Swamp Cooler

[Firetacoma]

Not technically garage related, but Heating and A/C related:

A buddy just gave me a window mount swamp cooler that sits outside with the window part inside. Well, the window I wanted to mount it on is too small (slides side to side) for the inside part to fit through. This got me thinking... which is always dangerous. For the summer, what if I popped out both sliding window sections and replaced it with plexiglass with a cut-out for the swamp cooler vent and controls?

Is there a downside to this?

Also, I plan to build a 2x4 stand on the outside for the main unit to sit on, should I still screw it with chains to the side of the structure?

Any advice helps! It's hotter than hell in my house (86 INSIDE) as I type this and I need some relief!

 

[Cuda]

I think as long as you are not using the plexiglass to support the unit you should be ok.
I hope you live in a dry climate. Evaporative coolers don't help much in humid climates.

 

[Firetacoma]

Yeah... the plexiglass would just be to keep the rest of the heat out! All the weight would be on the 2x4 support on the ground.

Dry enough climate I think... front range of Colorado. Lots of them in use here.

 

[bchee]

Just curious if you have had experience with swamp cooling before. I have one for my whole house - it's mounted on the roof. (I'm also in a desert climate)

 

[Firetacoma]

Not personally... but they are common in my area.

According to the swamp cooler maps they work here!

 

[930dreamer]

I use mine in Albuquerque, NM 24/7. It will only cool so much, Sunday it was 100 degrees outside, the coldest it would cool inside was 80 degrees. After the sun goes down it's better, also 60 % humidity inside.

 

[bchee]

They sell these cooler tabs which claim to make the water cooler and cleaner
http://www.evapcoolersales.com/Schaefer/Room_Pics/Cleaner&Tabs_600.jpg

 

[rockchucker]

I would say go for it. Just make sure you have a fully supportive Stand for it and Screw it together. Those Swamp Coolers will vibrate like hell and you don't want Nails loosening up.

 

[bchee]

Those Swamp Coolers will vibrate like hell and you don't want Nails loosening up.

Where does the vibration come from? They are usually squirrel-cage type fans.

 

[61scout80]

Yeah... the plexiglass would just be to keep the rest of the heat out! All the weight would be on the 2x4 support on the ground.

Dry enough climate I think... front range of Colorado. Lots of them in use here.

I would put some of that foam insulation around there too, the plexi isn't going to offer much insulation.

My swamp cooler is on casters in my garage, it's terrific. works great except for right now, which is monsoon season. Hot and humid.

 

[z28toz06]

Plexi is pricey and will let the sun in. Get a piece of plywood and cut that to fit the window opening. Paint it white outside so it doesnt attract attention.

 

[burleymike]

When I lived in the Denver area we had a swap cooler and it did the job not great but it did it. The problem is it gets hot in Denver on those 100 plus days in will keep the inside of your house in the mid to upper 80s. The rest of the time it works fine. One important thing is to keep at least one window open so the warm moist air can be pushed out of the house.