Cost to install swamp cooler on roof

July 2022

Índice Show

Custom Calculators with Homewyse Lists
Unit Costs: How Pros Price
Cost to Install Evaporative Cooling - Notes and General Information
References - Evaporative Cooler Installation
Evaporative Cooler Installation Budget Management
Hiring Local Professionals
Make Homewyse better
How much does it cost to put in a swamp cooler?
Do swamp coolers need to be on the roof?
How long does it take to install a swamp cooler?
Are swamp coolers cheaper to run than AC?

	Item details	Qty	Low	High
	Evaporative Cooler Cost Non-discounted retail pricing for: 4000 CFM whole house evaporative cooling system. 0.5 HP motor. Powder coated, galvanized steel construction. For up to 1800 SF home. Requires water connection at unit.	1 cooler	$763.50	$890.99
	Evaporative Cooler Installation Labor, Basic Basic labor to install evaporative cooling with favorable site conditions. Install new evaporative cooling unit. Install dedicated 120V 20A circuit with interior switch. Assemble, level and mount unit. Connect outlet to existing ducting. Connect to existing water supply. Power unit and verify air flow, water level control and temperature drop. Includes planning, equipment and material acquisition, area preparation and protection, setup and cleanup.	1 cooler	$763.50	$890.99
	Evaporative Cooler Installation Job Supplies Cost of related materials and supplies typically required to install evaporative cooling including: fittings, fasteners and mounting hardware.	1 cooler	$763.50	$890.99
	Evaporative Cooler Installation Equipment Allowance Job related costs of specialty equipment used for job quality and efficiency, including: Pipe cutting and threading, tubing cutter, brazing kit and pipe wrenches. Daily rental. Consumables extra.	1 cooler	$763.50	$890.99
	Option: Remove HVAC Unit Disconnect power, connections and fittings. Disconnect mounting hardware and remove unit from premises. For units up to 200 LBS. Material cost includes dump fee.	1 cooler	$763.50	$890.99
	Evaporative Cooler Debris Disposal Costs to load and haul away old materials, installation waste and associated debris.	1 cooler	35.4375	40.3125
	Unused Minimum Labor Balance of 2 hr(s) minimum labor charge that can be applied to other tasks.


Totals - Cost To Install Evaporative Cooling
Average Cost per Cooler

Custom Calculators with Homewyse Lists

Service Professionals: create a reusable estimating app that is 100% customized to your business. Start with a template or build your own (free; Account sign up required):

For a basic project in zip code 47474 with 1 cooler, the cost to Install Evaporative Cooling starts at $1,477 - $2,745 per cooler. Actual costs will depend on job size, conditions, and options.

To estimate costs for your project:

1. Set Project Zip Code Enter the Zip Code for the location where labor is hired and materials purchased.

2. Specify Project Size and Options Enter the number of "items" required for the project.

3. Re-calculate Click the "Update" button.

Unit Costs: How Pros Price

Unlike other websites that publish pricing from unrelated jobs in the past, Homewyse creates up-to-date estimates from current Unit Costs. The Unit Cost method delivers high accuracy by using location, details and options for the unique requirements of each job. Contracting, trade, design and maintenance businesses rely on the Unit Cost method for transparency, accuracy and fair profits.

Cost to Install Evaporative Cooling - Notes and General Information

These estimates are for BASIC work performed in serviceable conditions by qualified trade professionals using MID GRADE materials. Work not mentioned on this page and/or work using master craftsman, premium materials and project supervision will result in HIGHER COSTS! Explore the full range of evaporative cooling system new installation labor options and material prices here.

These estimates are NOT substitutes for written quotes from trade professionals. Homewyse strongly recommends that you contact reputable professionals for accurate assessments of work required and costs for your project - before making any decisions or commitments.

The cost estimate includes:

Costs for local material / equipment delivery to and service provider transportation to and from the job site.
Costs to prepare the worksite for Evaporative Cooler Installation, including costs to protect existing structure(s), finishes, materials and components.
Labor setup time, mobilization time and minimum hourly charges that are commonly included for small Evaporative Cooler Installation jobs.

The cost estimate does NOT include:

Costs for removing, relocating, repairing, or modifying existing framing, surfacing, HVAC, electrical, and plumbing systems - or bringing those systems into compliance with current building codes.
Costs for testing and remediation of hazardous materials (asbestos, lead, etc.).
General contractor overhead and markup for organizing and supervising the Evaporative Cooler Installation. Add 13% to 22% to the total cost above if a general contractor will supervise this project.
Sales tax on materials and supplies.
Permit or inspection fees (or portion thereof) required by your local building department for your overall project.

References - Evaporative Cooler Installation

Product and Supplies Data: AC Wholesalers HVAC Products and Supplies AC Wholesalers, Jul 2022, Website
Product and Supplies Data: Alpine Home HVAC Products Alpine Home, Jul 2022, Website
Product and Supplies Data: Younits HVAC Products and Supplies Younits, Jul 2022, Website
Product and Supplies Data: Home Depot HVAC Products and Supplies Home Depot, Jul 2022, Website
Product and Supplies Data: Westside Online HVAC Westside, Jul 2022, Website
The Building Estimator's Reference Book , Mar 2012,
The HUD PATH Rehab Guide Volume 8: HVAC/Plumbing U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development Office of Policy Development and Research, Mar 2011, Editorial Staff
How to Size HVAC Systems Correctly, Pacific Northwest National Laboratory, Dec 2009, Editorial Staff
HVAC - Heating, Ventilating, and Air Conditioning, Third Edition Amer Technical Pub; 3rd edition, May 2003, S. Don Swenson, ISBN 826906788
Labor Wages and Costs: CPWAR Construction Cost Book The Center for Construction Research and Training, Jul 2022, Staff
Project Spending Data: Harvard University JCHS Homeowner Expenditures Harvard University, Jul 2022, Website

Evaporative Cooler Installation Budget Management

This infographic highlights decisions and site issues that can cause large cost variances in the typical Evaporative Cooler Installation budget.

Hiring Local Professionals

Our FREE hiring guide helps you hire wisely, get quality craftsmanship and understand fair pricing for your specific project.

Make Homewyse better

We're an involved community that values your input. So, let us know - did we meet your needs? how can we improve this site? Your comments and sharing are greatly appreciated!

Send your feedback or questions.
Save and share Homewyse on social media using the buttons below:

How much does it cost to put in a swamp cooler?

Installing an evaporative cooler is usually cheaper than putting in a ductless air conditioner. According to Fixr, you can expect to pay between $1,500 and $3,500 to install a swamp cooler, depending on where it's mounted and how big of a space it's meant to cool.

Do swamp coolers need to be on the roof?

The roof is usually the best place to install a swamp cooler. By putting it on the roof, it's a lot easier to connect it to your duct system and therefore pump cool air throughout your house.

How long does it take to install a swamp cooler?

Answer: For most installations, a swamp cooler can be installed in just one day.

Are swamp coolers cheaper to run than AC?

Overall swamp coolers have been found to be far more energy efficient for home cooling. Swamp coolers will use 15% to 35% of the energy that most traditional AC units would use. They also do not require any chemicals in the way that traditional AC does. This can be better for the environment.