How Much Does It Cost to Install a Swamp Cooler? [2024 Data]
Normal range: $1,562 - $3,736
Swamp coolers cost between $1,562 and $3,736, depending on the size and type of unit, as well as the amount of ductwork needed.
Swamp coolers, also known as evaporative coolers, cost between $1,562 and $3,736 to install. The cost depends on the size of the space you're cooling and what type of unit you’re installing. Evaporative coolers pull out hot, dry air and blow cool, moisturized air into the space. They’re more affordable and energy-efficient than central air conditioners but only work in dry climates. While you can install window units and small portable units yourself, but ground units and roof-mounted units usually need an HVAC pro.
- Average
- $2,541
- Low end
- $400
- high end
- $5,600
Cost to Install a Swamp Cooler Based on the Size of Your Home
Swamp coolers, also known as evaporative coolers, cost $40 to $2,300 depending on the size of your home and the type of unit, plus labor. The size you need is calculated by your total square footage multiplied by the height of your ceilings, divided by two. If you only need to cool a small part or single room in your home, a smaller unit will suffice.
As an example, for a 2,000-square-foot home with 8-foot ceilings, you would need a swamp cooler that cools 8,000 cubic feet per minute.
Here’s a cost breakdown based on square footage and price (assuming you have 8-foot ceilings):
| Size (sq. ft.) | Average Cost |
|---|---|
| 100 | $40–$260 |
| 500 | $150–$580 |
| 1,000 | $360–$800 |
| 1,500 | $400–$1,000 |
| 2,000 | $570–$2,300 |
Swamp Cooler Cost Breakdown
Swamp cooler costs are mostly made up of the unit price and labor, but you’ll also need some extra supplies to complete the job. A contractor usually includes these supplies in their costs, but double-check before agreeing to a contract.
| Cost Factor | Average Cost |
|---|---|
| Cooler unit | $40–$2,300 |
| Labor | $50–$70 per hour |
| Removal and disposal | $70–$150 |
Swamp Cooler Unit
Swamp coolers themselves range from $40 to $2,300, depending on the cubic square feet the unit covers. A larger space means you’ll need a more powerful swamp cooler.
Labor
An HVAC professional charges between $50 and $70 an hour on average. Total labor costs depend on the difficulty of the install and how long it takes. Roof units are more challenging than ground units due to accessibility and usually take about 10 hours.
Tools and Supplies
If you’re installing your swamp cooler yourself, you may need to invest in a few supplies and tools if you don’t already have them, such as a screwdriver, wrench, tape measure, and level. You might also need to buy rigid ducts, fittings, fasteners, and mounting hardware. Costs depend on the type and brand you choose and the cost of supplies in your area.
Removal of Old System
If you have an existing swamp cooler to remove, expect to pay between $70 and $150. Check with your contractor to see if their quote includes the disposal of the old unit.
Cost to Install a Swamp Cooler by Type
From small, portable units to permanent, roof-mounted units, evaporative coolers range greatly in price.
| Cooler Type | Average Cost |
|---|---|
| Window unit | $290–$1,000 |
| Portable evaporative | $40–$2,300 |
| Ground unit | $350–$1,600 |
| Roof-mounted | $350–$1,600 |
| Ducted evaporative | $400–$900 |
Window Unit Swamp Coolers
Window unit coolers cost between $290 and $1,000. You can usually install these yourself in two hours or less.
Portable Evaporative Coolers
Portable units vary in size and range from $40 to $2,300. Small plug-in models require little to no installation, while large systems could require ductwork.
Ground Unit Swamp Coolers
Ground unit swamp coolers cost between $350 and $1,600. Labor rates fall between $50 and $70 per hour, as ground units are easier to install and access than roof-mounted ones.
Roof-Mounted Swamp Coolers
Roof-mounted units cost between $350 and $1,600, about the same as ground units. Labor can be pricey, usually, $70 an hour, because the location is more difficult to access. If there’s not already a hole in your roof, expect to pay more. If you don’t have a duct system in your home, you may have to increase your budget as well.
Ducted Evaporative Cooling
The cost to install ductwork ranges from $400 to $900. The project includes the price of vents and ducts along with labor, but not the cooler unit itself. The amount of ductwork impacts both the cost of labor and materials.
Cost to Install a Swamp Cooler Yourself
The cost to install a swamp cooler yourself depends on the unit’s price and any tools or ductwork needed. Add a screwdriver, wrench, tape measure, and level to your shopping list if you don’t already have them. You might also need to buy fittings, fasteners, and mounting hardware if your cooler does not come with them.
If your cooler requires ducts beyond what you have, you'll need to buy the ducts and install them. You may need someone to assist you in lifting and installing the swamp cooler, depending on the weight and size of your unit.
By installing an evaporative cooler yourself, you save $50 to $70 an hour in labor costs, though rates depend on the individual contractor. Window units and small portable units are usually easy DIY projects and take less than two hours. But a roof-mounted or ground unit takes 10 hours on average to install and requires more experience.
Working on your roof always presents a danger and risk of injury, especially if you don’t have experience working on roofs. Installing ductwork also requires knowledge and experience and is best left to an HVAC professional near you.
How Angi Gets Its Cost Data
Home is the most important place on earth, which is why Angi has helped more than 150 million homeowners transform their houses into homes they adore. To help homeowners with their next project, Angi provides readers with the most accurate cost data and upholds strict editorial standards. We survey real Angi customers about their project costs to develop the pricing data you see, so you can make the best decisions for you and your home. We pair this data with research from reputable sources, including the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, academic journals, market studies, and interviews with industry experts—all to ensure our prices reflect real-world projects.
Want to help us improve our cost data? Send us a recent project quote to costquotes@angi.com. Quotes and personal information will not be shared publicly.
Frequently Asked Questions
Before installing, consider if a swamp cooler is right for your house:
Your climate: Evaporative coolers are only suited for dry air, not humid areas.
Your space: Calculate the cubic feet per minute you want to cool and choose a compatible unit.
Location and features: Talk with your local HVAC contractor about where you should install your swamp cooler and if your home would benefit from certain features, such as variable fan speeds and an air filter system.
Swamp coolers cost approximately 50 percent less to install than central air conditioners and cost less to run. Operation costs depend on the size of the unit and home, your climate, utility rates in your area, and the system’s efficiency. Swamp coolers use 15 to 35 percent less power than air conditioners.