Cost to Run a Evaporative (Swamp) Cooler in Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania's average residential electricity rate is 21.6¢/kWh as of May 2026 — the 36th cheapest in the country, 17% above the U.S. average. At typical usage (8 hours/day), a evaporative (swamp) cooler here costs $21.01 per month.
Per hour
8.6¢
at 100–800 W
Per day
$0.69
8 hours/day
Per month
$21.01
97 kWh
Per year
$252
1,168 kWh
By usage level in Pennsylvania
| Usage | Per day | Per month | Per year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Light (4 hrs/day) | $0.35 | $10.51 | $126 |
| Typical (8 hrs/day) | $0.69 | $21.01 | $252 |
| Heavy (16 hrs/day) | $1.38 | $42.02 | $505 |
Pennsylvania 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 Pennsylvania?
At Pennsylvania's current average residential rate of 21.6¢/kWh (May 2026), a evaporative (swamp) cooler with typical usage costs about $0.69 per day, $21.01 per month, or $252 per year.
Is running a evaporative (swamp) cooler in Pennsylvania more expensive than average?
Yes. Pennsylvania's electricity costs about 17% more than the U.S. average, so the same usage costs $21.01 per month here versus $17.90 nationally.
What does electricity cost in Pennsylvania right now?
Pennsylvania residents pay an average of 21.6¢ per kWh as of May 2026 — the 36th cheapest rate of the 51 U.S. jurisdictions we track.