Ok so I'm going to run through a couple of quick suggestions not related to the proposed solution and quit talking about them. Since it's winter, find heat leaks. The cheapest infrared cameras on the market work better when it's cold outside. Turn on a range hood vent or a bathroom fan or two and take a tour.
Same thing for the ductwork, turn the heat up to 85, wait a few minutes, and go scope out the flaws. I see it this way: you'll be paying for something; you might as well be paying the for the cure and not recurring medication. Same thing with glass holes: window tint or screen on the outside if heat gain is a factor, clear film or something else on the inside if heat loss is a factor. It makes little sense to improve the heat retention and rejection of the rest of the place if you have hundreds of square feet of glass holes in it. Might as well get some super effective medication.
Ok I'm done.
Your example of the operation of your mighty mite is typical of the industry. If you ran the unit perched indoors, it would only let you down after most of the moisture was wrung from indoors. Then, it would probably still break even as far as latent moisture removed versus added powerline heat. Your central unit would still have an easier life. Best possible water removing action due to zero Delta T and Delta H, your sensible compressor heat is swallowed by water down the drain. Same setup and argument as the desiccant fountain, only the desiccant fountain has a brine pump somewhere.
Once you have split the air conditioner airflow, the only time you get the same effect is late summer evenings. The removed water helps to subcool the condensed refrigerant and forces the evaporator temperature down. The little contact patch at the bottom of the condenser really does a lot. Besides chilled water feed, it enjoys wet bulb temperature due to the slinging water. (Not outdoor wet bulb, condenser wet bulb.)
As for dollars per comfort? It all costs extra. The key is balance of the system. If the mighy mite saves money is very subjective, way too many factors to consider. It will increase comfort if it's able. Run what you bring, see if mother nature beats you. If she does, trial and error baby.
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