What Is an Evaporative Cooler and How Does It Work?

An evaporative cooler, also called a swamp cooler, cools air by pulling warm outdoor air through water-saturated pads and circulating the cooled air into the home. This process works best in dry climates because the air can absorb moisture as it passes through the unit. Unlike traditional air conditioning, evaporative cooling does not use refrigerant or compress air to lower temperature. It relies on airflow, water, and ventilation to create a cooler indoor environment.