Evaporative cooler vs. personal air cooler: running cost
A personal air cooler is cheaper to run: about $2 a year versus $33 for an evaporative cooler at typical use and 17.99¢/kWh, a $31 difference.
| Evaporative cooler | Personal air cooler | |
|---|---|---|
| Typical watts | 150 W | 10 W |
| Watt range | 60–1,200 W | 5–40 W |
| Typical use | 8 hours a day for 5 months a year | 8 hours a day for 5 months a year |
| Energy per year | 183 kWh | 12 kWh |
| Cost per hour | 2.7¢ | 0.2¢ |
| Cost per day | 22¢ | 1.4¢ |
| Cost per month | $6.57 | $0.44 |
| Cost per year | $33 | $2 |
| Per year in Hawaii (43.51¢) | $79 | $5 |
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What drives the difference
- Evaporative cooler: Evaporative coolers only run a fan and small water pump, so they use 75-90% less electricity than air conditioners, but they work well only in dry climates with humidity below about 40%.
- Personal air cooler: Personal evaporative coolers run a small fan and wick and draw about 5-40 W. They cool a person within a couple of feet, not a room.
Ways to cut either cost
Gives similar comfort in humid climates for a few watts.
See options on AmazonBetter choice in humid climates where evaporative cooling does not work.
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Frequently asked questions
Which costs more to run, an evaporative cooler or a personal air cooler?
At typical use and the U.S. average rate (17.99¢/kWh), an evaporative cooler costs about $33 a year versus $2 for a personal air cooler. That's $31 more, or 15.0× as much.
How many watts do evaporative cooler and personal air cooler use?
An evaporative cooler typically draws 150 W (range 60–1,200 W). A personal air cooler draws 10 W (range 5–40 W). Watts alone don't decide cost. Hours of use, cycling and standby matter just as much.
Rates: EIA, 12 months ending 2026-07. Methodology.