Will a Swamp Cooler Work for You?
Evaporative coolers are amazing in dry climates—but they're not for everyone. Check your local climate to find out if you're in the sweet spot.
We analyze regional data to determine
cooling efficiency.
Check Your Climate
Find out if evaporative cooling works in your area based on local humidity data.
What we check
- Dew PointMoisture level in the air
- Avg Summer HumidityHistorical weather patterns
Evaporative Cooling Zones in the U.S.
Excellent Zone
Dew point typically below 50°F. Expect 15-25°F cooling.
- • Phoenix, Tucson (AZ)
- • Las Vegas (NV)
- • Denver (CO)
- • Salt Lake City (UT)
- • Boise (ID)
Marginal Zone
Dew point 55-65°F. Works on dry days, struggles when humid.
- • Los Angeles (CA)
- • Dallas (TX)
- • Oklahoma City (OK)
- • Seattle (WA)
Not Recommended
Dew point above 65°F. Too humid for evaporative cooling.
- • Houston (TX)
- • Miami (FL)
- • Atlanta (GA)
- • New York (NY)
Why Humidity Matters
Evaporative coolers work by evaporating water into the air. When water evaporates, it absorbs heat—that's the cooling effect. But here's the catch: water can only evaporate if the air isn't already saturated with moisture.
In Dry Climates (Good)
Air has room for moisture → Water evaporates quickly → Significant cooling.
In Humid Climates (Bad)
Air is saturated → Water can't evaporate → Little to no cooling, just sticky humidity.
Dew Point Comfort Scale
Dew point is a better indicator of swamp cooler performance than relative humidity.
Pro Tip: Check your local weather for dew point. If summer dew points regularly exceed 60°F, consider traditional A/C.
Common Questions
What about monsoon season in Arizona?
During monsoon season (typically July-September), humidity spikes and dew points can reach 55-65°F. Your evap cooler will be less effective during these weeks. Some homeowners switch to "vent only" mode or supplement with a portable A/C during monsoon.
Can I use a swamp cooler in California?
It depends on where in California. Inland areas like Fresno, Bakersfield, and Sacramento are excellent for evap cooling. Coastal areas like Los Angeles and San Diego have higher humidity and are marginal.
What if I'm in a marginal zone?
If you're in a marginal zone, evaporative cooling can still save you money—just not every day. Consider a hybrid approach: use evap cooling on drier days (when dew point is below 55°F) and switch to A/C during humid periods.
How do I check my local dew point?
Most weather apps and websites show dew point along with temperature and humidity. Check weather.gov or your phone's weather app—look for "dew point" in the detailed forecast.