Evaporative coolers work best in the dry areas of the U.S. (Area A)

 In climates where the humidity is low and the temperatures are hot, an evaporator cooler, such as a "swamp cooler" can lower the air temperature by 20 degrees F., while it increases humidity. As this map shows, evaporative coolers work best in the dry areas of the United States (red areas marked A) and can work somewhat in the blue areas marked B. In the humid eastern U.S., normal air conditioners must be used.

Credit: California Energy Commission