Evaporative Swamp Cooler Buying Guide (2023)

Evaporative coolers offer an eco-friendly and cost-effective way to cool indoor and outdoor spaces. They're commonly used in garages, outdoor patios, covered porches, warehouses and outdoor entertainment or eating spaces. Consider these topics before purchasing one:

• How Evaporative Coolers Work
• Do Swamp Coolers Actually Cool the Air?
• Do Swamp Coolers Work Better than AC?
• Where Do Evaporative Coolers Work Best?
• Can I Run My Swamp Cooler All Day?
• Evaporative Cooler Sizing
• Maintenance
• Additional Features
• Ready to buy? Find the best evaporative coolers here.

How Evaporative Coolers Work

A lot of people want to know "What does a swamp cooler do?" All evaporative air coolers use the natural process of evaporation to create a cooler environment. Hot air is pulled into the cooler and passed over water-saturated media pads, which adds moisture to the air before it is blown out through the grille. The effect of this moist high-powered airflow can be equivalent to a drop in air temperature up to 33° F.

Note: Using an evaporative cooler indoors requires a fresh air source like open door or window.

Do Swamp Coolers Actually Cool the Air?

Evaporative swamp coolers use the natural process of evaporation which feels cool to your skin, but they don't actually chill the air like an air conditioner. This effect can be compared to stepping out of a pool and shivering from water evaporating from your skin. Another comparison is like standing near a waterfall. The mist hits your skin and evaporates, effectively cooling you (your skin) down. 

Do Swamp Coolers Work Better than AC?

This all depends on the climate where you live and where you need to use the swamp cooler. For indoor use, dry climates are best for evaporative coolers, while an AC is the better solution where summers are very humid. Outside, they can be effective in almost any climate thanks to their high CFM airflow.

Benefits of evaporative swamp coolers include:

• Cost-Effective: No compressors or refrigerants are involved—only a water pump and a fan, so they cost about as much as a household fan to run.
• Heavy-Duty, Portable Design: Tough ASB housing and sturdy locking casters make them easy to move around, and they can last for years.
• Doubles as a Commercial-Grade Fan: Use without activating the water pump, and you get a lot of CFM—more than most fans.
• Adds Moisture to Air: This can help reduce dry air symptoms like itchy eyes, throat, or skin, but without actual water droplets like those dispersed from a misting fan.

For a more in-depth comparison, check out this article: Evaporative Coolers vs. Portable ACs

Where Do Evaporative Coolers Work Best?

Swamp coolers are efficient and effective cooling solutions in dry climates where temperatures soar in the summer. Ideal for California, Nevada, Arizona, New Mexico, Utah, West Texas, and parts of Oregon, Washington, Idaho, Wyoming and Colorado, they can be used indoors in the same way room air conditioners are used. For the remaining U.S. a better indoor cooling solution is a Portable Air Conditioner or Window Air Conditioner.

Window mounted evaporative coolers work very well as permanent cooling solutions, while smaller portable air coolers are a great option for smaller spaces since they can be moved where most needed. Indoor swamp coolers are used in single rooms, multiple rooms or whole house, as well as in workshops, sunrooms, and garages.

It is important to remember that a fresh air source is necessary when using indoors, otherwise moisture accumulates and the air becomes clammy.

For outside and covered outdoor spaces, a portable evaporative cooler that is outdoor-rated is a good choice regardless of climate. This includes more humid areas of the country like the Southeastern US. These situations are many and varied and include commercial and industrial applications where a rugged design and powerful airflow (CFM) keep employees, livestock, and pets cool. They are also very effective at climate control for commercial growers.

• Decks, Patios & Pool Areas
• Indoor Growing & Greenhouses
• Garages & Workshops
• Restaurant Outside Dining Areas
• Kennels & Stables
• Outdoor Venues & Sporting Events

Can I Run My Swamp Cooler All Day?

Many evaporative coolers, especially those designed for use outdoors or in a covered outdoor area, include a hose hook-up which allow for continuous operation. A standard garden hose and water source is all you need to enjoy refreshing coolness all day long.

Evaporative Cooler Sizing

Most swamp coolers are rated by CFM, or the cubic feet per minute of airflow. The chart below can help determine how much airflow will effectively cool your indoor space based on sq. ft. with 8-foot ceilings.

If your ceilings measure higher than 8 feet, you will need to increase your CFM level. Take into consideration the amount of direct sunlight and heat-generating appliances in the space. Based on all this, you'll want to increase CFM by about 20%.

• Shop evaporative coolers rated for spaces up to 500 square feet. 
• Shop evaporative coolers rated for spaces up to 1,000 square feet. 

• Shop evaporative coolers rated for spaces larger than 1,000 square feet.

Maintenance

Evaporative coolers are low maintenance cooling options. Check out this article with video for step-by-step instructions on how to clean your swamp cooler.

Regular maintenance involves wiping the outer housing of the portable swamp cooler with a damp cloth when dirty. The water tank and media pads can be cleaned as needed with a solution of water and vinegar to clean and deodorize.

Media pads may need to be replaced if they are damaged or have accumulated heavy hard-water deposits. If you notice mineral build up or mildew forming on the media, a disinfectant spray will help.

When you have finished using your swamp cooler for the season, drain the tank and disconnect the water line. Clean the tank and pads, if necessary, then run the fan-only function for about 15-30 minutes to completely dry it before covering and storing. See additional tips for storing your unit in How to Winterize Your Evaporative Cooler.

Additional Swamp Cooler Features

• Continuous Use: Machines with hose hook-up allow for continuous use by simply connecting a standard garden hose. Browse our selection of swamp coolers with hose-hook ups. 
• Oscillating Louvers: For even air distribution across a wide space, consider a model with oscillating louvers. Find a model with oscillating louvers. 
• Casters: Look for evaporative coolers with casters for easy transport and simple storing during the off season. 
• ABS Plastic: For long-lasting durability, be sure to look for heavy-duty models with ABS plastic. Browse our selection of industrial swamp coolers here. 
• Tank Capacity: If connecting a garden hose isn't an option, look for evaporative coolers with large tanks for fewer refills and longer run-times.
• Timer: A great energy-saving feature, program your cooler to turn on or off at certain times of the day.
• Air Filtration: Selecting a model with added air filters will help eliminate large allergen particles like dust and pollen during cooling. Some include activated carbon filters for odor control.

In Summary

A swamp cooler can make a huge difference in the ability to work and play comfortably in extremely hot weather. But before you buy one, make sure you live in a relatively dry climate, or are sure an evaporative cooler is right for the purpose you have in mind. Check for correct sizing, and consider optional extras like covers to help protect it.

Still Have Questions?

For more information on evaporative coolers visit our Evaporative Cooling Knowledge Center. Not sure what's best for you? We can take the guesswork out of decision-making.

Contact our product experts toll-free at  1-800-934-9194. We want to help make your indoor environment healthy and comfortable. You can also visit us online at the Sylvane Facebook and Twitter pages.