Sam...how are you? I tried one of those Convair machines from Costco. They ain't cheap. I think it's about $400 by the time you walk out of Costco. Anyway, it has to be placed close to an open window and you have to leave a door or window open across the way in order for this machine to work. If you have to go out, you can't leave the machine on cuz you have to close the windows.
The water evaporates relatively quickly so you have to fill it up every couple of hours. You do feel the cool air and it can cool a room down a room down a couple of degrees. The other problem is that it does add a lot of moisture in your room. Finally, you get this smell of dampness in your room. Furthermore, the unit is huge and it takes up a lot of room. IMO I think the idea is good, but the hassles sure outweighs the benefits.
I returned my machine within two weeks and they gave me my money back
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I am now saving up for those portable air conditioners. They range from $499 (for 4000btu/100-125sf) to $1299 (for 9000btu/200sf). The Japanese units are lot quieter, but you pay for that luxury. I figured that if I can keep my room cool, it should keep the temperature of my tank down. So I am better off spending my money on an air conditioner rather than a chiller. With an air conditioner, everyone is happy
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