Hello All,
Up in my section of the country the locals swear by these devices. They assume that since we live in an EXTREMELY dry climate, a/c for your home is unnecessary. Having been raised in the Midwest, I can attest to the benefits of home a/c. This past summer we went through a spell of 100 to 112 daily. I just turned down the a/c and watched my neighbors swelter.
As an aside, I am not sure of the issue but Special Interest Autos ran a road test on a 50 Plymouth Fastback. Prominently displayed on the passenger front window was an auto swamp cooler. If you are interested, read the article.
My apologies for non Imperial related stuff!