Evaporative cooler or air conditioning (UK)

[spendday]

Hey all.

Normally I just get by with ice and a cooler but I'm thinking its time to invest in a real cooling solution before the summer kicks in. So whats the best solution for a UK summer, I've been looking into portable air conditioners and evaporative cooler (aka swamp cooler) I would like to know what people use (air con, swamp cooler, something else?), and what specification if possible

many thanks in advance

 

[Mark]

I tried an evaporative cooler a couple of years ago and to say it was ineffective would be an understatement. I took it back to B&Q a couple of days later for a refund.

Portable air con units work well but they have a very high running cost and need to vent the warm air they produce outdoors. I have one for emergencies which cost £170 and is very effective. Unless you can drill a whacking great hole in an outside wall they are only really suitable for temporary cooling.

Fortunately we don't get many really hot days in the UK so the expense of a permanent air con solution isn't necessary. That said if I won the lottery I probably would install one

 

[Jennewt]

I tried an evaporative cooler a couple of years ago and to say it was ineffective would be an understatement. I took it back to B&Q a couple of days later for a refund.

Funny, I had the same experience (different store of course).