The average homeowner spends $197 on swamp cooler repair, but costs can range between $103 and $299, depending on the extent of the issue.
Swamp cooler repair costs $197 on average, but prices can range anywhere from $103 to $299. Prices will vary depending on several factors, such as the type of repair, replacement parts, and labor costs in your area.
If you live in a hot and dry climate, a broken swamp cooler can make your home uncomfortably hot fast. This type of AC system helps to cool and humidify your home, making swamp cooler repair a necessary cost in most situations. Let’s dig into the cost of repairing your swamp cooler to help you budget for this project.
While budgeting for swamp cooler repair, it’s helpful to be aware of the factors that affect the total cost. For example, some problems or parts may be relatively inexpensive to repair, while others may cost you significantly more. Here are a few cost factors to keep in mind for repairing an evaporative cooling system.
| Type of Repair | Average Cost |
|---|---|
| Motor repair | $50–$150 |
| Pump repair | $50–$150 |
| Float valve repair | $50–$75 |
Your swamp cooler performs several important functions to effectively evaporate water and release damp air into your home. While the cost for specific repair projects can range from $50 to $600, most homeowners pay between $100 and $300, depending on the type of necessary repair.
| Replacement Part | Average Cost |
|---|---|
| Motor | $100–$700 |
| Water pump | $100–$500 |
| Bearing | $50–$150 |
| Pads | $50–$150 |
| Belt | $50–$150 |
| Float valve | $60–$80 |
| Thermostat | $150–$300 |
In some cases, it may be more cost-effective to replace parts of your swamp cooler rather than repairing old, malfunctioning parts. The cost to replace damaged parts can cost anywhere from $50 to $700. A swamp cooler consists of many different parts that work together for the overall system to work properly. Understanding how each part works and its respective cost can alert you to a potential issue, then budget accordingly for repairs.
Replacing a motor costs between $100 and $700, depending on the type of system you have. Swamp coolers that are larger and more specialized will typically cost more to replace. However, investing in a new motor can maximize the lifespan and efficiency of your system – saving you money in the long run.
The water pump’s role cannot be understated; it brings water to the pads, allowing your swamp cooler to eventually cool air. Pump replacement usually ranges from $100 to $500. In the event that you also need to replace your pump tube, expect to tack on an additional $0.50 to $1 per foot to your final cost.
Bearings are round metal spheres that help the blower spin easily. Sometimes all you may need to do is lubricate noisy bearings. In other cases, replacement may be the best option. Including labor fees, you can expect to pay between $50 and $150 for bearing replacement. Just to replace the part alone will cost $5 to $25 per bearing, depending on the type of bearing you need.
Swamp cooler repair technicians typically charge between $50 and $150 to change out cooler pads. You can also save on labor costs by making this a DIY project, spending only $5 to $100 per pad, depending on your system and how many pads you need to replace.
The belt reduces slippage in the pulleys and makes things easier on the bearings. Belts may become worn down over time and need to be replaced. Belt replacement costs between $50 and $150 including labor, but the part alone only costs $5 to $15.
A pro might charge anywhere from $60 to $80 to replace your float valve, with the actual valve only costing $5 to $20. Float valves stop the running water once your cooler has gathered enough water.
You can expect to pay between $150 and $300 to upgrade or replace your swamp cooler’s thermostat. A thermostat makes it possible to easily control various functions of the cooler. You may opt to upgrade your manual thermostat to a digital one, which will raise your final price a bit.
| Swamp Cooler Issue | Average Cost |
|---|---|
| Leaking | $50–$150 |
| Overheating | $50–$300 |
| Broken fan | $50–$150 |
| Not blowing air | $50–$700 |
| Not cooling properly | $100–$500 |
| Won’t turn on | $50–$700 |
| Malfunctioning motor | $50–$600 |
| Mildew odor | $50–$150 |
| Burning odor | $50–$300 |
Your final bill for swamp cooler repair will depend on the scope of the problem. As your swamp cooler gets older, you may run into a wide range of issues, from overheating to leaking. Each problem will require a specific fix, costing $50 to $700 on average. Your swamp cooler professional will determine the source of the problem and provide an estimate for the fix based on that diagnosis.
Swamp cooler repair professionals charge between $50 and $75 per hour, though costs will vary based on the project and professional. Most repair jobs take between one and three hours, so make sure to budget anywhere from $50 to $300 for labor costs.
Once your swamp cooler is repaired, you’ll need to show it some TLC to keep it in the best shape possible. Investing in regular maintenance and other preventative measures can spare you the hefty cost of future repairs, or even having to replace your entire system later down the line.
Swamp cooler maintenance costs can range from $50 to $500 per year. Maintenance tasks usually include prepping your cooler for the upcoming season, checking for and replacing any broken parts, cleaning, changing dirty water pads, removing standing water, and lubricating your appliance.
To prepare your swamp cooler to withstand the colder winter months, you can winterize it for around $100 to $150. This process may include draining and cleaning out the swamp cooler, changing its pads, and placing a protective cover over it.
With sufficient knowledge and experience, some swamp cooler repair projects may be DIY-friendly. Repairing a swamp cooler on your own means you’ll only have to pay for materials, which can lower costs significantly.
In most cases, though, it’s best to hire a swamp cooler repair contractor to troubleshoot and fix the issue. Most swamp cooler professionals charge $50 to $75 an hour. Hiring a swamp cooler professional can save you time, money, and the unnecessary stress that often comes with DIY repair.
Your swamp cooler repair pro may be qualified to fix other HVAC issues that may arise. Consider budgeting for other HVAC repair services, such as:
Furnace repair cost: $130–$1,200
Mini-split repair: $300–$550
Split system repair: $200–$300
Packaged system: $450–$550
Heat pump: $200–$2,000
AC repair: $450–$2,000
If you’re swamped with the cost of swamp cooler repair, consider the following suggestions to cut down on costs:
Get quotes from at least three swamp cooler repair professionals to ensure you pay a reasonable price.
Keep your swamp cooler in optimal condition with seasonal maintenance, including winterization to save on maintenance costs the following summer.
Replace malfunctioning parts immediately to avoid more costly future repairs.
Buy parts on your own and shop around for the best deal.
If your swamp cooler has a valid warranty, set up a repair through the manufacturer.
Safely perform DIY troubleshooting before contacting a pro. First, make sure conditions are operable for your swamp cooler. Then, consider checking your circuit breaker.
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’ve surveyed thousands of 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.
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With regular and proper maintenance, your swamp cooler should last 10 to 15 years. The exact lifespan of a swamp cooler will depend on many factors, including the type, how frequently it’s used, and water quality. You can extend the life of your swamp cooler by winterizing it and investing in protective parts, such as a cooler cover.
You might consider replacing your swamp cooler for the following reasons: severe corrosion, irregular or improper maintenance, old age, insufficient airflow, or leaking. In some cases, it may be able to revitalize your swamp cooler with repairs rather than replacing the entire system. If you’re deciding between repair or replacement, consult a swamp cooler pro for guidance.
