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?