How Much Does Swamp Cooler Repair Cost in 2025?

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. 

• 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.

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.