How Much Does Swamp Cooler Repair Cost in 2025?
Highlights
The cost to repair a swamp cooler ranges between $103 and $299, with most paying an average of $197.
The problem and unit type have the most significant impact on repair costs.
Most swamp cooler repair companies charge between $50 and $75 an hour.
Annual maintenance, which costs between $50 and $500, reduces the need for repairs.
Simple valve replacements can cost as little as $5 for materials, while motors can run up to $600.
The average cost to repair a swamp cooler is $197, while it's normal to see a range of costs between $103 and $299. Your total bill depends on the problem that requires repair, the type and size of your unit, and local labor rates.
A swamp cooler effectively cools your home by combining water evaporation with a simple, reliable air-moving system. Like any home system, you'll occasionally encounter issues requiring repair.
Swamp Cooler Repair Cost Factors
Several factors affect the cost of swamp cooler repair, including the unit design and size, the problem type, local labor rates, and ongoing maintenance.
Type
Swamp cooler repair costs vary depending on the type of unit. Typically, the higher the cost to install your swamp cooler, the higher the cost of repairs. Portable units are often the most cost-effective to repair because they are more straightforward in design. More complex units, such as roof or window-mounted, have more components, specialized parts, and higher labor fees, which increase repair costs.
Roof-Mounted
Roof-mounted swamp coolers are among the most costly to repair. Contractors have to climb onto the roof, which increases labor fees due to the need for specialized equipment.
Ground-Mounted
While ground-mounted units are easier to access than roof-mounted, they still incur high repair fees due to the complexity of their components.
Window-Mounted
Window-mounted swamp coolers are often among the most cost-effective to repair. They’re typically easy for contractors to access and feature a simpler design than ground- or roof-mounted units.
Portable
Portable swamp coolers are the most budget-friendly to repair. They’re small, simple, and not connected to ductwork, keeping labor fees low. Most issues, such as clogged pads, water pump replacement, and motor failure, are relatively inexpensive to fix.
Size
The size of your swamp cooler also affects repair costs. The bigger the unit, the larger the motors, pumps, and other components. As components increase in size, so do their repair and replacement costs. You may even have to special order some parts, increasing costs.
Problem Type
Repair costs vary significantly depending on the issue you’re having with your swamp cooler. Minor fixes, such as replacing a pad or clearing a clog, can cost as little as $60, while part replacements and electrical malfunctions can cost up to $650.
| Problem Type | Average Repair Cost |
|---|---|
| Motor issues | $60–$600 |
| Not cooling | $150–$450 |
| Not blowing air | $60–$650 |
| Overheating | $75–$275 |
| Won’t turn on | $65–$650 |
| Leaking | $65–$115 |
| Burning smell | $75–$275 |
| Not pumping water | $150–$450 |
| Mildew smell | $65–$115 |
Motor problems: Broken; bearings need oil; shorted wiring
Not cooling: Humidity too high; not enough water; outside temperature is too low
Not blowing air: Broken motor; bearings or belt needs replacement
Overheating: Dirty pad; broken motor; not enough water
Won’t turn on: Tripped breaker or other electrical wiring problem
Leaking: Broken float valve; old or cracked tubing; tubes not sealed properly
Smells like burning: Dirty or clogged pad; motor overheating; not enough water
Not pumping water: Clogged tubing; broken float valve; broken water pump
Mildew smell: Dirty pads; dirty housing (standing water at the bottom of the unit)
Swamp Cooler Startup Cost
Spring swamp cooler startup maintenance runs about $150 to $200 and includes:
Checking the pads and motor
Replacing cracked belts
Cleaning and rust removal
Oiling and lubricating
Labor
Labor fees vary depending on your location and the severity of the issue. Most local swamp cooler repair companies charge between $50 to $75 per hour. If the repair requires specialized parts or equipment, expect labor costs to increase.
Ongoing Maintenance
Keeping up with annual swamp cooler maintenance can reduce the amount you’ll spend on repairs. Budget $50 to $500 per year for evaporative cooling tune-ups. Maintenance includes seasonal preparations and replacing broken or malfunctioning parts as needed.
Cost to Winterize a Swamp Cooler
Winterizing a swamp cooler will cost about $100 to $150, not including parts. This helps save you maintenance during the following summer and extends the life of the unit. Winterization includes:
Draining the unit
Cleaning out sediment and dirt
Changing pads
Attaching a cover
Swamp Cooler Repair Costs by Part
Swamp cooler repair costs vary significantly depending on the component(s) affected. Replacing a float valve or evaporative pad may be as low as $5, not including labor. However, if a major part, such as the motor or water pump, is damaged, expect to pay up to $600.
| Part | Average Repair Cost |
|---|---|
| Evaporative cooler motor | $50–$70 |
| Motor | $50–$600 |
| Water pump | $14–$480 |
| Float valve | $5–$16 |
| Cooler panels or pads | $5–$80 |
| Bearings | $5–$20 |
| Belt | $55–$80 |
| Cover | $20–$50 |
| Thermostat | $200 |
Cost to Repair an Evaporative Cooler Motor
Repairing your motor costs between $50 and $70. Depending on the issue, the pro will likely adjust the pulley, oil the motor bearing, or fix the wiring. It may make more sense to replace the motor completely depending on what's broken and the repair cost.
Swamp Cooler Motor Replacement
A motor replacement costs between $50 and $600. Depending on the extent of the damage to your swamp cooler motor, it may be advisable to choose replacement instead. Replacing your motor increases its longevity and ensures it functions as well as possible. Larger, more specialized systems require more expensive motors.
Swamp Cooler Water Pump
The cost to replace a water pump will run from $15 to $480, depending on the type of unit you own. Sometimes, you’ll also need to replace the pump tube/hose, adding between $0.50 and $1 per foot to your total.
Swamp Cooler Float Valve
Float valves for evaporative coolers cost between $5 and $16. They are located next to the wall of the cooler and can leak if the seal becomes cracked, dried, or damaged. You can repair it, but the cost is almost equal to an entirely new float valve component.
Evaporative Cooler Panels or Pads
Replacement pads or panels cost between $5 and $80 each. A pro can complete this work for approximately $65 to $100, including parts. A single system can have one to six pads.
Bearing Replacement
To replace the bearings in your swamp cooler, you can expect to pay between $5 and $20 each, not including labor. Two common types are shaft bearings, which cost $5 to $10 to replace, and spider bearings, which cost $10 to $20.
Belt Replacement
If the belt of your swamp cooler is broken or worn out, you may need a new one. Purchasing a new cooler belt costs between $5 and $10 for the part alone. A pro will charge another $50 to $70 to change it for you. Once your belt is replaced, you can anticipate smooth operation.
Swamp Cooler Covers
New swamp cooler covers cost between $20 and $50. They protect your machine from the elements and can lengthen its operative life. Over time, covers can become cracked, damaged, or worn out. Failing to replace your cover can lead to more extensive damage to the machinery inside.
Thermostat Replacement or Upgrade
A new swamp cooler thermostat costs around $200. It allows you to easily set and control the temperature without making manual changes. The cost of repairing, replacing, or upgrading the thermostat on your swamp cooler varies depending on the thermostat system you choose, including the price of smart thermostats.
Swamp Cooler Repair vs. Replacement
Depending on the severity and type of issue with your swamp cooler, it may be more cost-effective to replace it rather than repair it. The average cost to replace a swamp cooler ranges from $1,600 to $3,800. If your unit is nearing the end of its lifespan, requires frequent repairs, or is severely damaged, replacement may be a worthwhile investment. However, if you’ve recently installed your swamp cooler or are dealing with minor issues, such as clogs or dirty pads, repair is likely sufficient.
Budgeting for Swamp Cooler Repair
Issues with your swamp cooler may happen unexpectedly, and repair costs can vary significantly depending on the problem. To keep the repair as budget-friendly as possible, consider the following tips:
Compare quotes from at least three contractors to find the most cost-effective option
Contact a pro as soon as you notice damage to prevent the issue from progressing
Keep up with regular swamp cooler maintenance to ensure your unit stays in good condition
Consider whether replacing your swamp cooler will save you more in the long run.
How HomeAdvisor Gets Its Cost Data
No place is more important than your home, which is why HomeAdvisor connects homeowners with local pros to transform their houses into homes they love. To help homeowners prepare for their next project, HomeAdvisor provides readers with accurate cost data and follows strict editorial guidelines. We surveyed thousands of real customers about their project costs to develop the pricing data you see, so you can make the best decisions for you and your home. We pair this data with research from reputable sources, including the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, academic journals, market studies, and interviews with industry experts—all to ensure our prices reflect real-world projects.
Frequently Asked Questions
If your swamp cooler needs to be replaced or you’re removing it for another reason, you can expect to pay about $70 to $150 to have a local HVAC professional remove it. This price typically includes the labor of hauling it away and disposal costs, such as leaving it at a dump or other similar facility.
Swamp coolers will cost about $2 to run for 24 hours. To run a unit 24 hours a day every day for an entire month would cost roughly $60. In comparison, a central AC costs about $330 per month at this rate. Using a swamp cooler as opposed to a central AC unit is an effective way to reduce your overall costs.
It costs roughly $20 per month to run a swamp cooler in most areas, but this total can vary based on several factors, including the price of water and electricity in your area. This $20 total accounts for about $5 in water and $15 in electricity for a unit running eight hours, using 80 gallons of water daily.
The amount of water a cooler uses depends on the humidity of the outside air, the unit size, and the frequency of use. Swamp coolers may use anywhere from 90 to 450 gallons of water per month. Your water bill is a good indicator of how much water your unit uses each month.
Air conditioners are often more costly than swamp coolers. The average cost to install a swamp cooler ranges from $1,600 to $3,800, while the cost to install an air conditioner ranges from $3,900 to $8,000. You’ll also need to budget for the price of air conditioner maintenance, which runs from $75 to $200 per year.
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