Air coolers, also known as evaporative coolers or "cooling fans," are a popular choice for summer cooling, especially in dry climates. They work by blowing air over a moist medium, causing the water to evaporate, thereby removing heat and lowering the air temperature. However, sometimes you may find that your air cooler isn't cooling as well as it should. This could be due to several factors.
If your air cooler isn't cooling properly, start with some basic troubleshooting steps. First, check the water level in the tank. An air cooler requires water to function properly. If the tank is empty or the water level is too low, it won't produce cool air. If the water level is normal, the next thing to check is the pump. The pump is responsible for circulating water to the cooling medium. If the pump is broken, the water can't reach the evaporative medium and thus can't cool the air.
Air Cooler Not Cooling Properly: Causes and Solutions
- Dirty or clogged cooling media (cooling pads)
The cooling media is the heart of the air cooler. If it's clogged with dust, mineral deposits, or mold, water can't evaporate effectively. This significantly reduces cooling effectiveness.
Solution: Check the cooling pads regularly. If they're dirty or clogged, clean them thoroughly with mild soapy water and a soft brush. If the pads are severely damaged or impossible to clean, they need to be replaced.
- Excessive humidity
Air coolers work best in low-humidity environments. In high-humidity environments, the air is already saturated with moisture, and the evaporation process becomes very slow, reducing cooling effectiveness.
Solution: You may find that your air cooler isn't as effective on high-humidity days. Try using a dehumidifier in the room or operating the air cooler when the humidity is low.
- Inadequate ventilation
An air cooler requires fresh air to function properly. If it's operating in a closed room, it will constantly circulate already cooled and humidified air, causing humidity to rise and reducing cooling effectiveness.
Solution: Ensure the room has good ventilation, such as by opening a window or door to allow fresh, dry air in and moist air out.

To ensure your air cooler continues to provide optimal cooling, regular cleaning and maintenance are essential.
- Cleaning the Water Tank: Clean the water tank weekly to prevent the growth of algae, mold, and mineral deposits.
- Cleaning the Cooling Pads: Inspect and clean the cooling pads every few weeks. If you have hard water, you may need to clean them more frequently.
- Checking the Pump: Regularly inspect the pump and water supply lines to ensure they are not clogged.
When to Replace Parts in an Air Cooler
Like any electrical appliance, some parts in an air cooler wear out over time.
- Cooling Pads: Typically need to be replaced every one to two years. If they become hard, brittle, or have an odor, they need replacement.
- Water Pump: If the water pump stops working or makes unusual noises, it may need to be replaced.
- Fan Motor: If the fan motor stops turning, turns slowly, or makes a grinding noise, it usually requires professional repair or replacement.
If all the troubleshooting and maintenance steps above don't resolve your air cooler's cooling problem, it may be time to seek professional repair or consider replacing the unit.