Evaporative Coolers

First and foremost is the initial installation cost. Rooftop and split system air conditioning units are subject to a government mandated efficiency minimum that has forced air conditioning manufacturers to upgrade to more expensive refrigerants, components, and cabinet sizes. This drives the cost of air conditioning units higher and higher. Meanwhile, evaporative cooling unit costs have stayed fairly low. A typical rooftop air conditioner can cost more than $6000 to have installed on a 2000 square foot house. An evaporative cooler for the same size house can be installed for as little as $1500. Even less if you are able to do it yourself. Another nice benefit of evaporative cooling, which is actually subject to preference, is the addition of moisture to the conditioned air. The moist air can feel very comfortable, especially in dry climates like the Southwest United States. Air conditioning actually removes moisture in the air as it cools it, leaving the conditioned air very dry.