evaporative cooler questions

[driger]

i'm considering purchasing a 1300sf townhouse in tucson,az. the existing cooler, shown below is inoperable. the duct connects to the side of the unit, and the cooler it screwed to a bracket attached the roof. the roof is flat. i've gotten a couple estimates in the $1500 range. searching the internet i've found coolers for @$600 that would service 1300sf. the two estimates i've gotten locally are in the $1500 range. i'm wondering why the high cost, when it appears replacement units can be bought for $600. couldn't i buy a cooler that is the same size and fits the existing bracket and duct, and simply connect it up? and save a lot of doe?

[lefty]

The estimates of about $1500 that you've gotten for replacing the unit and doing the needed duct repairs sound very reasonable. Sure, you can DIY and save the labor costs, but it'll be YOU doing the labor.

Getting the old unit off of the roof is easy -- gravity will be your best friend. But are you going to be able to get the new unit up (even in pieces) without damaging it?? A crane will become your new best friend!