Cost to Run a Evaporative (Swamp) Cooler in Washington
Washington's average residential electricity rate is 15¢/kWh as of May 2026 — the 16th cheapest in the country, 18% below the U.S. average. At typical usage (8 hours/day), a evaporative (swamp) cooler here costs $14.59 per month.
Per hour
6.0¢
at 100–800 W
Per day
$0.48
8 hours/day
Per month
$14.59
97 kWh
Per year
$175
1,168 kWh
By usage level in Washington
| Usage | Per day | Per month | Per year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Light (4 hrs/day) | $0.24 | $7.30 | $87.60 |
| Typical (8 hrs/day) | $0.48 | $14.59 | $175 |
| Heavy (16 hrs/day) | $0.96 | $29.18 | $350 |
Washington 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 Washington?
At Washington's current average residential rate of 15¢/kWh (May 2026), a evaporative (swamp) cooler with typical usage costs about $0.48 per day, $14.59 per month, or $175 per year.
Is running a evaporative (swamp) cooler in Washington more expensive than average?
No — it's cheaper. Washington's rate is about 18% below the U.S. average: $14.59 per month here versus $17.90 nationally.
What does electricity cost in Washington right now?
Washington residents pay an average of 15¢ per kWh as of May 2026 — the 16th cheapest rate of the 51 U.S. jurisdictions we track.