Evaporative Cooler
Buying Guide
Everything you need to know before buying a swamp cooler. Make an informed decision and avoid costly mistakes.
Quick Decision Guide
Pick your scenario to see our recommendation
Is Evaporative Cooling Right for You?
A quick compatibility check before you invest
Great Choice If...
- + You live in a dry climate (under 50% humidity)
- + You want to save 50-75% on cooling costs
- + You prefer fresh air over recirculated air
- + You're comfortable with 70-80°F (not ice cold)
- + You can keep windows cracked for airflow
Not Ideal If...
- − You live in a humid climate (over 60% humidity)
- − You need precise temperature control (68°F)
- − You have severe allergies to outdoor air
- − Windows must stay closed (security, noise)
- − You're unwilling to do seasonal maintenance
Not sure if your climate is suitable? Use our free climate check tool.
Check Your Climate5 Key Factors to Consider
Before you buy, make sure you've thought through each of these critical factors
Size (CFM Rating)
CFM (Cubic Feet per Minute) measures airflow. Formula: Square Footage × Ceiling Height ÷ 2 = Required CFM. Undersizing is the #1 mistake.
Type of Cooler
Each type has trade-offs between cooling power, cost, and installation complexity.
| Type | Best For | CFM Range |
|---|---|---|
| Portable | Single room, renters | 1,000–3,000 |
| Window | Single room, DIY install | 2,000–5,000 |
| Ground-Mount | Whole home, no roof access | 3,000–7,000 |
| Roof-Mount | Whole home, max efficiency | 4,000–10,000+ |
Pad Type
The evaporative media significantly affects cooling efficiency and maintenance.
- + Lower upfront cost ($15–30)
- + Widely available
- − Replace every season
- − Less efficient (80–85%)
- + Higher efficiency (90%+)
- + Lasts 3–5 years
- + Better airflow
- − Higher cost ($80–150)
Rigid media pays for itself if you keep the cooler 3+ years.
Features Worth Paying For
Not all features matter equally. Here's what actually makes a difference:
- Variable speed motor – Saves energy, quieter
- Thermostat control – Automatic on/off
- Bleed-off valve – Reduces mineral buildup
- Quality pump – Longer life, better flow
- Remote control – Nice but not essential
- Digital display – Analog works fine
- "Smart" features – Usually gimmicky
- Built-in ionizer – Minimal real benefit
Installation Considerations
Factor installation costs and requirements into your decision.
Popular Brands Overview
Trusted manufacturers in the evaporative cooling industry
Aerocool
Premium brand known for durability and efficiency. Higher price point but excellent build quality.
Frigiking
Top-tier performance and reliability. Professional-grade units built to last.
MasterCool
Good mid-range option with solid performance. Popular for residential roof-mount units.
Champion
Budget-friendly option that gets the job done. Wide availability and good parts support.
Red Flags to Avoid
Watch out for these warning signs when shopping
No CFM Rating Listed
Legitimate coolers always list their CFM. Vague descriptions like "cools large areas" are a warning sign.
"Works in Any Climate"
Evaporative coolers do NOT work well in humid climates. Any seller claiming otherwise is misleading you.
Unrealistic Cooling Claims
"Cools to 65°F!" Evap coolers cool 15–25°F below outside temp, not to a fixed temperature.
No Warranty or Support
Reputable brands offer at least 1–2 year warranties. No warranty often means no quality control.
Cheap Portable "Coolers"
Many sub-$100 units are just fans with ice trays. They provide minimal actual cooling.
Undersized Recommendations
Sellers may recommend smaller units to hit a price point. Always verify CFM matches your square footage.
Pre-Purchase Checklist
Make sure you've covered all your bases
Common Buying Questions
Quick answers to help you make an informed decision
Q Should I buy online or from a local dealer?
Local dealers offer installation and support but may cost 10–20% more. Online is cheaper but you'll need to arrange installation separately. For roof-mount units, buying from an installer is often the best value.
Q When is the best time to buy?
Late winter to early spring (February–April) offers the best prices and installer availability. Buying during a summer heat wave means premium prices and long wait times.
Q Can I use an evaporative cooler with A/C?
Not simultaneously. Running both wastes energy and humidity from the evap cooler makes A/C work harder. Some homes have both and switch based on weather conditions.
Q How much does it cost to run?
Evaporative coolers use about 75% less electricity than A/C. A typical whole-home unit costs $15–40/month to operate. Water usage adds another $5–15/month.
Helpful Tools
Use our free calculators to make informed decisions