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Swamp Cooler vs AC

January 15, 2026
swamp cooler vs ac

When the temperature rises, most people are going online looking for a reliable AC system in order to find comfort from the heat. However, in certain settings, installing standard swamp coolers may be an option to consider if looking for higher humidity levels, ecologically cleaner option, and you are located in milder whether.  Learn more by reading our comparison of swamp cooler vs ac below.

As a company in the Los Angeles, it is imperative to be well aware the main differences between roof mounted swamp coolers and AC systems. Whether you are looking for commercial air conditioning replacement or AC installation services, take into account the benefits of both AC systems and commercial grade roof mounted swamp coolers next time you choose to replace your HVAC system.

Swamp Coolers – What are they and What are Their Benefits

A swamp cooler is an open system that works by passing around the air existent in the building. Swamp coolers work exceptionally well in areas with low humidity, because they can add moisture to the air inside the office by using an advanced evaporation method. Offering features such as dump valve, adjustable roof stand and specialized screens, these modern commercial air coolers offer you fresher and cleaner air all-year round.

Companies where humidity levels hardly exceed 50 percent and temperature is not extremely hot during the summer months are better off with swamp coolers to get them through the dry summer. However, in most areas in California, AC might be a better choice if the humidity is constantly above average.

Swamp coolers are more energy efficient, environmentally friendlier, more quiet than their counterpart, and leave a low carbon footprint.

Why go with the Standard AC?

Air conditioners work by removing the water that is already in the air and condensing it in order to get cold air. A unique chemical is used to pull the moisture out of the existing air and cool the interior of the office. While the cool air is distributed inside, the warm air is blown outside.

Two of the biggest benefits of AC systems is that they give you more precise control over the temperature in your office and they can lower the temperature much more than swamp coolers. When comparing swamp cooler vs ac, also important to remember that air conditioners require regular annual maintenance.

Swamp Cooler vs AC – Which one to Buy?

If you live in a dry climate with mild temperatures, you want to choose a more environmentally friendly option, you need energy efficiency and you want to save money, then a roof mounted swamp cooler is a possible choice. On the other hand, if you live in a humid area, you need precise temperature control and you do not want to spend time maintaining your cooling system, then a standard AC system could do the trick.

Of course, when looking at swamp cooler vs ac, each of the above comes with its own drawbacks. For instance, swamp coolers require a constant water source, cannot be used in humid areas, require weekly & monthly maintenance and cannot lower the temperature as much as an AC system can. Conversely, air conditioners are not as effective in dry areas, use chemicals that are not environmentally friendly, are more expensive, make more noise and cost more to maintain.

We recommend you to choose commercial over roof mounted swamp coolers for your business in California for two three reasons: lower temperature, precise temperature control and no monthly maintenance .

Regardless of your choice, contact us today and benefit of the best off-season installation prices possible. To learn more about services our company offers, please visit our homepage.

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