Cost to Run a Evaporative (Swamp) Cooler in Washington
Washington's average residential electricity rate is 14.7¢/kWh as of July 2026 — the 13th cheapest in the country, 20% below the U.S. average. At typical usage (8 hours/day), a evaporative (swamp) cooler here costs $14.30 per month.
Per hour
5.9¢
at 100–800 W
Per day
$0.47
8 hours/day
Per month
$14.30
97 kWh
Per year
$172
1,168 kWh
By usage level in Washington
| Usage | Per day | Per month | Per year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Light (4 hrs/day) | $0.24 | $7.15 | $85.85 |
| Typical (8 hrs/day) | $0.47 | $14.30 | $172 |
| Heavy (16 hrs/day) | $0.94 | $28.60 | $343 |
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 14.7¢/kWh (July 2026), a evaporative (swamp) cooler with typical usage costs about $0.47 per day, $14.30 per month, or $172 per year.
Is running a evaporative (swamp) cooler in Washington more expensive than average?
No — it's cheaper. Washington's rate is about 20% below the U.S. average: $14.30 per month here versus $17.80 nationally.
What does electricity cost in Washington right now?
Washington residents pay an average of 14.7¢ per kWh as of July 2026 — the 13th cheapest rate of the 51 U.S. jurisdictions we track.