Do Swamp Coolers Actually Work?
A swamp cooler (evaporative cooler) can substitute an air conditioner in dry climates, and these two devices can also work together in certain situations.
Can you use a swamp cooler and an AC at the same time? Yes, but there are important considerations to keep in mind, running both simultaneously can actually reduce efficiency . We'll explain when and how to use this combo effectively.
To see how these two devices can complement each other and to see how to use a swamp cooler and an air conditioner together, let us break down how they work.
1. Swamp coolers
Also known as evaporative air coolers, swamp coolers use water evaporation for cooling. The device draws in warm air, passes it through water-saturated cooling pads, and releases chilled, humidified air.
The word "swamp" comes from the wetland smell early models produced, but modern devices, especially Evapolar, are odor-free.
Key limitation: Swamp coolers work best in dry climates with humidity below 50-60% RH. In humid conditions (above 60% RH), their cooling effect drops significantly (to 3-4°F / 2-3°C). Check your local humidity before buying.
2. Air conditioners
There are many types of air conditioners (central HVAC, window units, portable ACs), but the principle is the same. The device removes warm air from inside your home and expels it outside, releasing cool air indoors.
Key difference: ACs dehumidify the air as they cool, while swamp coolers add moisture . This makes ACs more versatile for any climate, but they use significantly more energy.
Read also: The Best Mini Air Conditioner
coolers are smaller and more compact than ACs. Read also: The Best Mini Air Conditioner
How and When Should You Use a Swamp Cooler and an AC Together
1. If you need to cool down a different space
If you own a window-mounted air conditioner, its cooling effects are generally limited to one room. However, in case you want to work/work out/chill in a different room where there is no AC, you can have an air conditioner and an evaporative cooler at the same time.
2. If you don't want to freeze the whole room
On days when you need a gentle cool breeze without cooling the entire room, an evaporative air cooler is the perfect choice. It cools your personal space without affecting the rest of the room.
3. If you want to save on electricity
Swamp coolers use significantly less energy than air conditioners, up to 75% less according to the U.S. Department of Energy . They also use 3-15 gallons of water per hour , which is important to consider in drought-prone areas. If you rent a place with an AC already installed but prefer energy-saving cooling, adding a swamp cooler to your home is a great option.
4. If you and your partner have different temperature preferences
Using a swamp cooler with air conditioning has become a lifesaver for couples with different temperature preferences. For example, if you like it cold, but your partner dresses up in layers with the lightest breeze, you no longer need to freeze your beloved by turning on the AC. Instead, simply cool down your personal space with an air swamp cooler when you need it. In this scenario, evaporative cooling and air conditioning make a perfect combination for those with different needs.
You shouldn't be using a swamp cooler if you want to add to the efficiency of the air-con. Running an evaporative cooler and air conditioner together will not make the room colder than the temperature set on the AC.
You need to properly size the AC for the room and check the British Thermal Units (BTUs) to guarantee that it covers the room you want to cool down – this is how you effectively reach the desired temperature.
As you can see, evaporative cooling and air conditioning can be good friends when used correctly. So how do you make sure your swamp cooler and air conditioner are a perfect match? You take your time to pick the best device.
Evapolar — the best portable evaporative device for your personal cooling.
Evapolar has been creating personal cooling devices since 2015. An Evapolar air cooler is designed for personal zone cooling (3-4 foot radius), it cools your immediate space, not the whole room. This makes it ideal for desks, bedside tables, or anywhere you need a personal cool breeze.
Key benefits:
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Portable: use it in any room without installing an AC unit
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Energy-efficient: consumes only 7.5-12.5W (evaCHILL uses 7.5W, evaSMART uses 12.5W), up to 100 times less than a portable AC
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Personal cooling: direct the airflow at yourself while others enjoy their preferred temperature
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Quiet: operates at 25-50 dB, so it won't disturb your work or sleep
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No installation: just plug into USB, add water, and enjoy
⚠️ Important: Evapolar devices work best in dry climates with humidity below 50-60% RH. In humid conditions, the cooling effect drops significantly. They are not a replacement for central AC in humid environments.
Read more: Taking Care of Your Personal Air Cooler
FAQ:
1. Can you use a swamp cooler and an AC at the same time?
From a technical standpoint, nothing prevents you from running both devices simultaneously. However, it will not increase cooling efficiency, in fact, it can be counterproductive. The swamp cooler adds moisture to the air, making the AC work harder to remove humidity . Use them in different rooms or at different times for best results.
2. Can I use a swamp cooler and an air conditioner in different rooms?
Yes. This is actually the recommended approach, use a swamp cooler in rooms you occupy temporarily (like a home office) and an AC in rooms where you need consistent cooling (like the bedroom). This avoids installing AC units in every room.
3. Will using both devices impact my electricity bill?
The AC will have the biggest impact on your bill. Swamp coolers use significantly less energy, a portable evaporative cooler like Evapolar uses 7.5-12.5W, costing less than $1 per month, while a central AC can cost $75-150+ per month. The swamp cooler's contribution to your bill is minimal.
4. What are the benefits of using both devices in the same household?
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Save on electricity: use the swamp cooler for personal cooling instead of running the AC
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Cool you personal space without affecting others
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Gentle breeze without a drastic temperature drop
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Avoid installing AC units in every room of your home
Note: Evapolar devices work best in dry climates with humidity below 50-60% RH.
5. Which is more eco-friendly: air conditioners or swamp coolers?
Evaporative coolers are significantly more eco-friendly. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, swamp coolers use up to 75% less energy than traditional ACs . They use water as the cooling medium and don't rely on chemical refrigerants, which have high global warming potential. Additionally, Evapolar devices can be powered by a portable battery, further reducing their environmental impact.