Is an evaporative cooler expensive to run?

Swamp coolers only work in low humidity; crack a window so the humid air has somewhere to go. At typical use it adds about $16.04 to a monthly electric bill at the US-average rate, but that swings from $11.20 in the cheapest states to $41.72 in the most expensive.

How many watts does an evaporative cooler use?

Evaporative (Swamp) Cooler typically draws about 400 running watts. Because it has a motor or compressor, it briefly spikes to around 900 watts at startup, which matters for generator and breaker sizing but not for energy cost. Check the nameplate or label on your specific unit for its exact rating.

How much electricity (kWh) does an evaporative cooler use?

At typical use (400 W for 8 hours a day), an evaporative cooler uses about 3.2 kWh per day — roughly 97 kWh per month, or about 11% of what the average US home uses in a month (863 kWh). Energy used doesn't depend on your electricity rate — only the bill does.

How can I lower the cost of running an evaporative cooler?

Swamp coolers only work in low humidity; crack a window so the humid air has somewhere to go. You can also cut the cost by lowering your electricity rate — many utilities offer cheaper off-peak hours — or simply by running it fewer hours. The calculator on this page shows how changing hours per day or your electricity rate moves the number.

How Much Does It Cost to Run an Evaporative (Swamp) Cooler?

In dry climates a swamp cooler delivers whole-room cooling on fan-level watts — a fraction of refrigerated AC. At the US-average rate of 16.5¢/kWh, running an evaporative cooler costs about $16.04/month ($192.49/year) at typical use. Adjust the watts, hours, and your rate below for your exact number.

Power (watts)

Hours per day: 8

Days per week: 7

Your state (sets the rate)

Electricity rate ($/kWh)

Cost to run an evaporative cooler

$192/yr

Per day: $0.53
Per month: $16.04
Energy per year: 1,168 kWh

Cost = power (kW) × hours × days × your rate. Defaults are typical values — enter your appliance's actual watts (often on a label) and your real rate for a precise figure.

How much electricity does an evaporative cooler use?

At 400 W for 8 hours a day, an evaporative cooler uses about 3.2 kWh per day — roughly 97 kWh per month and 1,168 kWh per year. That's about 11% of the 863 kWh the average US home uses in a month. Energy use is the same everywhere — only the price per kWh changes your bill.

Wondering about the circuit instead? See how many amps an evaporative cooler draws.

Cost to run an evaporative cooler by electricity rate

Same 400 W appliance, 8 h/day — the bill changes with where you live.

Scenario	Rate	Per month	Per year
Cheapest states (North Dakota)	11.5¢	$11.20	$134.44
US average	16.5¢	$16.04	$192.49
Most expensive (Hawaii)	42.9¢	$41.72	$500.60

Find your state's rate on the electricity rates by state page, or see the appliance wattage chart for more devices.

Frequently asked questions

At the US-average residential rate of 16.5¢/kWh, an evaporative cooler drawing 400 watts for about 8 hours a day costs roughly $0.53 per day, $16.04 per month, and $192.49 per year. Your actual cost depends on your electricity rate and how much you use it, and the calculator on this page adjusts for both.

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How Much Does It Cost to Run an Evaporative (Swamp) Cooler?

How much electricity does an evaporative cooler use?

Cost to run an evaporative cooler by electricity rate

Frequently asked questions

How much does it cost to run an evaporative cooler?

Is an evaporative cooler expensive to run?

How many watts does an evaporative cooler use?

How much electricity (kWh) does an evaporative cooler use?

How can I lower the cost of running an evaporative cooler?

Cost to run other appliances