How Much Does It 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):
100 square feet: $40 to $260
500 square feet: $150 to $580
1,000 square feet: $360 to $800
1,500 square feet: $400 to $1,000
2,000 square feet: $570 to $2,300
How Much Does It 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.
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.
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.
How Much Does It Cost to Install a Swamp Cooler by Type?
From small, portable units to permanent, roof-mounted units, evaporative coolers range greatly in price.
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.
What Factors Influence the Cost to Install an HVAC Swamp Cooler?
The main factors influencing the cost of swamp cooler installation are the type and size of the unit, but also the amount of ductwork needed.
Size of Coverage Area
The larger the area you’re trying to cool, the more powerful and more expensive the unit.
Type of Unit
Window units and portable units tend to be the least expensive swamp coolers. Ground units and roof-mounted units are usually more expensive, especially with labor installation costs.
Unit Location
Roof-mounted units are the most difficult to install due to their location. Ground units are next, followed by window units and portable units.
Amount of Ductwork
If your home doesn’t have HVAC ducts installed or you need extra ductwork for your cooler, you’ll need to pay for the labor and parts to run rigid ductwork.
