If you’ve lived with an evaporative cooler long enough, you’ve probably been through the drill: cracking windows open in just the right places, dealing with pollen and dust, and hoping humidity levels stay low enough to get through the next heatwave.
There comes a point when the daily balancing act isn’t worth it anymore.
Switching to refrigerated air conditioning sounds like a no-brainer — and for many, it is — but it’s not always as plug-and-play as you might think. Here’s what to know before you retire your swamp cooler for good.
1. Ductwork: Not Always AC-Ready
Evaporative cooling systems usually rely on low-pressure, high-volume airflow, meaning the ductwork is designed to move a ton of air, but not under pressure. Central AC, on the other hand, operates at high pressure and lower volume.
That mismatch can cause problems:
- Undersized or leaky ducts = reduced efficiency
- Improper airflow = hot and cold spots throughout the house
- System strain = higher energy bills and early equipment failure
What to do: Have a professional evaluate your existing ductwork. You might need to seal, resize, or completely replace it to get the performance your new system is designed for.
2. Electrical System: You’ll Likely Need an Upgrade
Evaporative coolers use relatively little electricity — a fan motor and a small pump, usually running on 120V. A central AC system, especially with a modern compressor and air handler, requires 240V power and a dedicated high-amperage circuit.
That often means:
- Installing a new breaker
- Running heavier gauge wire
- Possibly upgrading your main panel if it’s outdated or near capacity
This isn’t always a major project, but it adds to the cost and timeline. Plan accordingly.
3. Insulation and Sealing: You Can’t Skip It Anymore
Swamp coolers work best in homes that “breathe” — where some air leakage helps with circulation. Central AC is the opposite. To get peak performance, you need:
- Well-insulated attics and walls
- Properly sealed windows and doors
- Minimal air leaks in and out of the house
Without that, your new AC unit will run longer, cost more, and still leave you sweating.
Tip: Even small upgrades — like attic insulation or sealing around recessed lights — can pay off big when you switch to AC.
4. Expect Higher Utility Bills — AC Comfort Comes at a Cost
One of the biggest changes homeowners notice after switching from evaporative cooling to central AC is the bump in the electric bill. It’s not a glitch — it’s reality.
Evaporative coolers are incredibly efficient when conditions are right, often running for pennies an hour. AC systems, on the other hand, rely on compressors, fans, blowers, and refrigerant cycles — and all of that takes considerably more electricity.
So what can you expect?
- If your evaporative cooler cost you $30/month to run, your new AC might run $80–$150/month depending on system size, insulation, and usage.
- Homes with poor sealing or insulation may see even higher costs.
That doesn’t mean AC isn’t worth it. You’ll enjoy consistent cooling, better air quality, and relief on humid days. But you’ll pay more for that comfort — and that’s something to factor into your monthly budget.
Want to soften the blow? Ask your installer about two-stage or variable-speed systems, smart thermostats, and off-peak energy strategies to reduce costs.
5. You’ll Be Comfortable All Summer Long — Even on Humid Days
Anyone who’s used an evaporative cooler knows the drill: when the monsoon season rolls in or humidity spikes, the cool air disappears. AC doesn’t care if it’s dry or muggy. It cools consistently, day and night, no matter the weather.
That consistency brings other perks:
- Sleep is better when the air stays dry and cool.
- Electronics, furniture, and flooring are less likely to warp or mildew.
- You can finally shut your windows without cooking in your own house.
6. Budget Realistically
Let’s run a quick example:
- Replacing an evaporative system with a standard central AC and basic ductwork modifications might run $6,000–$8,000.
- Add in full duct replacement, panel upgrades, or attic insulation, and it could reach $10,000–$15,000.
- A high-efficiency heat pump system? You’re looking at $12,000+.
But compare that to limping along with a swamp cooler for another 5 years — plus rising summer electric bills from box fans and window units — and the math starts to shift.
Better comfort, lower maintenance, and consistent performance can justify the cost over time — especially if you plan to stay in the home or rent it out at a premium.
Final Thoughts: Don’t Just Replace. Plan.
Upgrading from an evaporative system isn’t just a product swap. It’s a shift in how your home handles air, comfort, and energy use. Done right, it can transform your living space. Done wrong, it can leave you with a loud, inefficient system that struggles from day one.
As always, the best results come from planning ahead, understanding what’s involved, and working with a contractor who’s willing to walk you through the details, complete a thorough heat load on your home, and provide an air flow analysis through your existing ducting system — before throwing out a price.
Premier Mechanical – www.claimyourcomfort.com – 720.291.7491