How to Keep a Basement Cool While Running a Swamp Cooler

Determine the cubic feet of space in your basement to be cooled by multiplying the height, length and width of the room then dividing that figure by two. This is the cubic feet per minute (CFM). Shop for a swamp cooler that can handle this amount of air; the CFM will be noted on the unit's energy efficiency information.

Buy a two-stage evaporative cooler, instead of a regular swamp cooler. Two-stage evaporative coolers pre-cool the air before it goes through the moistened pad of the cooler and helps keep your basement cooler.

Ensure that your two-stage evaporative cooler in the basement can cool the entire area sufficiently. For example, a portable swamp cooler will not be efficient for use in your basement.

Add the correct amount of cool water to your swamp cooler. Different models may require substantial amounts of water be added throughout the day, so it's important to continue to add water as necessary.

Replace the wood pads on the side of your swamp cooler every season. Check the owner's manual for your swamp cooler for information on how to replace the pads for your specific model.

Open at least one window in your basement while your swamp cooler operates. The swamp cooler takes the warm air from the outside and brings it inside to cool it down.

Close your basement window and turn off the swamp cooler when it gets cooler outside. To cool the basement, hook up the swamp cooler to an existing forced air duct system. Contact an HVAC repair specialist for help with expanding your duct system to provide sufficient space for the increased airflow.