Evaporative Cooler Market Size and Forecast 2025–2033

The global evaporative cooler market, valued at USD 6.95 billion in 2024, is projected to reach USD 12.06 billion by 2033, expanding at a CAGR of 6.31% from 2025 to 2033. The surge in demand for eco-friendly, low-energy cooling technologies—combined with intensifying global temperatures—is reshaping how households, industries, and commercial buildings approach cooling. According to Renub Research, these forces are accelerating the adoption of evaporative coolers worldwide, particularly in dry and arid regions where evaporative cooling is most effective.

The report, Evaporative Cooler Market & Forecast 2025–2033, examines key segments including Cooling Type (Direct, Indirect, Two-stage), Application (Residential, Commercial, Industrial, Confinement Farming, Others), Distribution Channel (Big-box Retailers, HVAC Contractors, Others), and Country-Level Market Performance, while also spotlighting leading companies and competitive strategies.

Evaporative Cooler Market Overview

An evaporative cooler—often referred to as a swamp cooler—uses the natural evaporation of water to cool air. Warm outdoor air passes through water-saturated pads, where it is cooled through evaporation before being circulated indoors. Unlike traditional air conditioners that rely on refrigerants and compressors, evaporative coolers consume significantly less electricity and are far more environmentally friendly.

Effective predominantly in hot and dry regions, these systems have emerged as a preferred alternative to air conditioners, especially for cost-conscious users. They are widely used across homes, offices, warehouses, factories, and outdoor environments such as patios. As electricity costs rise globally and climate change worsens, the appeal of evaporative coolers continues to intensify.

Market Growth Drivers

1. Rising Demand for Energy-Efficient Cooling Solutions

With global electricity demand soaring and consumers increasingly aware of environmental impacts, there is a strong shift toward low-energy cooling technologies. Evaporative coolers use a fraction of the energy consumed by conventional air conditioners, often resulting in up to 75% lower electricity bills.

A UNEP-led report from September 2024 highlights that the cooling market in developing economies is expected to leap from USD 300 billion to over USD 600 billion annually by 2050. As two-thirds of global cooling emissions come from developing regions, the transition to energy-efficient technologies such as evaporative coolers is becoming essential.

Growing residential electricity tariffs and strict regulatory frameworks on refrigerants (such as HFC phase-out programs) further push consumers toward evaporative cooling systems.

2. Rising Temperatures Due to Global Warming

Extreme heatwaves have become increasingly common. NASA’s Goddard Institute for Space Studies notes that the planet’s average temperature has increased by 1.1°C since 1880, with the warming rate sharply increasing since 1975. The year 2024 became the warmest recorded since 1850, indicating an accelerating trend.

These climate shifts are driving unprecedented demand for cooling systems. Evaporative coolers—being cost-effective, naturally powered, and minimally dependent on electricity—are gaining traction in regions where temperatures regularly rise above comfortable thresholds.

3. Growing Focus on Environmental Sustainability

As traditional HVAC systems continue to contribute significantly to emissions and energy consumption, governments and companies are rushing toward low-carbon cooling solutions.

Evaporative coolers reduce:

Carbon emissions

Electricity consumption

Refrigerant usage

In December 2024, the United Nations Environment Assembly (UNEA) adopted 15 resolutions targeting sustainability practices such as pollution reduction, ocean conservation, and freshwater protection. These global commitments indirectly support the transition toward greener cooling technologies, further accelerating market adoption.

Market Challenges

1. Limited Efficiency in Humid Climates

Evaporative coolers work best in low-humidity environments. In coastal and tropical regions, where humidity levels remain high, the cooling effect becomes minimal. This climate dependency restricts widespread adoption in humid places such as Southeast Asia and equatorial regions.

2. High Maintenance and Water Dependency

Evaporative coolers require regular maintenance, including:

Cleaning or replacing pads

Managing algae, mold, or mineral buildup

Maintaining consistent water quality

Areas with hard water face scaling issues, reducing system efficiency and raising maintenance costs. This can deter consumers who prefer low-maintenance cooling systems.

Evaporative Cooler Market by Cooling Type

Direct Evaporative Coolers

Direct evaporative coolers dominate the market due to their simple design, affordability, and high energy efficiency. These systems release moisture-rich cool air into a space, making them ideal for:

Homes

Small offices

Outdoor spaces

Adoption is strongest in arid climates across the U.S., Middle East, and parts of India. Their low operational cost continues to make them the top choice among budget-conscious households.

Indirect Evaporative Coolers

Indirect coolers use a heat exchanger to cool air without adding humidity. These units are suitable for:

Industrial facilities

Data centers

Commercial buildings

They are more expensive but offer better comfort in environments where humidity control is essential.

Two-Stage Evaporative Coolers

Two-stage systems combine indirect + direct cooling methods, leading to:

Lower temperatures

Better comfort

Lower humidity output

Higher efficiency

This segment is growing rapidly, particularly in regions with mixed (semi-humid) climates. Its advanced performance makes it popular for:

Large residential buildings

Commercial spaces

High-end users seeking eco-friendly cooling

Evaporative Cooler Market by Application

Residential Segment

The residential category remains a major contributor to market revenue. Homeowners prefer evaporative coolers for their:

Low power consumption

Affordable purchase price

Simple installation

Environment-friendly operation

Demand is particularly strong in hot-dry regions, such as North India, Southwestern U.S., Middle East, and Australia.

Commercial Segment

Businesses increasingly adopt evaporative coolers to cut HVAC-related expenses. They are widely utilized in:

Offices

Retail stores

Warehouses

Workshops

Distribution centers

With sustainability commitments rising among corporations, evaporative coolers align perfectly with green building initiatives.

Industrial Segment

Factories and production units use evaporative coolers for:

Process cooling

Equipment cooling

Worker comfort

Industries prefer them for large spaces where installing conventional HVAC systems is cost-prohibitive.

Confinement Farming

Agriculture is a fast-emerging application, where evaporative coolers help regulate:

Poultry farms

Greenhouses

Livestock sheds

Stable temperature control increases yield and reduces heat-related losses.

Evaporative Cooler Market by Distribution Channel

Big-Box Retailers

Large retailers strengthen distribution by showcasing a wide variety of evaporative coolers with competitive pricing. Adoption in these stores is also increasing as they seek low-cost cooling solutions for large floors.

HVAC Contractors and Distributors

Professional HVAC providers dominate sales in industrial and large commercial settings, where customers need guidance on:

System sizing

Installation

Maintenance

Country-Level Market Insights

United States

Demand is growing sharply in hot and arid states such as Arizona, Nevada, New Mexico, and California. Rising temperatures and high electricity prices encourage consumers to shift from traditional AC to evaporative cooling.

Industrial energy use is also growing. U.S. industrial cooling electricity consumption is projected to rise from 36.7 quadrillion BTU (2018) to 51 quadrillion BTU by 2050, pushing industries toward cost-efficient solutions.

France

France sees rising adoption due to sustainability-focused consumers. Although the climate is moderate, heatwaves in recent years have boosted residential and commercial demand. Government incentives supporting low-carbon technologies further strengthen market penetration.

India

India’s vast hot-dry regions make it one of the strongest markets for evaporative coolers. States such as Rajasthan, Gujarat, Delhi NCR, Maharashtra, and Madhya Pradesh drive significant demand.

Increasing electricity tariffs and a rising middle class fuel rapid market expansion. In April 2023, Voltas launched advanced coolers featuring eco mode, turbo air throw, honeycomb pads, and smart humidity control—reflecting strong innovation in the Indian market.

Saudi Arabia

Saudi Arabia’s extremely dry climate is ideal for evaporative cooling. Under Vision 2030, the government promotes energy conservation and sustainability—resulting in the increased use of evaporative coolers in:

Homes

Mosques

Commercial spaces

Industrial facilities

Demand is expected to remain strong through 2033.

Market Segmentation Summary

By Type

Direct Evaporative

Indirect Evaporative

Two-Stage Evaporative

By Application

Residential

Commercial

Industrial

Confinement Farming

Others

By Distribution Channel

Big-box Retailers

HVAC Contractors & Distributors

Others

Geographic Coverage: 25 Countries

U.S., Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Spain, U.K., Belgium, Netherlands, Turkey, China, Japan, India, Australia, South Korea, Thailand, Malaysia, Indonesia, New Zealand, Brazil, Mexico, Argentina, South Africa, Saudi Arabia, UAE.

Key Companies Covered

Honeywell International Inc.

Munters Group

Phoenix Manufacturing Inc.

Bonaire Heating & Cooling

Celsius Design Limited

Colt Group Limited

Condair Group AG

Each company is evaluated based on:

Overview

Key Personnel

Recent Developments

Financial Insights

Final Thoughts

As sustainability becomes an unavoidable priority, the global evaporative cooler market is entering a new era of opportunity. The technology’s ability to deliver cost-effective, eco-friendly, and energy-efficient cooling positions it as a crucial solution in a warming world. With rising temperatures, environmental policy shifts, and growing consumer demand for green alternatives, evaporative coolers will play a pivotal role in shaping the next generation of cooling systems.

The period from 2025 to 2033 is set to see accelerated adoption, continued innovation, and strong market expansion—particularly in regions that face extreme heat and water scarcity. Backed by Renub Research insights, the evaporative cooler market is poised to remain one of the most dynamic segments in the global HVAC industry.