"James "Cubby" Culbertson" wrote in message
...
Hiya,
I live in the desert southwest where swamp coolers are prevalent.
Lately,
more and more homes are being built with
refrigerated air (due to water concerns, efficiency, etc...) and I'm
wondering just how hard would it be to retrofit
my house with a refrigerated air unit? There are probably a million
details to be understood but I'm really looking
for any advice on this. Most companies are charging a fortune for the
unit
and install labor so I was thinking that maybe
I could do the install myself and save some $$. I assume it would tie
into
the existing ductwork but I'm wondering if these
things require return air or do they just pull from their location
outdoors?
Any other gotcha's with this project?
Thanks much,
jlc

The gotchas start with you thinking that you can do it yourself. Do you
have the training, equipment, and appropriate licenses? Most repuptable
wholesalers will not sell to an non CFC-EPA client.

Assuming that your swamp in on the roof.
A new drop into the duct work will need to be fabricated. Then a new stand
designed for the pitch of the roof. New electric circuit for the compressor,
usually requires a permit from the local authority. Probably a new t-stat
wires and for sure a new t-stat.

I have not even touched sizing of the unit and the return air grill.
Lastly the duct work may have to be replaced as you do not mention how old
your home is. I live in Phoenix and I have not seen a home built with just
swamp cooling in 20 years.

In your situation it MIGHT be better to get window units for the rooms you
want to cool. My old girl friends home was that way. She just closed the
door and a/c'd the bedroom when it was necessary.