Best Window Swamp Coolers – 2022 Guide

In summer, air conditioners are essential for both our health and well-being, among other reasons.

There are different options for cooling our homes, but we still may need to look for something cost-effective. 

In this article, we review a range of window swamp coolers, also known as evaporative air coolers. They may be the answer to providing a cooler living environment.

Comparison of the Best Window Swamp Coolers

How to Choose a Good Window Swamp Cooler 

We have reviewed and compared different factors affecting the efficiency of these units to help you choose the correct window swamp cooler for your space. These include:

Cooling Pads

Cooling pads influence the efficiency of a swamp cooler. Available in two designs, Aspen pads cost less and are easier to install and replace. Biodegradable pads are also environmental-friendly and more effective than cellulose cooling pads, which are more expensive.

Also known as honeycomb pads, due to their appearance, cellulose pads are thicker than Aspen pads, are low maintenance, and also last longer. 

Motor

As they pump air, rather than compressing refrigerant gas like other air conditioners, swamp coolers are less expensive to run. 

Centrifugal and axial fans are used for cooling and condensing, using approximately one-third or three-quarter horsepower in comparison to other ACs using 3-5 horsepower. Axial fans are considered 80-90% more efficient.

Overload Protection

An automatic thermal-overload switch is programmed to shut the motor off if it starts overheating. It will only switch on again once the motor has cooled down.

Cooler Size vs Space

Swamp window coolers are rated in terms of CBH (cubic meters per hour). Units range between 4000 and 8000 CBH.

To calculate the size of the unit you require to cool a specific space, we calculate the volume of the space with the formula length x width x height. This is then multiplied by air-exchange times, which is based on the environment, set from approximately 20-40 air exchanges per hour. 

To further understand, see these examples:

Environment	Air Exchange Times
Normal	20-30 times/hr
Crowded Public Space	25-40 times/hr
High-temperature Factory	35-45 times/hr
Polluted Air	45-55 times/hr
Spot Cooling	90-120 times/hr

Suitable For Your Climate

Window swamp coolers use the evaporation of water to cool the air inside. Most effective in areas with low humidity, window swamp coolers work by passing air over a wet pad called a cooling pad. This evaporates and cools the air, adding moisture, or humidity, to the room.

They work best in dry areas, such as desert regions with low humidity, and are mounted in a window. They continuously require water for the unit to work efficiently, so they’re not ideal in areas with water shortages. 

Water Tank Capacity

The size of the water tank varies between the different models, but generally, they vary from between 3-5 gallons. Larger units may hold up to 50 gallons.

The larger the unit the more water it uses. There are options such as portable water tanks, which can be attached with a water line or, using ice or gel packs in the system. 

Mounting

There is a range of options in terms of installation depending on the size and type of unit. Window swamp coolers don’t require professional installation but must be installed near a water source, like a hose.

A unit meant for cooling an entire house will require ducts, or may need to be installed on the roof. This may require professional assistance.

Review of the Best Window Swamp Coolers

Used correctly in a dry area with low humidity, window swamp coolers will save you money and cool your house effectively. We chose a few well-known window swamp coolers to review and compare the pros and cons of each. 

How Do Evaporative/Swamp Coolers Work?

Swamp coolers work by sucking warm air into the cooler and then pushing the air over water-saturated pads. This water evaporates into the air and absorbs much of the heat. 

The cooler blows the cooled air back into the room. Because they don’t rely on refrigerants in the cooling process, they’re extremely energy-efficient and also act as humidifiers. This is due to the air that’s evaporated from the cooling pads. 

They also usually offer a waterless mode; they can also be used as heavy-duty fans, offering a cooling breeze when it’s not hot enough to require the cooling mode. 

Top Brands in the Window Swamp Cooler Space

We’ve reviewed a number of the top brands of evaporative coolers and included three of what we thought are the best options.

Phoenix Manufacturing Inc.

Offering the Frigiking and Brisa ranges of evaporative air coolers, Phoenix Manufacturing, based in America, was founded in 1975. Placing high importance on environmental issues, the company manufactures a range of both residential and commercial coolers designed to stand the test of time. 

The exclusive microscopic blower shaft finish process is a vast improvement on the standard “ground finish” widely used, which means less noise and longer-lasting parts.

Vankool

The original suppliers of evaporative air coolers, Vankool have been manufacturing these units since 2005. With a production capacity of 15,000 units per month, these units are sold in more than 60 countries worldwide.

Their facilities include ODM service, molding, plastic injection, and production based in Zhongshan City, China.

They also manufacture portable air conditioners and fans for residential and commercial purposes, each applied with the ISO9000 QC standard. Vankool is well-known for the popular Honeywell window cooler. 

Essick Air Inc.

Suppliers of the MasterCool and Champion ranges, Essick Air also offer the sleek designs of the AIRCARE line. These units look fantastic while taking up less space, and actively reducing the risk of allergies, cold, and flu viruses.

The range covers various sizes of space, offering cooling and energy efficiency.

The company has been manufacturing cooling products aimed at the dry-arid regions of the western United States for more than 70 years.

Benefits of Using a Window Swamp Cooler

If you live in a dry, arid region and are looking for a cost-efficient, energy-efficient way of cooling your home, a window swamp cooler is an excellent product to invest in. 

Eco-friendly, these coolers cool the air with an evaporative process using cooling pads, thereby emitting less C02. They can also be used in open spaces without needing to close doors and windows, such as a garage or even on the patio outside. 

A dry climate benefits from these units, as they add moisture to the air, eliminating fumes and odors and reducing dust and other pollutants. This minimizes the risk of allergies, as well as colds and the flu.

They’re easy to install and far less noisy than other types of coolers. Most of these units come with benefits such as multiple fan speeds, oscillating vents, and timers.

Common Window Swamp Cooler Problems

Window coolers do come with their problems and you should be aware of their limitations. Unfortunately, these coolers don’t work everywhere. They’re specific to dry, arid regions and shouldn’t be used in areas high in humidity.

A humid environment will slow the evaporation process down, rendering the unit inefficient. It will also serve to increase the humidity in the area and cause condensation and an uncomfortable climate.

They’re also generally not as effective in cooling as other AC types.

An unstable window could cause installation problems. The size and stability of the window are important factors when deciding to purchase a window cooler. Portable units are available but are limited to a specific space.

Swamp coolers also need a constant supply of water. The hotter the climate, the more water is required for cooling. Water supply is a consideration in terms of installation and you may need to consider a portable water tank. 

Maintenance is fairly high as the cooling pads need to be changed regularly, and the unit must be sealed correctly to prevent rusting.

What’s the Difference Between Window vs Portable Evaporative Coolers?

Inexpensive and cost-effective to run, both the window and portable swamp coolers are capable of high-energy efficiency cooling when used in dry climates.

Installation 

Although relatively easy to install, window coolers need structurally sturdy windows to be mounted in, whereas a portable cooler can be moved from room to room and requires no installation. This is convenient and cost-effective when it may not be necessary to cool an entire house. 

Exhaust Hose

The portable unit requires an exhaust hose, which is incredibly easy to install. A window cooler doesn’t require an exhaust hose.

Area

A portable unit is more suited to areas east of the Mississippi River, where humid conditions may be experienced at times. Window coolers are ideal if you live in the Southwest, in a mostly dry climate.

Efficiency

Window units offer better energy and cooling efficiency. The portable unit can also be used outdoors and doesn’t require plumbing. 

Price Points of Window Swamp Coolers

Pricing of Window Swamp Coolers varies among the different ranges, sizes, and models costing between $100 to $2,500. 

To calculate the correct size unit for your space we use the CFM rating (cubic feet per minute). The higher the CFM rating, the more the unit costs. The information below gives you some idea of what you can expect in relation to the cost of the unit.

$100-250: 2,100 CFM Cools 500 – 1,000 Square Feet 

This price range usually covers portable units that are used to supplement a larger AC unit.

$250-460: 3,000 CFM Cools 500 – 1,000 Square Feet

Bonaire window evaporative cooling units are designed to fit small window spaces. They’re ideal for areas with hard water and are slightly noisier than other brands. Pricing ranges may be higher depending on the model.

$460-630: 5,400 CFM Cools 1,000-2,000 Square Feet

Essick Air window evaporative coolers are more aesthetically pleasing than others and easy to install. These units come standard with remote control. Pricing can range higher depending on the model.

$630-875: 7,000 CFM Cools 1,000-2,000 Square Feet

Brisa window coolers are highly energy-efficient. Maintenance and cleaning are made simple by the easy-access design. These models have no reported disadvantages and prices can range higher depending on the model.

Who Should Not Buy a Window Swamp Cooler?

Anybody living in an area with high humidity should not consider installing a swamp cooler. These units depend on dry air to operate effectively. 

The water-saturated cooling pads evaporate cooled water back into the air, and an environment with high humidity would become even humid. This would make the air uncomfortable and even more humid for residents.

Continuous humidity will also affect the water pads; they would develop an unpleasant odor, which is then blown into the house.

Due to the level of maintenance required in regularly changing the water pads, anyone not capable of performing these tasks shouldn’t consider one of these units.

Areas with water restrictions aren’t ideal for swamp coolers due to their need for continuous water.

Best suited to medium to large open spaces, they also require fresh air and operate optimally when positioned near an open door or window. If no convenient openings are available, it may be necessary to provide additional fans for fresh air, otherwise, the cooling effect may be reduced and condensation may form.

If conditions aren’t ideal, it may be wise to consider an air conditioner with a cooling system that works by providing cool air through ductwork. This process draws warm air outside, and a condenser, using refrigerant, turns vapor into liquid, removing any heat. 

Finally, if you live in a two-story house and wish to cool upstairs, as well as downstairs, you’ll need to invest in a combination of an evaporative cooler and split system air conditioner. Once again, you’ll need to ensure that there’s a suitable window allowing for access to fresh air in order to allow cooling efficiency of the unit.

Conclusion

To get the most out of a window swamp cooler, you’ll ideally live in a dry, arid climate with low humidity. You should also have adequate access to windows and doors, allowing fresh air to circulate the space you need to be cooled.

These eco-friendly units cool various spaces indoor and outdoors effectively, while using less energy and taking up less space in your living area. They’re definitely a worthwhile investment into more comfortable living, at a lower cost.

People Also Ask

Here are some frequently asked questions to assist you in making the right choice when shopping for a window swamp cooler.