Evaporative Coolers: We Tested 6 Best Swamp Coolers For The Whole House

If you’ve spent sweltering afternoons in Phoenix, Las Vegas, and California’s Central Valley, you know how every ounce of heat sticks to you. When your home feels like an oven, you need a swamp cooler that pulls scorching air through damp pads and sends cooled air right back to you. 

This simple trick of evaporative cooling can shave off up to twenty degrees, all by harnessing the power of water turning into vapor.

To keep you chill without second-guessing, we picked six of the best swamp coolers for homes from coast to coast based on feedback from our customers. 

This guide will share our top picks for evaporative coolers and take the following criteria into account: sizing, pricing, and use cases so you can find the perfect fit. 

Best Evaporative Cooler: Quick Overview

We have plenty of options for evaporative coolers at Snook & Aderton HVAC Supply, but here are our favorites, painstakingly compiled based on feedback from hundreds of happy (and some not-so-happy) customers! 

1. MASTERCOOL ASA71 — Best Overall Pick (Ducted)

2. Champion MCP59 — Best For Budget-friendly Value

3. Champion RWC46 — Best Window Evaporative Cooler for Homes

4. Champion 10/12-DD — Best Outdoor, Roof Evaporative Cooler

5. Champion 75/85-SD — Most Impressive Side Draft Cooler

6. Champion 4001DD — Best for Smaller Spaces

These coolers work best in dry climates because low humidity allows the air to soak up more moisture, creating a cooling effect.

Luckily, that describes much of Texas. Take Lubbock, for example—it’s a breezy city with very little rainfall, making the climate dry and perfect for these coolers.

To make sure we are recommending the best options, we focused on these key factors:

• Cooling power: We tested units with enough CFM (cubic feet per minute) to cool the whole home, based on the horsepower you separately order. 
• Design: A "down-draft" style helps circulate air more efficiently, but there are cases where other designs are better.
• Cooling pads: We prioritized high-quality pads for cooling efficiency.
• Noise level: No one likes excessive background noise, so we prioritized quieter models. 

Full Review: Best Evaporative Cooler For Whole House

As you go through each option, pay attention to their maximum airflow capacity, coverage area, fan speeds, tank capacity, power usage, and unit size and price. 

1. MASTERCOOL ASA71 — Best Overall Pick (Ducted)

This MASTERCOOL ASA71 is a ducted evaporative cooler, which means that the cooled air produced by an evaporative cooler is distributed throughout a building using a system of ducts.

This allows cool air to reach multiple rooms in a house instead of just the immediate area around the cooler.

So it acts like a central cooling system but uses the evaporative cooling principle to cool the air, making it ideal for cooling the whole house. 

The discharge is from the side, and the water pad is 8 inches thick. 

Pump voltage requires 115V of power, and the tank has a water capacity of 8 gallons. 

WHO SHOULD BUY THIS EVAPORATIVE COOLER? 

If your house measures around 2,200 sq ft, and you need 5,400 to 7,000 CFM, this ducted evaporative cooler is more than capable of meeting your cooling needs.

Buy MASTERCOOL ASA71 Here

 

2. Champion MCP59 — Best For Budget-friendly Value

This window cooler delivers 5,900 CFM of airflow, which means it can cool an area between 800 and 2,000 square feet. 

This champion evaporative cooler is a fantastic option if it covers most of your house. After setting it up, I noticed the indoor temperature dropped by about 19°F, which made a huge difference. 

One of my biggest concerns when reviewing an evaporative cooler is maintenance, as you wouldn't want something that needed constant attention. 

Fortunately, the Champion MCP59's construction prioritizes durability. It has: 

• Bolted construction (which means no welded seams, so less chance of rust)  

• A powder-coated exterior and interior to keep it looking new for years  

• A one-piece bottom pan that prevents leaks and corrosion  

Plus, the blower wheel is machine-balanced, so it runs super quietly—no annoying rattling sounds.

WHO SHOULD BUY THIS EVAPORATIVE COOLER? 

At 85 pounds, it’s sturdy but not impossible to move around. The three-speed settings let you adjust the cooling power according to the outside temperature. 

If you’re looking for an affordable, energy-efficient way to cool your whole house, the Champion MCP59 Evaporative Cooler is a solid choice.

Shop Champion MCP59 Here

3. Champion RWC46 — Best Window Evaporative Cooler for Homes

With 4,200 CFM of airflow, it covers a large area, ranging from 700 to 1,400 square feet.

That means if you have an open living space, this cooler can keep your entire home comfortable without needing multiple units.  

The best part? It lowers the temperature by 15-20°F in dry climates, and the difference is noticeable almost immediately. 

Another thing I love is how durable this unit is. The polyester powder-coated exterior and interior prevent rust, and the one-piece bottom pan means no annoying leaks. 

The machine-balanced blower wheel keeps things running smoothly and quietly.  

WHO SHOULD BUY THIS EVAPORATIVE COOLER? 

Shelling out around $ 1,200 for an evaporative cooler that cools the entire house at 4,200 CFM is a great value for the money. 

If you're particular about window-positioned evaporative coolers, this is the best model that has been impressive so far. 

Buy Champion RWC46 Here

4. Champion 10/12-DD — Best Outdoor, Roof Evaporative Cooler

One of the best features of this Champion evaporative cooler is that it allows you to select the right motor and pulley combination for your specific needs. 

The motor is sold separately, and you can choose one that fits your space and cooling needs. 

Depending on the motor you choose, this unit can provide up to 12,000 CFM (Cubic Feet per Minute) of cooling power, meaning it can handle homes of varying sizes and layouts. 

Cool air naturally sinks, so placing the unit on the roof allows gravity to do some of the work, helping air move efficiently through your home.

Also, since the unit is installed outside, you won’t have to deal with the sound of fans running inside your house, like with portable or window units.

When paired with a proper duct system, this cooler can distribute air throughout multiple rooms. 

This one is an excellent solution for large homes or businesses.

WHO SHOULD BUY THIS EVAPORATIVE COOLER? 

This unit is designed to sit on your roof and pull fresh, cool air straight down into your home. If this is the positioning you want, then look no further. 

Buy Champion 10/12-DD Here

5. Champion 75/85-SD — Most Impressive Side Draft Cooler

The side-draft (horizontal) airflow means the cooler is designed to be mounted on the side of your home, garage, or workshop, directing cool air straight into your space. 

This makes it an excellent fit for homes that don’t have room for a roof-mounted unit or for people who prefer easier installation and maintenance access.

This cooler is compatible with either a 3/4 HP or a 1 HP motor (sold separately), allowing you to pick the right power level for your home. 

If you need a gentle breeze, go for the 3/4 HP motor. If you want maximum cooling strength, the 1 HP motor will get the job done.

Weighing 381 pounds, this unit is made from high-quality materials designed for long-lasting durability. 

It uses Hobbs pads and fiberglass pads to ensure efficient cooling while withstanding heavy use over the years. 

KEEP IN MIND:

• The motor, pump, and pulley are sold separately, so you will need to purchase them to get the unit running. 

While this might seem like a hassle, it gives you more control over the power and efficiency of your cooler.

WHO SHOULD BUY THIS EVAPORATIVE COOLER? 

Delivering between 14,000 and 21,000 CFM of airflow, the Champion 75/85-SD is built for serious cooling.

This kind of power makes it ideal for large homes, garages, workshops, or open living spaces where a standard AC might struggle.

Buy Champion 75/85-SD Here

 

6. Champion 4001DD — Best for Smaller Spaces

Cooling power is essential in an evaporative cooler, and this unit delivers effective whole-house cooling with its well-balanced blower wheel. 

The machine-balanced blower wheel ensures that airflow is strong and even while reducing noise. 

So, even though it’s working hard to keep your home cool, it won’t be making a racket in the process.

The upgraded polyester filter pads ensure maximum cooling efficiency. These pads can be replaced once or twice a season, depending on how often you use the cooler. 

And with the built-in water drainage connection, the cooler can operate continuously without the hassle of manually draining water.

One of the biggest advantages of the Champion 4001DD is its heavy-gauge, galvanized steel cabinet, designed to resist rust and corrosion. This means you don’t have to worry about the metal wearing down over time, even with prolonged exposure to water.

WHO SHOULD BUY THIS EVAPORATIVE COOLER? 

Efficiency is the catch for this unit. However, it is designed to be installed outside, so make sure you have the proper setup for it

Buy Champion 4001DD Here

 

My Final Verdict

People keep raving about the coolers I’ve recommended in this post, and honestly, that’s why I keep suggesting these same six models—they just work!

If you’re looking to cool your whole house, I’d recommend adding ductwork to spread the airflow evenly. 

One thing to keep in mind: Unlike ACs, swamp coolers don’t filter the air, so if you have allergies or live in a smoky area, that’s something to consider. 

But on the flip side, you don’t have to stress about keeping doors closed like you do with AC—super handy if you have kids running in and out!

• If you have any questions about buying or installing Evaporative Coolers in your home, give us a call at 806-763-9323. 

Snook & Aderton HVAC Supply is located in Lubbock, Texas. We are a wholesaler of HVAC parts, equipment, and supplies. 

We can ship directly to you, or you can come by our store to pick up or place an order!

Buying Guide For Evaporative Coolers 

No matter how promising the unit may seem, you have to be careful about the sizing. 

If the capacity of your cooler is too small, it won’t cool effectively. If it’s too big, you might end up with too much airflow, wasted money, and an uncomfortable breeze.

WHY CAPACITY MATTERS

What does it mean when an evaporative cooler is too small? 

Imagine you're using a portable evaporative cooler of 700 CFM (Champion CP70 for example) in a 1,000 sq. ft. room. 

It will only lower the temperature by about 6°F—not enough to make a real difference.

Now, a 3,000 CFM cooler in a 250 sq. ft. space is overkill, taking up unnecessary room and blasting too much air.

HOW TO CHOOSE THE RIGHT SIZE

Instead of using BTUs like an air conditioner, swamp coolers are measured in CFM (Cubic Feet Per Minute)—which tells you how much air they move per minute. 

Remember the focus is on coolers that can take on the whole house and not just a single room. 

This table will help you pick better:

A LITTLE BIGGER IS USUALLY BETTER

If you’re unsure, it’s usually smarter to go a little bigger. 

• You can always lower the fan speed on a larger cooler, but a smaller one won’t be able to push out more air than it’s designed for.

FAQs 

1. Can an evaporative cooler cool an entire house?

An evaporative cooler can cool an entire house if it’s properly sized, running with the required horsepower, and has good airflow capacity. 

2. What is the disadvantage of an evaporative air cooler?

The main disadvantage of an evaporative air cooler is that it doesn’t work well in humid areas. It also requires regular maintenance, including refilling water and cleaning pads.

3. Is evaporative cooling better than AC?

Evaporative cooling is better than AC for dry climates because it’s cheaper to run and more energy-efficient. However, AC is better in humid areas and offers more precise temperature control.

4. How long does evaporative cooling last?

With proper maintenance, your evaporative cooler can last 10 to 15 years.

5. Can I run my evaporative cooler all day?

Yes, you can run an evaporative cooler all day, but it’s best to ensure proper ventilation to prevent excess humidity buildup inside your home.

6. Can you use an AC and an evaporative cooler together?

No, running an evaporative cooler and AC together is not effective. AC removes moisture, while an evaporative cooler adds it.