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Each time a summer heat wave comes around, it feels like I’m stuck with the lesser of two evils. I can crank up the air conditioner to keep my house at a tolerable temperature, anticipating the dent to my bank account once the electric bill arrives, or I can just suffer. In years past, I’d often toggle down the thermostat. However, electricity rates have increased by 21% since 2022, making it the fastest-growing household expense, so the decision to keep your home comfortable is an even bigger burden on your budget.
From window units and portable air conditioners to blackout curtains and tower fans, there are numerous ways to supplement or reduce your home cooling costs. An evaporative air cooler, commonly referred to as a swamp cooler, is one of the most energy-efficient and eco-friendly alternatives to traditional AC. Compared to regular air conditioning that uses refrigerant, a swamp cooler requires less electricity and can still lower the room’s temperature, unlike a fan, which just circulates the air.
What is a swamp cooler?
Evaporative air coolers, as we know them now, were introduced nearly 100 years ago, but the cooling technique has a rich history that dates back to ancient Egypt. Dry, hot air evaporates water upon contact, and it naturally lowers the air temperature. Human bodies even have a similar cooling process, producing sweat to help you cool off on a hot day. The Egyptians fanned jugs of water, but we’ve perfected the process with swamp coolers.
Modern-day swamp coolers pull hot air through water-soaked pads, decreasing its temperature, then use a fan to circulate the cooler air throughout the room. According to the Department of Energy, a swamp cooler can effectively lower the temperature of a room by 15 degrees to 40 degrees Fahrenheit.
Hessaire MC37M Evaporative Cooler
Pro Choice 5.2-Gallon Evaporative Air Cooler
Black+Decker BDE Series Evaporative Air Cooler
Benefits and drawbacks of a swamp cooler
Compared to traditional cooling systems, there are several advantages that you’ll get from using a swamp cooler.
- They use less electricity. The Department of Energy estimates evaporative air coolers use a quarter of the energy required to run central air conditioning. That’s up to 75% in savings on your electric bill.
- They’re more eco-friendly. Not only do they use less energy to run, but swamp coolers also use natural water vapor, rather than traditional refrigerants that are harmful to the environment.
- The air stays fresh and feels comfortable. A regular air conditioner recirculates the same indoor air, but an evaporative cooler pulls fresh air inside the home. Additionally, a swamp cooler adds moisture to the air, so if you’re in a dry place, the added humidity could be helpful for dry skin and respiratory issues.
Swamp coolers aren’t a cooling solution for every home, and they do come with some downsides you’ll need to consider.
- They only work in dry climates. The biggest drawback of evaporative coolers is that they work best in dry environments, like Arizona, Nevada, or New Mexico. Using a swamp cooler in an already humid environment would only make things feel sticky and unpleasant.
- They require water to function. Dry climates often have water shortages, and swamp coolers require a filled tank to function properly. Large models can use up to 15 gallons of water per day, making things tricky if you’re in a drought.
- You may need to perform more maintenance. Aside from switching out the air filters, air conditioners don’t require too much upkeep to run smoothly. If your swamp cooler isn’t hooked up to a water line, you may need to refill the water tank multiple times a day.
Features to consider when buying an evaporative cooler
You’ll find a variety of models at major retailers like Amazon, Walmart, Target, and Wayfair, and while they’re generally cheaper than a wall unit AC or portable air conditioner, the sheer amount can lead to decision fatigue. However, there are features to look for to help you narrow down your options.
The cooling capacity and water tank capacity are the key features to consider when making a swamp cooler purchase. Swamp coolers measure airflow in cubic feet per minute (CFM), and the general guideline is that you’ll want 2 CFM per square foot of space for the proper coverage. The water tank capacity is also important, mainly in that you don’t want something too small, as it could require frequent refills. For those who want to eliminate the hassle of refills, search for something with a continuous water supply.
Once you’ve got those main details covered, there are some special features you may want on your evaporative cooler. First, look at what modes the swamp cooler has to offer. Some have fan-only settings and look just like a regular tower fan, while others even work double-duty as a heater during the winter. If you want to take the swamp cooler from room to room with you, and even provide a breeze outdoors on the patio, look for something portable on wheels. If you plan to use this device at nighttime, you may want to consider noise levels, as some units could be loud and impede the quality of your sleep.
Yafvpizut Mini Evaporative Air Conditioner
Yuyongr 6-Liter Portable Air Swamp Cooler
Pro Choice Evaporative Air Cooler Tower Fan
Dreo Evaporative Air Swamp Cooling Fan
Costway 5-in-1 Portable Air Cooler and Heater
How to decide if a swamp cooler is right for you
The climate of where you live is the biggest indicator if a swamp cooler will be a beneficial cooling device for your home. If you’re in a dry climate, these evaporative air coolers can be a reliable, eco-friendly, and energy-efficient alternative to traditional air conditioning. On the hottest days of summer, you might want to switch to your central unit, but in the milder months, it will be a highly effective choice to keep you cool and comfortable.
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