Cost to Run a Evaporative (Swamp) Cooler in Tennessee
Tennessee's average residential electricity rate is 14.5¢/kWh as of May 2026 — the 12th cheapest in the country, 21% below the U.S. average. At typical usage (8 hours/day), a evaporative (swamp) cooler here costs $14.11 per month.
Per hour
5.8¢
at 100–800 W
Per day
$0.46
8 hours/day
Per month
$14.11
97 kWh
Per year
$169
1,168 kWh
By usage level in Tennessee
| Usage | Per day | Per month | Per year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Light (4 hrs/day) | $0.23 | $7.05 | $84.68 |
| Typical (8 hrs/day) | $0.46 | $14.11 | $169 |
| Heavy (16 hrs/day) | $0.93 | $28.21 | $339 |
Tennessee 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 Tennessee?
At Tennessee's current average residential rate of 14.5¢/kWh (May 2026), a evaporative (swamp) cooler with typical usage costs about $0.46 per day, $14.11 per month, or $169 per year.
Is running a evaporative (swamp) cooler in Tennessee more expensive than average?
No — it's cheaper. Tennessee's rate is about 21% below the U.S. average: $14.11 per month here versus $17.90 nationally.
What does electricity cost in Tennessee right now?
Tennessee residents pay an average of 14.5¢ per kWh as of May 2026 — the 12th cheapest rate of the 51 U.S. jurisdictions we track.