swamp coolers do work well in low-humidity areas. i live
in van nuys, in the valley north of LA where it is dry but
often near or over 100 degrees between july and october,
and have a swamp cooler in lieu of central air in my house.
it works well and keeps the house bearable as long as the
outside temp is below 95 or so. after that it gives up.
you can buy a smaller stand-alone units suitable for a
garage for under $200 at costco, and operating costs are
low - just electricity to run the pump and fan, and cost of
the evaporating water. also, unlike an AC unit there is no
hot air to vent out of the garage.
of course, if you have a window in the garage (i don't) you
can get a small 5K BTU AC unit for about $100 (the one in
my bedroom even came with a remote control!) and i'd guess
it would take at least a year before the electricity costs
would make up for the higher purchase price of the swamp
cooler...
i know i'll be wishing i had one of these with me at el
mirage tomorrow!
|