A/C on roof or ground? (fit in, houses, construction)

[deb8997]

yea I don't think we had an AC either..

[Pink Jazz]

As for swamp coolers, usage tends to vary in different parts of the state. They are somewhat more common in the Tucson area than they are in the Phoenix area, since homebuilders in Tucson were slower than Phoenix homebuilders to adopt AC, which is actually a bit strange since according to the National Weather Service the average humidity in Phoenix is actually lower than in Tucson.

[RevelationWriter]

So let me get this straight...both AC and Swamp Coolers can go on a Roof ?

[Pink Jazz]

Originally Posted by RevelationWriter

So let me get this straight...both AC and Swamp Coolers can go on a Roof ?

Rooftop AC units are typically packaged units, where the condenser and the furnace or air handler are all in a single package. Here in the Phoenix area there are many older homes with such setup, sometimes as a replacement for a swamp cooler, since the conversion is generally easier than a split system air conditioner.

[JAinAZ]

I had Fujitsu ductless mini split systems installed this past spring and I love it. My electric bill went up less than $10 per month over what it was with a swamp cooler and my house stays very cool and comfortable. It cost slightly less than a rooftop heat pump/AC unit was going to cost to install. They are very quiet too.

[Bummer]

Originally Posted by RevelationWriter

So let me get this straight...both AC and Swamp Coolers can go on a Roof ?

Yes, Revelation . . .

For example, I have BOTH a Swamp Cooler and a Single Unit Heat Pump on my roof. Personally, after having both types of A/C / Heat Pump installations, I prefer the Roof Unit because it is "out of the way" from both me and the critters. Believe me, critters (primarily snakes and rodents) will and do invade from time to time.

As far as the noise in concerned . . . I am not convinced either option makes a huge difference. The Roof Unit is more of a vibration noise while the ground unit is more an outside a window or close by on a patio noise. Luckily, the Swamp Cooler is almost silent and performs flawlessly many months out of the year either with or without the added water.

Given a choice, I'll take the vibration noise from the Roof Unit over the more invasive noise.

[themudpuppy]

I looked into the ductless systems and I would prefer regular central a/c. No swamp cooler either.

I think the builder mentioned only putting a 14 SEER in because this is going to be a low-budget house. My current a/c is a year and a half old and it's a 13 SEER, so it would be a small step up from that

Originally Posted by jamies

Ground install of course. Makes it easier for the copper and freon thieves. You don't want them to fall off the roof and sue you.

LOL! If I put it on the ground, I'd probably put a cage around it.

[jamies]

Here is another consideration. Roof units have to be lifted up by a CRANE! Cranes cost like $800 an hour. I know because we are gonna get to pay for one to replace the AC at our offices.

Oh and for the one poster - How AC works.

Ya turn it on and it gets cold. When it doesn't it costs you thousands of dollars. Swamp coolers on the other hand you replace a $6 filter or a $35 fan and it's good for another hundred years.

[wit-nit]

Crane charges are not $800.00 per hour. More like $90.00. If you live in the boondocks then there would be at least 2 hour minimum charge.

[rambrush]

Depends on the swamp cooler you choose. If you went with a Master Cool version the pad is 8 -12" thick and not a $6.00 replacement item.
They use these down in Havasu equipped with a pre cooler setup and they work good 80% of the year.
Also swamp cooler maintenance can be a headache bottoms and other items rust out over time. The pillow block bearings for the fan asy need lubed or they will seize up.