How Much Does Swamp Cooler Installation Cost in 2025?
Highlights
Swamp cooler installation ranges between $0 and $0, with most paying an average of $0.
The four main types of swamp coolers are portable, window units, ground-mounted, and roof-mounted.
Ground and roof-mounted units are often the most expensive because they require ductwork.
HVAC technicians charge an average of $70 per hour for swamp cooler installation.
In addition to installation, budget for operating costs, evaporative pads, removal, and add-ons.
The average cost of a swamp cooler installation ranges between $0 and $0, with an average cost of $0, fully installed. Project totals can increase if you factor in the duct installation cost.
A swamp cooler—also called an evaporative cooler—pulls hot, dry air from outside into the home. A pad inside the unit cools and moisturizes the air, making the room more comfortable.
Evaporative coolers are an affordable, energy-efficient, and humidifying method for cooling your home compared to central air conditioners. Use our swamp cooler cost guide to determine the type of unit that makes sense for your home.
Swamp Cooler Installation Cost Factors
Additional factors affect the overall cost of a swamp cooler, including the brand, type, and special enhancements.
Swamp Cooler Costs by Type
The type of unit you purchase significantly impacts your overall evaporative cooler installation cost, from around $40 for a small portable unit to $4,500 for an industrial-size portable unit. Not only are larger models more expensive, but they’re also more challenging to install, which can lead to higher labor costs.
| Swamp Cooler Unit Type | Average Price Range |
|---|---|
| Portable | $40–$4,500 |
| Window unit | $400–$1,280 |
| Ground-mounted | $550–$1,130 |
| Roof-mounted | $400–$1,300 |
Portable
A portable swamp cooler can vary in size and range in price from around $40 to $4,500, though most portable evaporative coolers fall below $2,300. Smaller units can be plugged in like a portable air conditioner unit, while larger models may attach to ductwork.
Window Unit
Window evaporative cooler prices are around $400 to $1,280, depending on the unit's power. This is slightly more expensive than the cost of a window air conditioner. Most homeowners can hook up a window swamp cooler without professional installation.
Ground-Mounted
Ground-mounted swamp coolers cost between $550 and $1,130 but require ductwork. If your home doesn’t have existing ductwork for an HVAC system, you’ll need to budget for the cost of duct installation, about $10 to $20 per linear foot or $1,180 for the average home.
You’ll also likely need to hire an air conditioning contractor to install the ground-mounted unit. They generally charge about $70 per hour for this work.
Roof-Mounted
The typical roof-mounted swamp cooler costs around $400 to $1,300. It is more common for a larger commercial building, but if you own a large home, you can still consider a roof-mounted unit over a ground-mounted unit.
As with a ground-mounted unit, you’ll need to factor in air duct installation if your home isn’t yet outfitted with ducts. The roof is more difficult to access, so the project will likely take longer and incur a higher labor cost, so you’ll need to budget for labor.
Area Served
Larger homes generally require larger swamp coolers for appropriate cooling. Unlike ACs, which are measured in British thermal units (BTUs), an evaporative cooler’s output is represented by cubic feet per minute (CFM).
To calculate the CFM, multiply your home’s square footage by the ceiling height, then divide by two. For example, for a 1,000-square-foot home with an eight-foot ceiling, you’d calculate:
1,000 x 8 / 2 = 4,000 CFM.
| Sq. Ft. Covered | Required CFMs | Average Cost Range |
|---|---|---|
| 100 | 400 | $40–$280 |
| 500 | 2,000 | $150–$600 |
| 1,000 | 4,000 | $400–$1,000 |
| 1,500 | 6,000 | $700–$1,500 |
| 2,000 | 8,000 | $1,000–$2,300 |
Direct vs. Indirect Evaporative Cooling
Direct swamp coolers are ideal for dry, low-humidity climates. They suck in outside air, move it over water-soaked pads, and release it into a home as cooler, more humid air. Indirect units instead rely on a heat exchanger and don't introduce humidity into the environment, making them more versatile and expensive.
Direct evaporative coolers can cost as little as $200 and typically max out at $5,000 installed, while an indirect evaporative cooler installation might range from $1,500 to $6,000.
Brand
The brand influences the overall price of swamp coolers. Frigidaire offers the most affordable units, starting at $100, while Breezair’s units cost as much as $2,500. This table doesn’t include prices for industrial-level swamp coolers, which can reach up to $4,500.
| Swamp Cooler Brand | Average Price Range |
|---|---|
| Bonaire Durango | $200–$950 |
| Breezair | $1,000–$2,500 |
| Frigidaire | $100–$2,500 |
| Hessaire | $150–$1,350 |
| Honeywell | $130–$480 |
| MasterCool | $600–$1,300 |
| Phoenix Manufacturing | $300–$2,500 |
Additional Cost Factors
When budgeting for swamp cooler installation, you’ll also need to consider the cost of labor, operating costs, evaporative pads, removal, and add-ons.
Labor
On average, a local swamp cooler installation technician charges about $70 per hour for swamp cooler installation. You likely don’t need to hire a contractor for portable and window units, but ground- and roof-mounted units require specialized skills and tools. Assume an average of five to 10 hours for installation or approximately $350 to $700. If your project requires duct installation, labor costs will increase.
Existing Conditions and Accessibility
When installing a ground- or roof-mounted evaporative cooler, you must tie it into the ductwork. If your home doesn’t have existing ductwork, a pro will need to install it at a cost of approximately $10 to $20 per linear foot.
The cost of installing an evaporative cooler can increase depending on the location. Roofs are generally less accessible to a contractor, and the added height and danger could mean slower work and a higher overall labor cost.
Operating Costs
Swamp coolers use only 15% to 35% as much energy as a traditional air conditioning unit. Most homeowners should budget about $20 a month—roughly $15 in electrical costs and $5 on the water bill—for a 500-watt swamp cooler that uses 80 gallons of water and operates eight hours per day.
Operation costs can vary greatly depending on the following:
Size of cooling unit and house
Climate/humidity
Utility provider rates in your area
Age/efficiency of the system
Evaporative Pad Costs
In addition to the monthly operating cost of a swamp cooler, you’ll need to budget for evaporative cooling pad costs. Different types of pads, each varying in lifespan and cost, are available.
| Pad Type | Average Life Span in Years | Average Pad Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Aspen | 1 | $40 |
| Rotating | 2 | $50 |
| Cellulose | 3 | $65 |
These pads have a few key differences in how they work:
Aspen pads: Sometimes called fixed fiber pads, these are among the most common and are made from the actual wood fibers of aspen trees. Air passes over these damp pads, cooling the room. Aspen pads last about a year and cost roughly $40.
Rotating pads: Rather than remain stationary, rotating pads rotate inside the swamp cooler as they cool. While the pads are more expensive than aspens at around $50, they last longer and don’t require a pump.
Cellulose pads: These pads have a longer life span of three years and cost roughly $65. Cellulose pads—also known as CELdek pads—work similarly to aspen pads.
Removal and Disposal
Removing an existing swamp cooler costs between $70 and $150. If you have an outdated system, you must factor in this cost when installing a new unit. If you convert a roof-mounted model to a non-swamp system, you'll need to patch or convert the roof hole the system will leave. You can find a roofing company to complete this work.
The cost to replace an evaporative cooler is slightly less than the cost to install one, as you should already have all the ducts in place. Expect to spend between $1,200 and $2,300 for the unit and labor to replace it.
Add-Ons and Enhancements
Your swamp cooler installation will likely come with some smaller additional costs. For example, you may need to budget for the price of installing a thermostat (around $130 to $250) or a cover to protect your outdoor evaporative cooler during the winter months (around $20 to $50). Investments like pre-filters (around $75 to $300) and purge pumps (around $40 to $100) can extend the life span of your swamp cooler.
Swamp Coolers vs. AC
The average cost to install central air conditioning is $5,720, more than double the cost of installing a swamp cooler, which is $2,540. Central air is also more expensive to run, resulting in much higher electric bills. However, swamp coolers do use more water.
Despite being more expensive to install and operate, air conditioners continue to be the more popular choice for homeowners. Air conditioners are generally more powerful, and swamp coolers are most viable in dry, low-humidity climates, meaning they don’t make sense in many places throughout the country.
Does Swamp Cooler Installation Increase Home Value?
A swamp cooler often won’t directly increase your home value but can help your home sell faster. Potential buyers often look for homes with new, well-maintained HVAC systems to reduce the risk of costly repairs or breakdowns. Swamp coolers are also known for low energy consumption, helping buyers save on utility bills.
Budgeting for Swamp Cooler Installation
The cost of swamp cooler installation can vary significantly depending on the unit's type, brand, and operating costs. To keep your project as budget-friendly as possible, consider the following tips:
Schedule installation during the off-season to save on labor rates.
Compare quotes from multiple swamp cooler installation contractors to find the most competitive offer.
Check for utility or government rebates or incentives.
Opt for the most cost-effective unit suited for your home.
How HomeAdvisor Gets Its Cost Data
No place is more important than your home, which is why HomeAdvisor connects homeowners with local pros to transform their houses into homes they love. To help homeowners prepare for their next project, HomeAdvisor provides readers with accurate cost data and follows strict editorial guidelines. After a project is complete, we survey real customers about the costs to develop the pricing data you see, so you can make the best decisions for you and your home. We pair this data with research from reputable sources, including the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, academic journals, market studies, and interviews with industry experts—all to ensure our prices reflect real-world projects.
Frequently Asked Questions
Generally, a swamp cooler only uses 15% to 35% of the energy that a traditional central air conditioning unit utilizes. However, swamp coolers also require water and may not cool a home as effectively as an AC unit. They’re more efficient in terms of electricity usage, but when you factor in effectiveness and water usage, it's tougher to argue which unit is more efficient.
Evaporative coolers only work in dry climates because they cool by moistening the air. If the air is already moist, this will have little, if any, cooling effect. Central AC is a better choice if you live in a humid climate, such as the Midwest or eastern or western coastal regions.
To install a swamp cooler on a roof, a local HVAC specialist will first find and cut a spot free of wiring and obstructions. They’ll then install metal bracing, legs, brackets, the ceiling duct register, ductwork, power, and thermostat wires. Once installed, they’ll seal all openings, attach duct connections, and install a thermostat. Before leaving, they’ll run cool water piping to the unit and inspect all the connections.
The cost to repair your swamp cooler is between $100 and $300, depending on the issue, if you need new parts, and who you choose to do the repairs. Depending on the type of pad your system utilizes, you’ll need to change out pads every one to three years for proper operation. When budgeting for the cost to repair a window unit, expect to pay around $200.
The U.S. Department of Energy says swamp coolers may cool a single room by five to 15 degrees Fahrenheit. However, this largely depends on the size and installation method of the evaporative cooler. You can only achieve these results in a dry climate like the American South. It's easier to cool rooms in humid environments with central air.
Swamp cooler water usage varies depending on the size of a unit. Smaller evaporative units may go through one gallon per hour, while much larger units could exceed 15 gallons of water per hour. Most homeowners should expect their unit to use between seven and 10 gallons of water for each hour of usage.
