Have you experienced swamp coolers?

[Derek Hutson]

Hi all,

We are making an offer on a house that has been passed on multiple times due to it having a swamp cooler (evaporative cooling) instead of central AC.

It is in the Denver area where the climate is relatively dry, other houses in the neighborhood have them, and they in general are more efficient and cheaper than central AC units. I don't see how it could be a deal breaker assuming it works right after being inspected.

My question is, if you have lived with a swamp cooler (in Denver or otherwise), would you recommend one? Or is it necessary to have central AC?

[Doug Crenshaw]

I had swamp cooler when I lived in Las Vegas. The difference is quite minimal as far as working to cool you down when it is hot. In the dry Vegas summers that I was there it did the trick. Never had to replace one or work on it so not much more details than that I am afraid... Like you said, as long as it passes inspection and works properly, I don't think I would pass on it just for that reason alone...