Edited: June 5, 2025

When summer turns up the heat in Albuquerque or Santa Fe, your cooling system becomes more than a luxury—it’s your daily companion. But as temperatures rise and the monsoons roll in, many homeowners start asking the same question: Should I stick with my swamp cooler or switch to central air?

At B. Carlson Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing, we’ve been helping New Mexicans make that decision for over 50 years. If you’re weighing your options, we’ll break down the differences between these two systems and help you decide what fits your home, comfort level, and energy budget best.

Swamp Coolers vs Central Air – How Do They Work?

Swamp Coolers (Evaporative Coolers)

Swamp coolers are a staple in New Mexico, and for good reason. They work well in dry climates like ours. These systems pull in outdoor air, push it through water-soaked pads, and send cooled air into your home. As the water evaporates, it cools the air and adds just enough moisture to make things feel comfortable during dry stretches.

However, for evaporative coolers to work efficiently, you need good airflow—meaning a few windows must stay open. That’s not always ideal when it’s smoky, dusty, or noisy outside.

Central Air Conditioners

Central air takes a different approach. These systems use refrigerant to draw heat and humidity from the air inside your home, circulating temperature-controlled air through ducts. This creates consistent cooling, even when humidity levels rise during monsoon season.

Since central air conditioners use a closed-loop system, there’s no need for open windows. That means better air quality, less dust, and fewer allergens making their way into your home.

What It’s Like to Use Them Day to Day

In early summer—when the air is dry and the breeze is light—evaporative coolers do just fine. They’re energy efficient, simple to maintain, and budget-friendly. If you don’t mind managing open windows and occasional tune-ups, they can be a solid seasonal solution.

But when high humidity arrives, it’s a different story. Suddenly, your cooler might stop delivering crisp air and start feeling more like a humidifier. If you’ve ever woken up in July feeling sticky and wondering why your cooler sounds like it’s working but isn’t cooling—you’re not alone.

Central AC steps up where swamp coolers fall short. It doesn’t rely on the weather. Whether the outside air is bone dry or 75% humidity, your AC unit keeps things consistently cool and dry inside—quietly, cleanly, and without needing a single window open.

The Real Differences – At a Glance

Choosing between a swamp cooler vs air conditioner depends on your needs. Here’s what sets evaporative coolers and central air systems apart:

Initial Cost: Swamp coolers are less expensive to install than central air systems.
Operating Costs: Swamp coolers typically use less electricity and can be more cost-effective in the short term.
Cooling Power: Central air offers consistent performance regardless of humidity; swamp coolers may struggle when monsoons roll in.
Air Quality: Evaporative coolers bring in fresh air, but also dust and pollen. Central air uses filters to reduce allergens and improve indoor air quality.
Humidity Management: Swamp coolers add moisture—which can be a bonus in spring, but a hassle in July. Central air removes humidity, keeping indoor air crisp and balanced.
Home Comfort Control: Swamp coolers don’t allow for much customization. Central air offers thermostat control—and with zoning or smart tech, you can fine-tune every room.

Which Cooling Unit is Best for Your Albuquerque Home?

If you’re in an older home with good airflow and you don’t mind cracking a window, your evaporative cooler may still get the job done—at least part of the year. But if your house tends to hold in heat, or if the swamp cooler struggles when the weather shifts, it might be time to consider an upgrade.

You may be ready for central air if:

You’re tired of opening windows just to make the cooler work
Your home feels muggy or sticky during the monsoon season
You or someone in your household has asthma, allergies, or respiratory issues
You want cleaner indoor air with better filtration
You’re planning a remodel or installing new ductwork anyway
You’re interested in adding a smart thermostat or zoned comfort

Even if you’re not ready to make a move today, learning your options now can help you plan ahead—especially as local incentives and utility rebates for energy-efficient systems continue to evolve.

Need Help Deciding? Call Your Best Friend in Home Comfort

Choosing between a cooler vs air conditioner doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Our team is here to help you make the right choice—whether that means fine-tuning your current swamp cooler or designing a full central air conversion plan that fits your home and budget.

Call now to schedule your in-home consultation.