How much does a swamp cooler cost to install?
Ashburn, VA

How much does a swamp cooler cost to install?

Ashburn, VA

How much does a swamp cooler cost to install?

$1,200 – $3,600average mounted unit cost installed

Get free estimates for your project or view our cost guide below:

$1,200 – $3,600 average mounted unit cost installed


Get free estimates for your project or view our cost guide below:
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Tamatha Hazen
Written by
Tamatha Hazen
Edited by
Kristen Cramer
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Swamp cooler cost

Swamp cooler installation costs $1,200 to $3,600 on average for the unit and labor, depending on the size and whether it’s mounted on the roof, ground, or window. Evaporative cooler prices are $350 to $1,900 for the unit alone, plus $750 to $1,500 for the installation labor.

Swamp cooler cost
Type Total cost installed
Roof-mounted swamp cooler $1,300 – $3,600
Ground-mounted swamp cooler $1,100 – $3,300
Ducted evaporative cooler $1,300 – $3,600
Window-mounted swamp cooler (DIY) $350 – $1,100
Portable evaporative cooler (DIY) $100 – $1,500

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Average cost to install a swamp cooler

The following table shows the average cost to install a mounted swamp cooler.

Swamp cooler installation cost - chart
Swamp cooler installation cost - chart
Average cost to install a swamp cooler
National average cost $2,300
Minimum cost $200
Maximum cost $5,200
Average cost range $1,200 to $3,600

*Cost data is from research and project costs reported by HomeGuide members.

Swamp cooler prices

A swamp cooler costs $100 to $1,900 for the unit alone, depending on the type, size, and mounting location. Swamp coolers—also called evaporative coolers—blow air into a central location or connect to ductwork to distribute air to multiple spaces. A swamp cooler offers energy-efficient cooling when used in a warm, dry climate.

Swamp cooler prices
Unit type Average unit cost* Pros Cons
Roof-mounted (down-draft) $400 – $1,800
  • Highly efficient
  • Low-cost cooling
  • Whole house cooling
  • Requires professional installation
  • Roof deterioration may occur due to the required monthly maintenance
Ground-mounted (up-draft) $400 – $1,900
  • Easier access for installation and maintenance
  • No risk of roof leaks
  • Less common, more difficult to find at home improvement or hardware stores
Window and wall-mounted (side-draft) $350 – $1,100
  • Easy DIY install/removal
  • Filtered air
  • Low-cost cooling
  • Only cools one room, not the entire home
  • Units are noisy compared to other mounted coolers
Ducted evaporative cooler $400 – $1,800
  • More flexible cooling for multiple spaces
  • 100% fresh air through the home every few minutes reduces allergens
  • Requires whole-house ductwork
  • High volume airflow may be noisy and bothersome
Portable cooler $100 – $1,500
  • Easy DIY install/removal
  • Energy efficient
  • Filtered air
  • Zero emissions
  • Flexible location
  • Only cools one room, not the entire home
  • Must fill with water daily
  • High volume airflow may be bothersome

*Not including installation.

Roof-mounted swamp cooler prices

A roof swamp cooler costs $1,300 to $3,600 installed, depending on the installation complexity. Installation requires cutting a hole in the roof, sealing against leaks, and connecting the unit to electrical, plumbing, and duct systems.

Swamp cooler mounted on residential roof
Swamp cooler mounted on residential roof

A ductless mini-split system costs $3,000 to $10,000 and offers an alternative cooling option for homes without ductwork. A mini-split system requires no roof or duct modifications and works well in any climate.

New ground-mounted swamp cooler cost

A ground-mounted evaporative cooler costs $1,100 to $3,300 installed. Professional installation takes 8 hours on average to wire and plumb the unit. Ground-mounted horizontal swamp coolers feature easier maintenance and less risk of roof leaks.

Ducted evaporative cooler prices

A ducted evaporative cooler costs $1,300 to $3,600 with installation and uses the same down-draft unit as a roof-mounted cooler. Ducted coolers connect to existing ducts and vents for whole-house, zoned cooling ideal for larger homes with hallways and multiple rooms.

Installing ductwork and vents costs $2,400 to $6,600 on average to retrofit an existing home without ducts.

Window-mounted swamp cooler prices

Window mount swamp coolers cost $350 to $1,100 for the unit alone. These side-draft airflow coolers are typically DIY installed on windowsills or walls, using included brackets and a water hook-up kit purchased from a hardware store.

Portable evaporative cooler prices

Portable evaporative coolers cost $100 to $1,500 or more, depending on the unit size. Portable coolers offer flexible cooling with good energy efficiency when properly sized.

Portable evaporative swamp cooler outside
Portable evaporative swamp cooler outside

Mobile home swamp cooler prices

Mobile homes benefit from evaporative coolers, which reduce internal temperatures by up to 40° F. Roof-mounted units are not recommended for mobile homes and RVs because of potential roof leaks. Portable and window units are better for these smaller spaces.

Swamp cooler installation cost factors

The labor cost to install a mounted swamp cooler is $750 to $1,500. Professional installation is recommended to avoid potentials leaks, electrical problems, and expensive roof repairs.

Swamp cooler installation cost factors
Factor Mounted unit Portable unit
Unit $350 – $1,900 $100 – $1,500
Labor $750 – $1,500 N/A
Supplies $100 – $200 N/A
Total installed cost $1,200 – $3,600 $100 – $1,500

The following factors affect the installation cost:

  • HVAC services charge $75 to $150 per hour for labor, with higher costs for installation in hard-to-reach locations or on steep and second-story roofs.

  • Brand ­– Mastercool and Breezair are costlier high-end brands offering better cooling power, reduced energy consumption, and less maintenance.

  • Unit size – Smaller units for a single room are cheaper than larger units needed for an entire home.

  • Unit features – Added features like a larger tank capacity, energy-saving timer, and air filtration system increase the cost.

  • New installation vs. replacement – A new installation incurs higher initial setup costs, including wiring, plumbing, and roof mounting. Replacing an existing swamp cooler incurs added costs for unit removal, disposal, and subsequent repairs.

  • Other materials – Flashing, tubing, wiring, power equipment rentals, and other miscellaneous parts add to the total installation cost.

  • Ductwork installation costs $2,400 to $6,600 for homes without existing ductwork. Retrofitting existing ducts costs $270 to $500 per duct run.

  • Adding an electrical outlet costs $150 to $350 for an exterior receptacle with a cover if an outlet is not within reach of the installation area.

  • Window frame repair costs $150 to $400 if the installation damages the windowsills.

Evaporative cooling system cost by size

Evaporative cooling systems are sized by cubic feet per minute (CFM), which is how much fresh air they cycle through the home in one minute. Installing a unit too small for the space results in ineffective cooling, while choosing an oversized unit wastes energy.

Evaporative cooling system cost by size
Area covered (sq. ft.) Recommended CFMs* Unit cost
Less than 250 200 – 750 $100 – $400
250 – 500 750 – 2,000 $100 – $700
500 – 1000 2,000 – 4,000 $150 – $1,000
1,000 – 2,000 4,000 – 7,500 $300 – $2,500
More than 2000 7,500 or more $600 – $3,000+

*For rooms with 8-foot ceilings

Use this formula to estimate the best unit size for the space:

Other factors that affect swamp cooler sizing include:

  • Ceiling height – Increase the CFM size for ceilings over the standard 8-foot height.

  • Sunlight – Increase the CFMs by 20% for west-facing or sunny rooms.

  • Room occupancy – Increase the CFMs by 20% for more than two regular occupants in the room.

  • Appliances – Increase the CFMs by 20% if heat-generating appliances are present, like kitchen appliances or home office equipment.

Evaporative cooler prices by brand

Evaporative cooler prices vary by brand, from $100 for a single-space portable unit to $6,500 for a whole-house cooler. Breezair is the most expensive brand but offers the best warranty.

Evaporative cooler prices by brand
Brand Cost Warranty information
Aerocool $300 – $2,000 10-year limited warranty on the base assembly, 2-year coverage on remaining components
Bonaire $500 – $3,000 2-year warranty on parts, Lifetime cabinet corrosion warranty
Breezair $1,000 – $6,500 7-year comprehensive warranty, 10-year on all structural components, 25-year against corrosion
Hessaire $150 – $1,400 1-year limited warranty against defects in material or workmanship
Honeywell $100 – $1,000 5-year warranty when purchased through an HVAC professional, 1-year for retail location purchases
Mastercool $500 – $2,500 1-year limited warranty against defects in material or workmanship

Swamp cooler removal cost

Swamp cooler removal costs $70 to $150, depending on local disposal fees. Roof repairs cost $150 to $1,000 or more to fix structural damage and seal against leaks after removing the unit.

Swamp cooler pads price

Swamp cooler replacement pads cost $5 to $100 each, depending on the material quality.

  • Natural fibers are inexpensive but require mid-season replacement.

  • Synthetic fibers cost more but last for a full cooling season.

  • Mastercool and Breezair units use honeycomb-shaped paper pads, which last several years when cleaned annually.

DIY swamp cooler installation cost

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DIY swamp cooler installation saves hundreds in installation costs. Still, DIY installation is not recommended for units connecting to existing ductwork, electrical, and plumbing systems. Hire an HVAC professional to avoid expensive damage and repairs.

Average cost to run a swamp cooler

A swamp cooler costs $20 to $60 per month to run, depending on usage and local utility rates. Additional operating expenses include maintenance and cleaning services, cooler pad replacement, and annual winterization.

Average cost to run a swamp cooler
Service Average cost Details
Monthly utility costs* $20 – $60
  • Electricity and water bills vary based on local utility rates.
Annual maintenance and cleaning service $80 – $180
  • Check pads and motor
  • Clean and rust removal
  • Oil and lubricate as needed
  • Replace cracked belts
  • Treat with zinc anode tables to control rust
Winterize the cooler $100 – $150
  • Prepare the unit for long term storage
  • Fully drain the water supply
  • Clean the exterior, water reservoir, and filters
  • Cover and store the cooler in a cool, dry space
Replace cooler pads $10 – $100
  • Typically a DIY project, with added labor fees for professional service

*Based on 8 hours per day of usage

Evaporative cooler FAQs

What is a swamp cooler, and how does it work?

A swamp cooler is an evaporative cooler that blows warm, outside air over water-saturated cooling pads. The water in the pads evaporates, cooling the air by 15° to 40° F. The unit blows air into a central location or connects to ductwork, distributing the air conditioning to different rooms.

How much does it cost to replace a swamp cooler with central air?

Converting a swamp cooler to central air costs $2,500 to $7,500 when using existing ductwork. Installing new ductwork increases the conversion costs. Central air uses more power than a swamp cooler, increasing monthly utility bills.

Are swamp coolers energy efficient?

Swamp coolers are energy efficient, using 15% to 35% less energy than traditional AC units. A swamp cooler uses a small motor that operates on 115/120 volts of power, while a central air conditioner requires 240-volts.

Do whole-house evaporative coolers work in all climates?

Evaporative coolers work best in hot and dry climates, adding moisture to cool the air. Swamp coolers are ineffective in climates with humidity levels above 60% because the water can't evaporate quickly enough to provide significant cooling.

Where can I buy a swamp cooler?

Homeowners can buy a swamp cooler from a home improvement or hardware store, like Home Depot, Lowes, or Ace Hardware. Walmart and other online retailers sell portable swamp coolers.

How do you install a swamp cooler on a roof?

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To install a swamp cooler on a roof, a professional installer will:

  1. Cut a hole in the roof or attic.

  2. Level and mount the unit using brackets and necessary bracing.

  3. Connect the cooler to the internal duct system.

  4. Install a thermostat and wire the cooling unit into the existing electrical system.

  5. Run cool water piping to the unit.

  6. Inspect and seal all connections to prevent leaks.

Hiring an evaporative cooler installer

When hiring an evaporative cooler installer, be sure to:

  • Look for an EPA-certified HVAC contractor that has been in business for more than five years.

  • Choose companies that are licensed, bonded, and insured.

  • Browse their reviews on HomeGuide and Google.

  • Get at least three estimates to compare.

  • Avoid selecting the lowest quote as quality may suffer.

  • Get a detailed estimate, contract, and warranty in writing before the work begins.

  • Never pay in full upfront. Follow a payment plan and do not make the final payment until fully satisfied.

Questions to ask

  • What experience do you have with installing swamp cooler systems?

  • Are you licensed, bonded, and insured?

  • Do you recommend a roof-mounted or ground-mounted evaporative cooler, and why?

  • What size cooler do I need for my square footage?

  • How long will the installation take?

  • Will the installation require a permit, and if so, will you obtain it?

  • Is there a warranty, and if so, what does it include?

  • What kind of maintenance will the system require?

  • Will you provide a list of references with contact information?