Evaporative Cooler vs Air Conditioner: Which Is Better?

It’s Texas. We understand that the arrival of summer can make your space feel overheated from the inside. That’s when most people start thinking, “Should I get an evaporative cooler or go for a regular air conditioner?”

As much as we dislike saying it, the short answer is “it depends.”

Evaporative coolers utilize water to humidify and cool spaces. Air conditioners use a chemical refrigerant to cool and dehumidify the air inside.

This guide breaks down the significant differences between evaporative coolers and air conditioners, including how they work, their running costs, and what buyers say after using both.

Evaporative Cooler vs. Air Conditioner Comparison

While you shouldn't make this decision hastily, here is the obvious distinction between the two investments. 

You will need to continue reading to understand both appliances in more detail. By the end, you’ll know exactly which option makes the most sense for your space and your wallet.

How Do Evaporative Coolers Work? 

Some people call them “swamp coolers” or “desert coolers,” but it all means the same thing. 

Evaporative coolers work by passing outdoor air over water-saturated pads; the water in the pads evaporates, reducing the air temperature by 15° to 40°F before it is directed into the home.

Here’s the process: 

• Air Intake: The fan pulls hot, dry air from the outside into the cooler through vents, usually located on the sides.

• Moist cooling pads: Inside the cooler, this air passes through water-saturated pads. These pads are kept continuously wet by a water pump that draws water from a built-in reservoir and spreads it over the pads.

• Evaporation process: As the hot air passes through these wet pads, water molecules evaporate, cooling the air significantly.

• Cool air circulation: The now-cool, moist air is then blown into the room or outdoor space using a fan or blower.

For continuous flow of evaporative coolers, you have to have an open window or door. This is because warm, moist air escapes to prevent a buildup of humidity inside.

Power use is generally low (200 to 400 watts) because only the fan and water pump use energy. 

However, this can vary widely depending on features and capacity, and there are domestic units that draw up to 2 kW or more.

Evaporative coolers come in different types, which determine the budget and installation procedures.

Portable Evaporative Coolers

These types are best for individual rooms, small apartments, dorms, and personal spaces. They come with wheels and handles, making it easy to move from room to room. But many people choose portable swamp coolers for outdoor use. 

However, you need to refill them often, which is why they have a small water tank. Some models have ice trays or allow you to add ice for extra cooling.

Buy Champion CP70 115 V 700 CFM Direct Drive Ultracool Portable Cooler Here 

Window or Side Draft Evaporative Coolers

Evaporative coolers also come in a shape that allows you to install them on windows for indoor use. 

For continuous operation, these types typically connect to a hose or permanent water line. Side drafts also cost more than portable ones since they require handiwork for installation. 

Buy Champion 5000SD - Side Draft Evaporative Cooler Cabinet here

Downdraft (Cabinet) Evaporative Coolers

If you want evaporative cooling for the whole house or commercial spaces, the down-draft option comes to mind. 

They are typically mounted on the roof or attic, with ducts that direct air downwards. These models are high-capacity units that cool multiple rooms at once.

It's not uncommon for a whole-house evaporative cooler system to use several hundred liters of water a day. 

Some studies have revealed that they use 41 to 70 liters per hour.

Downdrafts will require professional setup, ducting, and electrical work. They are enclosed in large cabinets.

However, the fair comparison people have in mind when choosing between air conditioners and evaporative coolers is the portability of the latter.

Advantages of Evaporative Coolers

1. Low energy consumption
2. Lower initial and maintenance costs
3. Easy to install and use (depending on the type)
4. Works with open windows/doors
5. Portable models available
6. Operates quietly

How Do Air Conditioners Work? 

Air conditioning systems function by removing warm air from your indoor environment and pushing it outside.

This lowers the temperature inside your space based on the setting you've chosen.

There are many types of air conditioners, which will determine whether it’s a better option for you. The most popular type is the mini-split system. They consist of an outdoor compressor and one or more indoor units that distribute the cooled air.

It’s the kind you’d want to use if your space is around 60 square meters. You can use mini-splits in single rooms or open-plan areas. 

Entry-level models start at around $600, while larger, more powerful versions can cost over $5,000.

But here are other types if we are to make a fair comparison: 

Portable Air Conditioners

These standalone units plug directly into a wall socket and are suited for smaller areas, typically up to 20 square meters.

They require a duct (usually run through a door or window) to expel the warm air. However, their energy efficiency generally falls short of that of split systems. Prices typically range from $300 to $1,300.

Window or Wall Mounted Units

These systems are fitted into a wall or window and can cool rooms up to 50 square meters. A standard outlet can power smaller models, but larger ones require an extra electrical setup.

Buy the Dial Manufacturing, Wall Mounted Indoor Unit here

Ducted Systems

These setups feature a central cooling unit, commonly installed in the ceiling, connected to various rooms via a network of ducts.

Ducted systems offer whole-home climate control but can be costly.

Advantages of Air Conditioners 

1. These systems give you precise temperature control 
2. Works in any kind of climate
3. Can heat as well as cool
4. Solar panels can offset running costs

Evaporative Cooler vs Air Conditioner: Comparing Both Options

Let’s now look at both options in more detail, side by side, based on affordability, maintenance, power consumption, usage, and climate conditions. 

Affordability 

Basic split-system air conditioners start at around $600 for smaller models, but if you're looking for a high-capacity unit, the price can climb to $5,000 or more.

Mini-split systems typically range from $800 to $1150. However, the final price can be influenced by

1. Your location
2. The complexity of the installation
3. The specific brand or model you choose.

There are also portable evaporative coolers available for as little as $500, such as the Champion CP70. 

These plug-and-play devices don’t require professional setup, making them a cost-effective solution for cooling smaller areas.

For larger, industrial-style units such as down-draft models (think Champion ADA71 MasterCool), you’ll also need to factor in the cost of ductwork and vents to circulate cool air throughout the house.

This added labor can double the initial cost, meaning a $2,500 unit might cost as much as $5,000 after everything is installed.

AFFORDABILITY: EVAPORATIVE COOLERS WIN

Installation cost 

No matter the type of air conditioner system you buy, you’re going to spend on installation. The installation of mini-split systems can cost between $600 and $750. 

However, no installation cost comes with evaporative coolers, except if you're buying an industrial-style unit, such as a side-draft or cabinet, which requires ductwork. 

INSTALLATION COST: EVAPORATIVE COOLERS WIN

Energy Consumption and Maintenance

Maintenance focuses on power consumption and specific fixes that may be necessary in the future. 

Central AC units can use 3,000-3,500 watts per hour, while window units use 900-1,440 watts per hour, and portable units use 2,900-4,100 watts per hour. This finding has even been confirmed in a test carried out in Tucson. 

With swamp coolers, the utility bill is less of a worry. The average unit can consume between 200 and 400 watts of energy, so they can rightfully be called energy efficient.

However, it’s a slightly different story for maintenance. With swamp coolers, you often need to refill water and then maintain the coolant pads. 

ENERGY CONSUMPTION: EVAPORATIVE COOLERS WIN

MAINTENANCE: DRAW

Climate Suitability 

A key distinction between portable air conditioners and evaporative coolers lies in the type of climate for which they are most effective.

Portable air conditioners can function efficiently in both humid and dry environments. 

Evaporative coolers operate by drawing warm air through moisture-laden pads, where the water evaporates, cooling the air as it does.

This method naturally increases indoor humidity.

Swamp coolers are more efficient in hot, dry conditions where humidity levels are low, allowing for the most effective heat exchange.

This feature has a good and a bad side, depending on your location. But versatility always wins. 

CLIMATE SUITABILITY: AIR CONDITIONERS WIN

Usage and ROI

Considering how air conditioners work, you can only use them in a confined space, such as indoors.

However, there are various portable evaporative coolers you can use outdoors, such as on your patio, tennis court, or garden. 

Meanwhile, in terms of return on investment, evaporative coolers generally don’t last as long as air conditioners, especially when compared to whole-house systems.

Most manufacturers of evaporative coolers offer warranties that extend up to five years.

On the other hand, portable air conditioners tend to last around 10 years, while central air conditioning systems can operate effectively for 12 to 17 years on average.

Again, it depends on how often you use the system.

VERSATILITY IN USAGE: EVAPORATIVE COOLERS WIN

LONGEVITY: AIR CONDITIONERS WIN

Final Verdict

Once you consider your needs, the decision becomes less complicated. 

If you consider how much people pay to buy, install, and maintain an AC unit and how much power it consumes, it seems more reasonable to opt for an evaporative swamp cooler (thinking long-term). 

Still, not everyone is the same. So we close this guide by creating two different scenarios that work best for both systems: 

Who Should Buy an Evaporative Cooler? 

1. You live in a dry, hot climate.

2. You’re on a budget and looking for a lower upfront cost.

3. You don’t mind having air circulation and freshness at the expense of precise temperature control.

4. You have a space that needs cooling in open areas, such as a patio or garage.

Who Should Buy an Air Conditioner (AC) Unit? 

1. You need to cool large, enclosed spaces.

2. You need consistent cooling regardless of outdoor air conditions.

3. You don’t mind the high initial cost

4. Your indoor space has limited ventilation or windows 

5. You need a solution for both cooling and dehumidifying the air.

At Snook & Aderton HVAC Supply, we stock a variety of portable evaporative coolers and mini-split air conditioning systems. 

While we are based in Lubbock, Texas. You can give us a beep or check our website for HVAC parts, equipment, and supplies at wholesale prices. We can ship directly to you, or you can come by our store to pick up or place an order. 

Hopefully, this guide gives you one less thing to worry about as you invest in your next home-cooling unit.