes online that have forced air as opposed to AC. Does this mean it is a swamp cooler? What is more efficient? What is cheaper? Is that because the house is older? Do they still offer them with new houses? Would you prefer one over the other? My average electric bill is about $600/month here in Texas. My home is 3800 square feet and one story. I am looking to downsize to about 2200 square feet in a one story. Which would be less expensive?

[Magnum Mike]

Swamp cooler is cheaper to run, but if you want comfort on humid days in the monsoon season, A/C is the way to go. A good efficient heat pump type unit will provide the comfort in the summer and winter without breaking your bank account.

[country pride]

A/C, all the way. Swamp coolers may seem fine but notice they dont cool down too large of an area? The efficiency is greater, too, with a/c.

[Ponderosa]

You'd save a lot of money with a swamp cooler. But you won't find them on houses built after about 1990 when the tile roof thing swept over the homebuilding market. The best of both worlds is a piggyback system with UpDux (vents into attic space), but again not available on newer homes.

[Bummer]

Originally Posted by pwullen

I have looked at some homes online that have forced air as opposed to AC. Does this mean it is a swamp cooler? What is more efficient? What is cheaper? Is that because the house is older? Do they still offer them with new houses? Would you prefer one over the other? My average electric bill is about $600/month here in Texas. My home is 3800 square feet and one story. I am looking to downsize to about 2200 square feet in a one story. Which would be less expensive?

Simple answer to your question is BOTH, Pwullen.

"Forced Air" is rather vague. I would request a verification on that one.

The official or proper term for a Swamp Cooler is an Evaporative Cooler, not "forced air" as far as I have experienced.

My home has what is known as "dual cooling" which allows me to chose between the Swamp Coolor and the Air Conditioning. During the dry seasons (about ten months or so) the Swamp Cooler (with or without water) is much more efficient and refreshing as well as healthier.

MY TWO CENTS WORTH

[Master Shake]

I believe that forced air means that the air moves (is forced) through duct work -- as opposed to a window a/c unit (or nothing at all). It should say something to the effect of evaporative cooler (swamp) or refrigeration (a/c).

Also, most of the newer houses have a heat pump, which is a bi-directional unit. In the winter, a heat pump will act as your heater. In the summer, it will act as your a/c unit.

[wit-nit]

Many many eons ago, when air conditioners were first introduced on the market, they were called "forced air units". Here in AZ they're ocassionally called "heat pumps" as well as plain ol air conditioners.

Swamp coolers are high maintenance evaporative coolers that are only effective when the dew point is under 55 degrees. Because of the high salt/calcium build up in our water they also need to be cleaned at least once a year. The pads, depending on the type, need to be cleaned or replaced frequently. The pumps wear out fast, usually lasting only one or two years.
Evap coolers when properly functioning keep the air cooled to about 80 degrees. If you are a person with asthma or severe allergy conditions, evap coolers are not for you. There are molds and other allergens asscociated with evap/swamp coolers. Evap cooleres due to the increased moisture in the air will cause doors, windows etc to expand and stick. Things warp with damp air, even wallpaper can come unglued.

Air conditioners, though costing more to buy and operate, are more efficent, more comfortable and need only to have the filter checked regularly to keep it running efficiently.

[Mamma_Mia]

My understanding is forced air means the same as central air, those from the east coast would know what that means.

[Ponderosa]

Originally Posted by Mamma_Mia

My understanding is forced air means the same as central air, those from the east coast would know what that means.

LOL. Anyone who uses the term "central air" in AZ will immediately be recognized as an eastern newbie. Back in the day, ac was commonly referred to here as "refrigeration". That term seems to have faded.

[srundio]

As mentioned in an earlier post, you won't find too many houses with an evaporative cooler these days and they'll have an A/C, too.

You won't have any problems cutting your electric bill down to probably 1/3 at the size house you are looking at.