How Much Does Swamp Cooler Repair Cost in 2025?

This article was updated using automation technology and thoroughly reviewed for accuracy by HomeAdvisor Editor Ryan Noonan.

Swamp cooler repair costs homeowners an average of $197, with an average range between $103 and $299. Factors influencing the cost include the type and size of your unit and the specific problem needing repair.

Regular maintenance can prevent costly repairs and extend the life of your swamp cooler. Proper budgeting for your swamp cooler repair is essential, and hiring a professional ensures the job is done safely and efficiently.

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 of Swamp Cooler

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 units, 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 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.

Type of Repair

Repair costs vary significantly depending on the issue you're experiencing with your swamp cooler. Minor fixes, like replacing a pad or clearing a clog, can cost as little as $50, while part replacements and electrical malfunctions can cost up to $700.

Here are some of the causes of these common swamp cooler failures: 

• 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)

Labor

Labor fees vary depending on your location and the severity of your swamp cooler issue. Most local swamp cooler repair companies charge between $50 and $75 per hour. If your repair requires specialized parts or equipment, you can expect labor costs to increase.

Maintenance Costs

Regular maintenance is key to keeping your swamp cooler operating efficiently and can help you save on repair costs in the long run. Swamp cooler maintenance costs range from $50 to $500 per year, including seasonal preparations, replacing broken or malfunctioning parts, and winterization.

Winterizing your swamp cooler, which costs an average of $100 to $150 (not including parts), 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 vs. Replacement

Depending on the severity and type of issue with your swamp cooler, it may be more cost-effective for you to replace it rather than repair it. 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, repairing it is likely sufficient.

Swamp Cooler Repair Costs by Part

Swamp cooler repair costs vary significantly depending on the component(s) affected. Here’s a closer look at repair costs based on the damaged part.

Motor Replacement

A motor replacement costs between $100 and $700. 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.

Water Pump

The cost to replace a water pump will run from $100 to $500, depending on the type of unit you own.

Float Valve

Float valves for evaporative coolers cost between $60 and $80. 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.

Panels or Pads

Replacement panels or pads cost between $50 and $150. 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 $50 and $150 (including labor).

Belt Replacement

Belt replacement costs between $50 and $150.

Thermostat Replacement or Upgrade

A new swamp cooler thermostat costs between $150 and $300. 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.

Budgeting for Swamp Cooler Repair

Issues with your swamp cooler can happen unexpectedly, and repair costs can vary significantly depending on the problem. To keep your repair as budget-friendly as possible, consider the following tips:

• Schedule regular maintenance to prevent costly repairs and extend the lifespan of your swamp cooler.

• Reduce labor costs by making your unit accessible before the technician arrives, moving any furniture or obstacles out of the way to help save time.

• Compare quotes from multiple professionals to find the best price without compromising quality.

• Address minor issues promptly to avoid more expensive repairs down the line.

• Consider investing in energy-efficient parts to reduce your operating costs over time.

DIY vs. Hiring a Swamp Cooler Pro

Swamp coolers have many complex components, and electricity is involved in repairing these units, meaning hiring a professional for your repair job is essential. A swamp cooler repair pro has the training and knowledge to efficiently and safely handle your repair tasks. They also have in-depth knowledge of parts and troubleshooting, so you can rest assured that your swamp cooler problems will be resolved. Your pro can also provide expert recommendations for maintaining your swap cooler to extend its lifespan and maximize its functioning.

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.