• swampdownloader@lemmy.dbzer0.com
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    16 hours ago

    But they’ve been used for decades effectively at a fraction of the energy use vs air conditioning. The problem is climate change pushing temps above their operating range. Do you think burning more coal so your paper stays rigid is the pragmatic solution for society?

    • ProdigalFrog@slrpnk.net
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      14 hours ago

      Arguably it’d be better to use air conditioners as long as that energy is from renewables such as solar (where the southwest is particularly suited) to help save water, which is in critically short supply in those areas.

      • swampdownloader@lemmy.dbzer0.com
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        14 hours ago

        True, if you had AC units powered solely by on-site solar and if they never operated powered by the grid (so never at night) you could potentially save water. But any grid electricity comes with exponentially more water use so realistically that will never happen.

    • BigDaddySlim@lemmy.world
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      15 hours ago

      I don’t think we should continue burning any fossil fuels but that’s not what I was talking about. I was making a personal testimony on why I dislike swamp coolers.