Cost to Run a Evaporative (Swamp) Cooler in Colorado
Colorado's average residential electricity rate is 17¢/kWh as of July 2026 — the 30th cheapest in the country, 7% below the U.S. average. At typical usage (8 hours/day), a evaporative (swamp) cooler here costs $16.54 per month.
Per hour
6.8¢
at 100–800 W
Per day
$0.54
8 hours/day
Per month
$16.54
97 kWh
Per year
$199
1,168 kWh
By usage level in Colorado
| Usage | Per day | Per month | Per year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Light (4 hrs/day) | $0.27 | $8.27 | $99.28 |
| Typical (8 hrs/day) | $0.54 | $16.54 | $199 |
| Heavy (16 hrs/day) | $1.09 | $33.08 | $397 |
Colorado vs. the rest of the country
Monthly cost at typical usage.
Frequently asked questions
How much does it cost to run a evaporative (swamp) cooler in Colorado?
At Colorado's current average residential rate of 17¢/kWh (July 2026), a evaporative (swamp) cooler with typical usage costs about $0.54 per day, $16.54 per month, or $199 per year.
Is running a evaporative (swamp) cooler in Colorado more expensive than average?
No — it's cheaper. Colorado's rate is about 7% below the U.S. average: $16.54 per month here versus $17.80 nationally.
What does electricity cost in Colorado right now?
Colorado residents pay an average of 17¢ per kWh as of July 2026 — the 30th cheapest rate of the 51 U.S. jurisdictions we track.