How Much Does it Cost to Repair a Swamp Cooler?

Swamp Cooler Repair Costs

Swamp Cooler Repair CostsSwamp cooler repairs average between $103 and $294, including labor. Some repairs you can do as DIY projects, but others will require a professional. If the number or price tag of repairs becomes too high, or significantly above this average, consider replacing the whole system.

Cost to Repair Evaporative Cooler Motor

Swamp Cooler Motor Replacement

A motor replacement costs anywhere from $50 to $600. Larger, more specialized, systems require more expensive motors.

Cost to Replace a Water Pump on a Cooler

The cost to replace the water pump will run from $15 to $480 depending on the type of unit you own. Sometimes you will need to replace the pump tube/hose as well, adding between $0.50 and $1 per foot to your total.

Swamp Cooler Float Valve

Float valves for evaporative coolers run between $5 and $16. The float valve is located next to the wall of your cooler. It can leak if the seal becomes cracked, dried, and damaged. You can repair it, but it’s almost equal to the cost of an entirely new float valve component.

Evaporative Cooler Panels or Pads

Replacement pads or panels can run anywhere from $5 to $80 each. A pro can complete this work for a total of $65 to $100, including parts. Changing your own swamp cooler pads is a great DIY project that can save you the cost of labor. A single system can have anywhere from 1 to 6.

*Certain types of minerals in water and how frequently the system runs affects this total.

Bearing Replacement

To replace the bearings in your swamp cooler, expect to pay between $5 and $20 each, not including labor. There are two common types:

• Shaft: $5-$10

• Spider: $10-$20

Belt Replacement

A new cooler belt will run between $5 to $10 for the part alone. A pro would charge another $50 to $70 to change it out for you.

Swamp Cooler Covers

New covers cost between $20 and $50.

Finding Swamp Cooler Parts Near You

Check your local hardware store for the swamp cooler part you need. If it is not available, try an online retailer, or contacting the manufacturer directly. Repair specialists can often get parts at a lower rate.

Swamp Cooler Start-Up Cost

Spring start-up maintenance will run about $150 to $200 and includes:

• Checking pads and motor

• Replacing cracked belts

• Cleaning and rust removal

• Oiling and lubricating

Cost to Winterize a Swamp Cooler

Winterizing a swamp cooler will cost about $100 to $150, not including parts. This will save you maintenance during the following summer, extend the life of the unit, and will include:

• Draining the unit

• Cleaning out sediment and dirt

• Changing pads

• Attaching a cover

Swamp Cooler Maintenance

The cost to maintain your swamp cooler is between $50 and $500 per year. Maintenance includes seasonal preparations and replacing broken or malfunctioning parts as needed. Keeping your cooler in good shape can reduce the amount you will spend on repairs.

Common Swamp Cooler Problems

Check out these common problems and the potential reasoning behind the issue.

• Motor Problems: Broken, bearings need oil, shorted wiring

• Not Cooling: Humidity too high, not enough water, outside temp 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 bottom of unit)

DIY Troubleshooting Before Calling a Professional

Your swamp cooler will only work if:

1. Outside air is dry: <30% humidity.

2. Windows in the home are open so warm air can exit.

3. It gets enough water.

Be sure to check your circuit breaker and replace parts you can. If these do not fix the problem, contact a pro for a consultation.

FAQs

How do I know if I need a swamp cooler replacement or repair?

If you have tried to replace parts in your swamp cooler and it has not fixed the problem, contact a professional to get an accurate diagnosis. Some repairs such as replacing the motor may be close to the price to replace your swamp cooler.

How much does it cost to remove a swamp cooler?

It will cost about $70 to $150 to have a pro remove a swamp cooler.

How much does it cost to run a swamp cooler all day?

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, it would cost roughly $60. In comparison, a central AC costs about $330 per month at this rate.

How much does it cost to run an evaporative cooler per month?

It costs roughly $20 per month to run a swamp cooler, but this total can vary. This accounts for about $5 in water and $15 in electricity, for a unit running 8 hours and using 80 gallons of water per day.

How much water does a swamp cooler use?

The amount of water a cooler will use depends on the humidity of the outside air, size of the unit, and frequency of use. Most units are somewhere between 90 to 450 gallons per month.

Who fixes swamp coolers?

An evaporative cooler technician in your area can repair your unit. Be sure to get several quotes before choosing a pro.