Evaporative Coolers

What Is an Evaporative Cooler?

Less energy consumption? Better for the planet? Season-long cooling? Too good to be true?

No! An evaporative cooler ticks all these boxes. And more. That's because evaporative coolers (“swamp coolers”) rely on nothing more than Mother Nature’s evaporation process (and a dash of human ingenuity) to cool your air.

How? First, it pulls warm outdoor air in through water-saturated cooling pads. As the air passes through, the water evaporates and absorbs much of the heat. The result is a fresh, cool breeze that rejuvenates your space.

• Doesn’t rely on compressors or chemical refrigerants, reducing energy consumption.
• Works best in hot, dry climates like the Southwest.

Evaporative Cooler Use Cases: Where and Why You Might Need One

Is your traditional AC falling short? If you live in a particularly hot, dry climate, evaporative cooling is a smart choice.

Here’s where it really shines:

• Hot, Dry Climates: Those who live down in the Southwest may get the most from an evaporator cooler. That’s because they not only cool the air, but also add a touch of much-needed moisture.
• Garages and Workshops: Don’t sweat your next project—evaporative coolers are perfect for open or semi-enclosed workspaces without central air.
• Outdoor Venues: Ditch expensive AC and outdated fans. Keep your guests and staff comfortable the smart way. From restaurant patios to event tents, evaporative coolers are a real game-changer.
• RVs and Camping: On the road again? Evaporative coolers aren't just portable. They're low-power, too. Ideal for off-grid adventuring this summer.
• Warehouses and Distribution Centers: Large, open facilities can overheat just as quickly as enclosed ones. High-capacity evaporative coolers help keep working conditions safe.
• Greenhouses and Agricultural Buildings: Support healthy, natural plant growth and animal care the easy way.
• Homes Without Central AC: Central—even window—AC isn’t always an option. If your space is smaller, an evaporator cooler could be a handy alternative.
• Construction and Restoration Sites: Sadly, job sites often lack proper AC. Evaporative coolers help keep crews safe and productive in challenging circumstances.
• Kennels and Stables: Protect animals, livestock from unnecessary heat stress with evaporative coolers specially designed for kennels and stables.

Types of Evaporative Coolers

Excited to test out your new evaporative cooler? We’re excited to supply it. But before you buy, just make sure you understand the different types available:

• Portable Evaporative Coolers: Perfect for smaller spaces. Lightweight and easy to move—simply plug-and-go!
• Window/Wall-Mounted Evaporative Coolers: Larger, permanent setups for more powerful airflow. Ideal for garages, living rooms, or even whole homes.
• Outdoor & Industrial Coolers: Serious power for open-air environments. Their high CFM ratings make them ideal for ventilated spaces in need of temperature control.
• Direct Fill vs. Continuous Fill: You might notice a “direct fill”/”continuous fill” distinction. Direct fill coolers have built-in water tanks that you fill manually. Continuous fill ones feature hoses for automatic refilling.

As you can see, there are plenty of options. What’s important is to assess your size and climate, as well as your run-time needs, before choosing.

Why Buy From Sylvane?

Impressed by our selection of evaporative coolers? Just wait until you hear about our service. We don’t just sell coolers. We offer trusted solutions backed by real expertise. That means we’re here to make your choice easier.

That starts with our range; we carry an extensive selection of top-rated evaporative coolers from the most reliable brands, carefully chosen for performance and durability. Then there are our resources. At Sylvane, you’ll find many detailed product guides and sizing tips to de-stress your selection. And don’t forget about our U.S.-based customer support team, either!

Evaporative Cooler FAQs

What’s the difference between an evaporative cooler and an air conditioner?

Good question. Evaporative coolers use only water and airflow to cool the air. AC units instead use refrigerants and compressors (and often a whole load of electricity).

Will it work in humid climates?

They’re made for hot, dry climates (humidity under 50%). So, you might find in humid climates the cooling effect is reduced. Here, traditional AC could be better.

How much water does it use?

It depends on the unit’s type and size. Usually between 3 and 15 gallons per day.

Does it need ventilation or open windows?

Yes. Why? Airflow is essential for evaporator coolers. They work best in ventilated spaces with open windows or doors.

Can I use it outdoors?

Sure! Many are actually specially built for outdoor or semi-outdoor use. Just make sure the model you choose is designed for that.

How do I maintain or clean it?

Easily. Simply clean the water tank and cooling pads every few weeks and replace pads occasionally. Always follow the instructions carefully, though.

How do I size a unit for my space (what is CFM)?

CFM is “Cubic Feet per Minute”. That’s how much air the cooler can move per minute. As for sizing, multiply the square footage of your space by the ceiling height, then divide by 2.