Another effective way of increasing the cooling efficiency is by adding ice to the water in the tank. Many people have already tried it with their coolers. In fact, some coolers also come with dedicated ice compartments. Adding ice to the water makes the pads cooler, resulting in cool air passing through them.
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.
Cool mode
This is the most common and usually the default setting when you first turn on the AC. This mode sends cool air throughout your room and is great for cooling down an area after a long, hot day.
It's not rocket science — it's caulking and weatherstripping. Gaps and cracks in the structure allow heat energy to infiltrate during summer (and escape in winter.) Gaps around the movable surfaces of doors and windows can be closed with adhesive-backed weatherstripping tape.
Another effective way of increasing the cooling efficiency is by adding ice to the water in the tank. Many people have already tried it with their coolers. In fact, some coolers also come with dedicated ice compartments. Adding ice to the water makes the pads cooler, resulting in cool air passing through them.
Use colder water
Using warm water in a portable air cooler actually decreases the efficiency of evaporative cooling, so putting cold water into the unit is a great way to make sure your air cooler delivers a cool breeze as efficiently as possible.
Smaller, cubed ice will chill a cooler and the contents more quickly, but block ice melts at a much slower rate. Most pros use a mix of both to chill contents and achieve long-term ice retention to keep their cooler cold the longest.
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.
In AC systems, the air conditioner reset button is on the outside unit's lower edge, typically close to the ground. Some models have the reset button located behind the service panel, which may require tools to remove. Reset buttons are usually red or yellow with a clear “reset” label.
Cleaning the build-up can be an option and if it does not work it could be appropriate to change the cooling pads. The second could be insufficient water level and sometimes it's best to opt for an air cooler that has an auto-fill feature that connects directly to the water source.
Most people know that turning up the thermostat on their air conditioner to a higher temperature will result in cooler air blowing from the vents. However, there is a point at which increasing the temperature any further does not make the air cooler – it just uses more energy and costs more money.
An air conditioner repeatedly circulates the existing air into the room for cooling, whereas an air cooler draws fresh air from the outside and then cools it down. Furthermore, unlike an air conditioner, an air cooler does not dry out the air in the room.
By utilizing insulation techniques such as sealing windows and doors, insulating AC ducts, and using reflective window film, you can optimize the performance of your portable air conditioner and create a cooler and more comfortable environment.
Use a light-colored wet towel to wrap the cooler and keep it under the shade. As wind passes over the towel, the water will begin to evaporate. As the water turns to vapor, it will make the towel colder. This will help keep the cooler's temperature down and make your ice last even longer.
The ice packs can be placed in the water tank at the bottom or two can be placed in the top water tank under the lid. Fill the water to the level but remember to replace the rubber bung.
Place the control knob in a 'cool' position, but keep the airflow knob off. Wait for a few minutes till the pads get soaked with water. Keep all windows and doors open for optimal cooling performance. The process should take less than ten minutes if done correctly.
However, if you're using a cooler with less air space, like a Pelican Cooler with tightly packed ice, then salt can help to make the ice last longer. The science behind this has to do with the way that salt lowers the freezing point of water. When you add salt to ice, it causes the ice to melt.
Your AC might not cool properly due to thermostat issues, an undersized unit, or extremely high outdoor temps—so check those first. Keep an eye on airflow—replace clogged filters every 3 months, and make sure vents and ducts aren't blocked for efficient cooling.
Here's a question we hear often from those who brave the humid Atlanta weather: “Should I run my air conditioner with a ceiling fan?” Answer: You can— and should— run your A/C and ceiling fan together. Doing so can help lower your cooling costs each month, but only if you're using them right.
Setting your AC to 16°C will cool the room more than setting it to 30°C. However, keep in mind that extremely low temperatures can lead to higher energy consumption and may not be comfortable for occupants. A moderate setting, like around 22–24°C, is often recommended for both comfort and efficiency.