Ethan Elliott
New Member
I live in Colorado, and the state energy company is offering a full rebate to install a swamp cooler this summer - trying to cut down on A/C electric demands. As I currently have no cooling system, I'm all game. But I've got some questions.
I have a full 6.5' attic space, and would like to cut an inlet in the side of the house and install a side draft swamp cooler in that space. Doing that, I don't add any clutter to the outside of the house, and the duct work has a shorter run to deal with. However, a friend has raised the questions of heat and air flow. I am under the impression that cutting a hole slightly larger than the evap cooler in the side of the house, then building an insulated box around the unit would suffice. But he's worried that the heat exchange involved would super-heat the attic, and that the unit may not have enough airflow.
Are there people successfully mounting swamp coolers in attics, or do they "only" operate on rooftops?
In my opinion, installing it in the attic means the only issue to deal with would be finding the proper louvre to fit a hole that size.
Thoughts on louvres that would be able to be sealed off in the winter?
Clearance requirements to build a swamp cooler "box?"
Other condensation/heat concerns?
Thanks!
I have a full 6.5' attic space, and would like to cut an inlet in the side of the house and install a side draft swamp cooler in that space. Doing that, I don't add any clutter to the outside of the house, and the duct work has a shorter run to deal with. However, a friend has raised the questions of heat and air flow. I am under the impression that cutting a hole slightly larger than the evap cooler in the side of the house, then building an insulated box around the unit would suffice. But he's worried that the heat exchange involved would super-heat the attic, and that the unit may not have enough airflow.
Are there people successfully mounting swamp coolers in attics, or do they "only" operate on rooftops?
In my opinion, installing it in the attic means the only issue to deal with would be finding the proper louvre to fit a hole that size.
Thoughts on louvres that would be able to be sealed off in the winter?
Clearance requirements to build a swamp cooler "box?"
Other condensation/heat concerns?
Thanks!