Evaporative coolers use significantly less electricity than air conditioners, resulting in substantial savings on summer cooling bills.
Electricity consumption comparison:
| System Type | Wattage | Cost per Hour* | Monthly Cost** |
|---|---|---|---|
| Portable evap cooler | 50-200W | $0.01-0.03 | $5-15 |
| Whole-house evap cooler | 200-500W | $0.03-0.08 | $15-50 |
| Window AC (small room) | 500-1,500W | $0.08-0.23 | $40-120 |
| Central AC (3-ton) | 3,000-5,000W | $0.45-0.75 | $200-400 |
*Based on $0.15/kWh average electricity cost **Based on 8 hours/day operation
Real-world savings:
Homeowners who switch from central AC to evaporative cooling typically see:
- 50-75% reduction in summer electricity bills
- $50-150 per month in savings during peak cooling season
- $300-600 per summer in total savings
Water cost consideration:
Evaporative coolers use 3-15 gallons of water per hour. Monthly water usage:
- Adds approximately $5-20 to water bills
- Still far less than electricity savings
Example calculation (Phoenix, AZ summer):
Central AC:
- 3,500 watts × 10 hours/day × 30 days = 1,050 kWh
- At $0.12/kWh = $126/month
Evaporative cooler:
- 400 watts × 10 hours/day × 30 days = 120 kWh
- At $0.12/kWh = $14/month
- Plus water: ~$10/month = $24/month total
Savings: Over $100/month
Note: Actual costs vary by local electricity rates, cooler efficiency, home size, and usage patterns.
