Texas man goes to Tractor Supply Company and Home Depot. Then he takes a closer look at the swamp coolers
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A Texas builder wants to help others cool their spaces for a fraction of the cost. So he shared a cost-effective hack that could replace traditional “swamp coolers.”
In a viral video with more than 321,500 views, content creator TheFamilyBuilders (@thefamilybuilders) shared the price of traditional “swamp coolers.” Then he made a suggestion in a follow-up clip that he said could potentially save his viewers thousands of dollars.
“Since y'all got all excited about the swamp cooler video,” he said. “I'm gonna throw this at you because I think you could cheat that system without buying the three thousand dollar swamp cooler.”
What is a swamp cooler?
A swamp cooler is an evaporative cooling system. It passes air over soaking pads, which forces the water to be evaporated into the air. This natural process reduces the air temperature by 15 to 40 degrees Fahrenheit before it is directed back into a space.
Because swamp coolers add moisture to the air, they work best in hot, dry climates where humidity levels are low. Unlike traditional air conditioners, they do not rely on refrigerants or compressors, making them more energy-efficient and less expensive to operate. However, their cooling effectiveness decreases significantly in humid conditions because the air cannot absorb as much additional moisture.
While the coolers may be effective, the TikToker took issue with the product's cost.
How much does a swamp cooler cost?
In his first video, TikToker TheFamilyBuilders showed how much various swamp coolers cost at Tractor Supply.
“I know these swamp coolers serve a purpose,” he said. “But let me show you something.”
He then recorded the price tags on the cooling devices.
The biggest one cost $3,000. The smallest one he named in the video cost about $500. In contrast, the average swamp cooler installation costs $2,543.
In his second video, he said there was a more effective way to cool a large space. “You could put a mini split in for the price of the small one,” he said.
What is a mini split and how much does it cost?
A mini split is a ductless heating and cooling system that consists of an outdoor compressor and one or more indoor air-handling units.
Unlike central air systems, it does not require ductwork, making it a popular option for older homes, additions and individual rooms.
The cost of a mini split system typically ranges from about $2,500 to $15,000 or more. TheFamilyBuilders said most people can get mini splits for “the price of the small one,” or $500. The cost depends on the number of units, the system's capacity and installation requirements.
How did viewers respond?
In the video's comment section, many commenters discussed the suggestion to install a mini split rather than a swamp cooler.
Some pointed out that swamp coolers make more sense for outdoor use.
“Swamp coolers are for places where you have the doors open,” one person wrote.
“Swap coolers like the ones you just profiled are designed to be used outdoors or in large open areas like warehouses or body shops where mini splits would have zero effect,” another person argued.
Others said that mini splits are superior to swamp coolers.
“Mini splits are amazing. Swamp cooler doesn't even come close,” another commenter said.
Buzz News contacted TheFamilyBuilders via TikTok comment and direct message for more information.
@thefamilybuilders
