A swamp cooler costs far less to buy and run and works well on Utah’s dry days. Central air costs more but cools consistently in any weather and filters the air instead of pulling smoke and pollen inside. If you want reliable cooling during monsoon humidity and wildfire smoke, central air or a heat pump is the better choice.
Side by side
- Running cost: a swamp cooler uses a fraction of the electricity of central air
- Humid days: swamp coolers struggle in July and August monsoon moisture; central air does not
- Smoke: swamp coolers pull outside air in; central air recirculates and filters indoor air
- Maintenance: swamp coolers need spring start-up and fall winterizing every year
- Water: swamp coolers use water; central air does not
When a swamp cooler still makes sense
If your budget is tight, your home has an existing cooler in good shape, and you can tolerate a few muggy weeks, keeping it is reasonable. Maintain it every spring and fall.
Converting
If your home already has a furnace and ducts, converting means adding an indoor coil and outdoor unit. If it has no ducts, ductless mini-splits avoid major construction. Old roof-mounted cooler openings should be removed and sealed properly.
Frequently asked questions
How much does it cost to convert to central air?
For a home with existing ducts, expect roughly the price of an AC installation, $5,500 to $12,000 as an estimate. Homes without ducts are usually better suited to mini-splits.
Can I run a swamp cooler during wildfire smoke?
It will bring smoky air inside. On bad air days it is better to keep the house closed.
Do swamp coolers cause mold?
They add moisture, so a poorly maintained cooler or a closed-up house can get musty. Swamp coolers need a window cracked to exhaust air.
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