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Air Coolers vs. Air Conditioners — Brooklynian

Air Coolers vs. Air Conditioners

ue2b
ue2b
edited November -1 in Park Slope
I was thinking of getting a portable air conditioner,
since the window units are such a pain to install.

The portable AC's are pretty expensive, though, $400+.
Maybe $300 if you're lucky.

I see you can get "air coolers" for much less, $100-$200,
and they use evaporative cooling. Apparently evaporative
cooling doesn't work so well in humid environments, though.

Anyone around here use an "air cooler" instead of an AC?
How well has it worked for you? Or not worked for you?

Comments

  • MOD
    MOD
    I had a friend that had an air cooler, and that was in a nicer climate than this, not humid, it was alright but not very effective. I can't see that helping you at all here unless it's for (maybe) a very small room. Even then, NY heat storms tend to be a sweaty humid mess.

    Is a window AC that hard to install? I have 2 and they are a pretty easy to put in and remove. Either way good luck! :sunny:
  • opossumqueen
    opossumqueen
    A small (and effective) window a/c + the cost of a handyman screwing a copule of brackets into the wall is probably still much cheaper than the portable a/c and you'll be much cooler than with an air cooler. I think there's a reason it's so much cheaper.
  • carnivore
    carnivore
    Also, window A/Cs are much more efficient than in-the-wall A/Cs, or portable A/Cs because they have much more surface area to dissipate heat outside.
  • idlewild
    idlewild
    Portables are useless unless you want to cool a cellar office. Even then you have to snake a vent to the outside. They're also very noisy and expensive and only go up to 12,000 btu. Get some measurements, or call J&R Televison or Arnica and have them measure and install an a/c.
  • brooklynjack
    brooklynjack
    I agree with OpossumQueen and Carnivore

    I will suggest that when having and AC installed that you have the installer put in a piece of angle aluminum across the window so the AC unit is bolted to that instead of the window sash so you can still raise and lower the window Also have them remove the plastic accordion panels and mount insulated panels so you can just leave it in place during the winter
  • lizschillare
    lizschillare
    Where's the best place to pick up a good window a/c? Lowe's seemed overpriced and only carries 1 brand.
  • opossumqueen
    opossumqueen
    PC Richards across from the Atlantic Mall usually has some and there are a couple of smaller shops in the slope. Right now I'm remembering seeing ac's at one on 5th Ave and 13th, give or take a block. It's a corner shop.

    There's another appliance shop on 7th Ave near President that usually has that kind of stuff.

    We have a portable a/c now (bars on the windows won't take a window unit) and it is very loud but seems to work well, for those wondering. We got one after some friends who live on the of a brownstone, with lots of windows raved about how well their's works (and I trust a pregnant woman in the summer to judge an a/c).
  • veets
    veets
    I no longer have a membership in Costco. The place just gives me the willies BUT they do have good prices on AC units and de humidifiers and such. far be it for me to suggest you join but if you are a member or have a friend who is a member it is worth checking out.

    We put the window units in today. I am too interested in my comfort to wait till the temps and humidity are unbearable... which I expect to cut in pretty soon. What a weird June weather scene this has been.
  • cindy e.
    cindy e.

    Subject: Swamp Coolers / Evaporative Coolers / Air Coolers

    Air coolers, also known as swamp coolers and evaporative coolers, are well suited where the air is hot and humidity is low because they add moisture to the air, and high humidity levels can cause condensation and accelerate corrosion. Portable air conditioners are a little more expensive but also have some benefits. A couple benefits are that you can move a portable air conditioner from room to room and they are great for humid climates because they also work to dehumidify the air.
  • brooklyngigcenter
    brooklyngigcenter
    lizschillare wrote: Where's the best place to pick up a good window a/c? Lowe's seemed overpriced and only carries 1 brand.
    Go to the appliance store on 7th betw. 11 and 12th. The twins that own the store are extremely nice and knowledgable and you will be supporting a local business.
  • brooklynjack
    brooklynjack
    Home Depot carries LG and I've had good luck with mine, nice and quiet. Also Freidreich J&R or PC Ricards
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