How effective are Floor Standing Evaporative Air Coolers and are there any drawbacks?

[airborne]

I noticed the other day on Takealot that the larger 25L+ Floor Standing Evaporative Air Coolers get good reviews, they are relatively cheap +/- R2k and very low cost to run relative to a full blown aircon, which is unfortunately not an option to install in the place I rent.

How effective are they really in reality and are there any drawbacks to consider?
What happens to the huge amounts of humidity I'm assuming these give off to facilitate the cooling effect?

It seems they ideally need to be used in an environment with dry heat to function well so does that rule out using them in places like KZN where it's literally dripping with humidity as it is, even Cape Town was unusually humid last summer.

 

[Robocop]

If you want to lower the room temperature you should look elsewhere. If on the other hand you just need a breeze on you a normal fan will do the same job.

 

[Hemi300c]

If placed in a doorway to draw in air they are fairly good.

Just check on the water mesh/foam lining/drawing mechanism and ensure it doesn't eventually start to miff.

Cheaper than AC and reasonably cheap in comparison but about 3/10 efficient in comparison.

 

[Binary_Bark]

In KZN, especially in coastal areas, you want to consider getting a dehumidifier or a free-standing aircon. If you're in Durban, I know a guy who can supply and install a split-unit aircon system.

 

[WAslayer]

You need cross ventilation to help push out the humid air and avoid raising humidity too much.. so needs an open door/window on opposite sides of it.. This means the hotter outside air is what's actually being cooled, not so much the naturally cooler indoor air, so it's less effective..

They typically drop the temperature by about 4/5 degrees only..

They use less electricity, sure, but you still pay for water..

In my opinion, these are a bit of pissing against the wind type deal for me..

Have you spoken to your landlord about installing an aircon..? Like I'll pay for it and installation in exchange for an equivalent rent type deal perhaps..? Assuming there's no physical space limitations for the installation etc..

 

[Binary_Bark]

Have you spoken to your landlord about installing an aircon..? Like I'll pay for it and installation in exchange for an equivalent rent type deal perhaps..? Assuming there's no physical space limitations for the installation etc..

Yep, some time ago I had an aircon installed and asked the landlord if he would be willing to pay half as a reduction in that month's rent. He said, "Go ahead, do it."

 

[DrJohnZoidberg]

It seems they ideally need to be used in an environment with dry heat to function well so does that rule out using them in places like KZN where it's literally dripping with humidity as it is, even Cape Town was unusually humid last summer.

This. They're only feasible if you live in an area with low humidity where the added humidity can actually be a benefit.

 

[airborne]

Ok so these things are only really feasible in areas like Oudtshoorn or the Karoo where you get that crazy hot dry heat that feels like an oven, I can imagine they would work well there. If there is any existing humidity this will just add to it and if the air isn't being exhausted to outside the building the room walls etc might even start dripping with the accumulation of moisture.