[johnny13oi]

Hi, I was wondering how well do evaporative coolers work in Las Vegas. I do not mind the humidity considering I currently live in about 80-90% humidity year round and actually don't mind it at all. How much do you think I would save in terms of electricity costs to cool down a 3 bedroom home compared to regular electric unit?

I also like the fact that it increases the humidity in the air which would save me the cost of purchasing a humidifier.

[KonaKat]

They work very well until temperatures rise above 110 or so and then when the monsoon season hits you'll need regular AC. They are great to add some moisture to the extremely dry air of Las Vegas Valley. Be sure to keep it clean tho, so you don't get mold growing in the filters. I worked in a building where, I doubt, they had EVER cleaned the unit and I was sick the whole time we were in that dang building.

A friend of ours had a very large (new) house and they added a big swamp cooler via a big window on the 1st floor. Worked great.

[ScoopLV]

We use swamp coolers instead of AC, most of the summer. As KonaKat said, they work great as long as it's lower than about 110f (around 100f is ideal). And if the ambient humidity rises above 40% or so, turn on the regular AC.

My electricity bills are the envy of the neighborhood.

[StaggerLee22]

Scoop---about how much for what size house?
thanks.

[Everdeen]

I only find them effective until around 100 degrees. There are better ones out there than what you can buy at The Home Depot, though, which is where I got mine.