[Tucson] Evaporative Cooling AC feedback

Hey guys,

I've been looking for a place to live in Tucson for my move in May. My roommate search came up pretty dry so I've been looking at places to rent on my own. I've come across a pretty sweet property on the west side that would be close to work (Raytheon) and somewhat close to downtown/UA.

The owner specifically asked me about my knowledge/thoughts on Evaporative cooling AC because that is what the house has and he was upfront and said many pass up for a place with central air.

So, any of yall here have Evap cooling? If so, is it effective in the AZ heat? I'm coming from Midwest/SE so I'm not sure if even many entral AC units can keep up with AZ summers to keep it low-mid 70s inside? I've historically kept my houses/apartments at around 70-72 but I'm expecting a wake up call to run hotter so I don't drain my paycheck on AC

Stemming from this, how is the West side over there (Drexel Heights specifically)? I'm torn between finding a place in the city to be near nightlife (of what nightlife exists I suppose), resteraunts, etc and being a bit farther out to have some space to breath, garage space, etc. Being that work is about as far south as possible and away from everything, commute can be a bit of a hindrance for NE/NW/Central. I'm trying to avoid rotting in my vehicle for ~2hrs a day in traffic.

Here's a link to the place in question.
https://tucson.craigslist.org/apa/6022441285.html
https://www.zillow.com/homedetails/5810-S-Hopdown-Ln-Tucson-AZ-85746/8563707_zpid/

Thanks for any input and help!
-Justin

 

I've got a good sized Swamp Cooler in my shop in Phoenix. It definitely brings it to a bearable level for working on stuff versus without. House is usually set somewhere in the 78-85 range depending on mood and if I'm home or not. Totally different environment from Atlanta (my parents are still in Alpharetta).

I haven't dealt with a house setup though.

Airflow is key, windows need to get opened so the dry hot air gets pushed out and the humid air off the cooler can flow into and thru the space.

 

I am an Az native and grew up with Evap cooling and Ac.
You will probably be good until mid to late June. It really comes down to the humidity and how you can deal with the monsoon, especially sleeping at night.
Depending on the square footage you may be able to use a portable a/c unit in your sleeping environment. But make no mistakes there is no substitute for central a/c.
It's already march and in the mid 90's. it was the 3rd hottest October ever in Az- 2016.
Not trying to dissuade you , but give you a clear picture of what may be to come.
My house has 2 A/c units and we run them hard. It can get a little costly , but it's the price of living here.
http://tucson.com/news/weather/july...cle_d688020d-5dc9-50a8-9168-011cb2202e6b.html
Az

 

What these guys said above.... you'll be fine with the swamp cooler until it gets really humid. Those portable ac units can be a life saver. I'm a north east guy myself so can't really comment on the Drexel heights area other than I've heard the crime can get bad. Also, school will be shutting down for summer before long and there will be many more rentals available. My suggestion is to stay central or eastside. Vail or Rita ranch area might be good to consider for their proximity to Raytheon.

 

I was wondering what an evaporative cooling ac was. Always had central air until I lived in Boston. I got one of the window ACs and was fine in my bedroom. Everywhere in the apartment sacked. I think the portable or window AC should be a huge help.