What types of air coolers are there?- Bisheng Electrical Appliance Co., Ltd

Complete Guide 2024

The Ultimate Air Cooler Guide: How It Works, Types, Pros & Cons

Everything you need to know about evaporative air coolers — from working principles and types to buying tips and FAQs.

What Is an Air Cooler and How Does It Work?

An air cooler (also called an evaporative cooler or swamp cooler) cools the air through water evaporation. Warm air passes through water-soaked pads inside the unit; as water evaporates, it absorbs heat energy, reducing the air temperature by up to 15°C (27°F) before the cooled air is blown into the room. This process consumes no refrigerant and uses far less electricity than a conventional air conditioner.

Step-by-step: how a water-based air cooler functions

A fan draws warm, dry ambient air into the unit.
The air passes through cellulose or honeycomb cooling pads saturated with water.
Water molecules absorb heat from the air and evaporate.
The cooled, slightly humidified air is discharged into the space.
A pump continuously re-wets the pads from the built-in water tank.

The cooling effect is greatest when the relative humidity is below 60%. In arid climates, temperature drops of 10–15°C are common. In humid coastal areas, the effect shrinks to 2–4°C.

Floor-standing evaporative cooler

Types of Air Coolers

Not all air coolers work identically. Understanding the main types helps you pick the right unit for your space.

Personal / Desktop

1–3 L · up to 5 m² · 10–30 W

Tower / Floor

5–15 L · 20–40 m² · 60–150 W

Window / Room

15–30 L · 40–80 m² · 150–300 W

Industrial / Ducted

50–200+ L · 100–500+ m² · 0.5–3 kW

Comparison of the four main air cooler categories by size, coverage, and power consumption.
Type	Best For	Tank Size	Coverage Area	Typical Power
Personal / Desktop	Single person, desk	1–3 L	Up to 5 m²	10–30 W
Tower / Floor	Living rooms, bedrooms	5–15 L	20–40 m²	60–150 W
Window / Room	Whole-room ventilation	15–30 L	40–80 m²	150–300 W
Industrial / Ducted	Warehouses, workshops	50–200+ L	100–500+ m²	500 W–3 kW

Water-Based Air Cooler: Pros and Cons

The biggest advantage of a water-based air cooler is its running cost: it uses 75–80% less electricity than a comparable refrigerant air conditioner. A 150 W tower cooler running 8 hours a day costs roughly $0.15–$0.20 per day, versus $1.00–$1.50 for a 1,000–1,500 W window AC unit.

Advantages

Low energy use: 10–300 W; no compressor.
No refrigerants: Zero GWP; eco-friendly.
Adds moisture: Helpful in dry climates below 30–40% RH.
Lower upfront cost: $80–$300 vs $400–$1,000+ for AC.
Portable: No permanent installation needed.
Fresh air feel: Continuously brings in outside air.

Disadvantages

Humidity-dependent: Ineffective above 70% RH.
Raises indoor humidity: May feel clammy in humid rooms.
Requires ventilation: Windows must stay slightly open.
Frequent refilling: A 15 L tank lasts only 4–8 hours.
Maintenance: Pads need cleaning every 2–4 weeks.
Limited cooling: Cannot achieve precise 18–22°C setpoints.

Air Cooler vs. Air Conditioner: Which Should You Choose?

Head-to-head comparison: evaporative air coolers vs. refrigerant air conditioners.
Factor	Air Cooler	Air Conditioner
Running cost (8 hrs/day)	~$0.15–$0.20	~$1.00–$1.50
Purchase price	$80–$300	$400–$1,500+
Works in high humidity	No (>70% RH: poor)	Yes
Max cooling power	5–15°C drop	Precise setpoint
Installation	None (portable)	Required
Environmental impact	Very low	Moderate–high

Verdict: Choose an air cooler if you live in a dry climate (below 50% average humidity) and want a low-cost, eco-friendly solution. Choose an air conditioner if you live in a humid climate, need precise temperature control, or require reliable cooling above 38°C outdoor temperatures.

Best Air Coolers: What to Look For

When reading air cooler reviews or making a purchase decision, evaluate these key specs:

Airflow (CFM or m³/h): Match to room size; aim for 20–30 air changes per hour.
Cooling pad material: Cellulose honeycomb (45–150 mm thick) outperforms basic aspen pads.
Tank capacity: 15–20 L tanks mean less refilling; look for continuous inlet models.
Fan speed settings: At least 3 speeds; DC-motor fans are quieter and more efficient.
Swing louvers: Multi-directional louvers distribute cool air more evenly.
Timer and remote: Convenient for bedroom use; prevents over-humidification overnight.

36L Three-Mode Cooler LBW-6500RC

Top-rated models by category

Personal Desktop

Honeywell CS10XE

Compact, whisper-quiet

Mid-Size Tower

Symphony Diet 12T

12 L tank, i-Pure air

Large Room

Bajaj Platini PX97

36 L, 4-way cooling

Industrial

Portacool Cyclone 2000

2,000 CFM, direct-drive

Air Cooler as Air Freshener: Does It Clean the Air?

A standard evaporative cooler has mild air-filtering properties: the damp pads trap some dust and pollen, and the constant fresh-air intake dilutes indoor pollutants. However, an evaporative cooler is not a substitute for a dedicated air purifier. Some premium models include HEPA or activated carbon filters that reduce PM2.5 and odors more effectively.

To enhance freshness, you can add a few drops of essential oil (eucalyptus, peppermint) to the water tank. This disperses a light scent through the airstream — effectively combining air cooling and gentle aromatization in one unit.

FAQ About Air Coolers

Can I use an air cooler in a closed room?

No — evaporative coolers need fresh airflow to work. Leave a window or door slightly ajar (5–10 cm gap) so warm, humid exhaust air can escape. Sealing the room causes humidity to spike within minutes.

How often should I change the water?

Drain and refill the tank every 1–3 days when in regular use. Stagnant water can grow bacteria and produce unpleasant odors. Always empty the tank when storing the unit.

How long do cooling pads last?

Cellulose honeycomb pads typically last 1–3 seasons (roughly 300–600 hours of use). Rinse monthly; replace when they become rigid, discolored, or develop a persistent smell.

Is an air cooler good for sleeping?

Yes, in dry climates. Modern tower coolers run at 40–55 dB on their lowest setting — quieter than most fans. Use the sleep timer to turn the unit off after 2–3 hours to avoid over-humidifying the bedroom.

Does an air cooler use a lot of water?

A mid-size tower cooler evaporates approximately 0.5–2 litres per hour. Running 8 hours per day, that is 4–16 litres. Industrial units can consume 20–60 litres per hour.

Can an air cooler reduce the temperature by 10 degrees?

Yes, in the right conditions. A 10°C drop is achievable when outdoor temperatures are 35–40°C and relative humidity is below 30%. Above 70% RH, the drop is typically under 3°C.