As warm air from the room passes through, it causes the water to evaporate. This reaction cools the air, which is blown into the room and can reduce the temperature by 2-3 degrees, as well as providing a 'sea breeze' cooling effect as the moist air passes over you.”
For regular domestic use, or for use in a small office or shop floor, an air cooler is more than powerful enough. The power of evaporative cooling adds an extra chill to the air that makes them much more powerful than fans but for a fraction of the cost of aircon.
With this premise, we can state that, passing through an evaporative cooler, external air at 32°C with a relative humidity of 45% can cool down by about 8-10°C, entering the workspace at a temperature of around 24°C. With the increase in humidity levels, however, the efficiency will decrease.
Generally, if you have a tendency to catch a cold quite often, chances are that keeping your air cooler on for longer hours may result in causing you a cold. To prevent this from happening, you can maintain the temperature of your air cooler to a moderate temperature that does not impact your health.
As a general guideline, Josh Mitchell says: A small room (100-200 square feet) might cool down in 10-20 minutes. A medium-sized room (200-400 square feet) might take 20-40 minutes. A large room (400+ square feet) could take 30 minutes to over an hour.
Relative humidity slightly increases during the night as the ambient temperature decreases. This can lower the efficiency of your evaporative cooler. You might also find that your evaporative cooler makes your home uncomfortably cool overnight. If that's the case, you can switch to fan-only mode.
The best place to position your air cooler is right in front of the window. Hotter the air, faster the evaporation and cooler the air blown out by the fan. It's also important to create good ventilation in the room to push the humidity out. In order to do this, you need to open windows in the room.
Cooler temperatures at night can cause our immune system to slow down. This can make you more susceptible to conditions like common cold or a dry cough. Or else, you might wake up with a sore throat. If the AC unit is not clean, it will circulate germs and other airborne contaminants like dust mites, pet dander, etc.
Air coolers can also cause allergies, asthma, and other respiratory health problems if they are not cleaned or filtered regularly. Air coolers can also cause skin and eye irritation if the water is too hard or contains chemicals or additives.
Unlike air coolers which work best in dry areas, an AC will work just as well in a humid environment as a dry one, making it better suited to coastal parts of India and generally humid conditions such as during the monsoon season.
However, on an average, an air cooler typically consumes anywhere between 100 watts to 200 watts of electricity per hour of continuous use. Generally, the electricity consumption of an air cooler is much lower than that of an air conditioner, which can consume anywhere from 1000 watts to 3000 watts per hour.
Place a fan near an open window to draw in cool air from outside. You can also use a ceiling fan or standing fan to improve air circulation within the room. During the day, keep windows, curtains, blinds, or shades closed to prevent direct sunlight from entering the room. This helps reduce heat buildup.
If your air cooler isn't giving you the cooling you need, chances are the cooling pads are clogged with dust or debris. A quick clean with some mild detergent will have them working again in no time. Also, check if the water tank is full, since low water levels can make a big difference in cooling power.
Don't use the cooler in overly humid environments: Air coolers work best in dry climates. In very humid areas, air coolers may make the air feel uncomfortably sticky due to the limited ability to evaporate moisture effectively, leading to a sensation of clamminess in the atmosphere.
While an air cooler is more effective in terms of cooling, whether you opt for one will come down to your budget and your needs. If your budget is small, and you don't mind the cooling focus being fixed, or in rotation range, a fan is your best bet. If you have a bit more to spend, an air cooler may be the way to go.
Evaporative coolers, also known as swamp coolers, use this principle. By passing outdoor air over water-saturated pads, the water in the pads evaporates, reducing the air temperature by 15° to 40°F before it is directed into the home.
Coolers are best suited for areas with low humidity. Consider buying one if you reside in an area with dry weather conditions. On the contrary, a portable air conditioner is best for areas that experience high humidity.
Yes, an air cooler can work in a closed room, but its cooling effect may be limited. If the room is closed and not adequately ventilated, the air cooler may not be able to draw in enough hot air to effectively cool the room.
Air Coolers Running Costs
Cost on average 2–5p per hour and is used on average for 8–9 hours per day. This equates to 18–45p per day, totalling £10–£15 per month. All the above figures are approximate and subject to unit wattage and energy prices.
Your body's temperature naturally drops as you sleep so a cooler room makes it easier to fall and stay asleep. Optimize your bedroom by reducing heat build-up during the day, turning down the thermostat at night, and investing in cooling bedding materials.
The best AC temperature for sleeping
The goldilocks zone: Aim for a temperature between 18°C (64°F) and 22°C (72°F) for optimal sleep comfort. Individual needs: Consider personal preferences and adjust the temperature accordingly. Some people may prefer slightly cooler or warmer settings.
Air coolers are suitable for indoor and outdoor usage and are considered a great alternative to traditional air conditioning systems. They do not produce harmful greenhouse gases, making them a more sustainable option for the environment.
The performance of these devices varies significantly based on the weather conditions and the type of space they are used in. Air coolers excel in dry, open environments but struggle in humid conditions, while air conditioners provide superior cooling in both humid and dry climates, particularly in enclosed spaces.
If your air cooler has an ice chamber, feel free to drop ice in it for better cooling. When there is ice involved, the pads become cooler and deliver even cooler air. Keep in mind that adding too much ice will slow down the evaporating process and will hamper the cooling efficiency.