What is the difference between an air cooler and an air conditioner?

Author: Makayla Emmerich  |  Last update: Tuesday, May 20, 2025

A cooler does not use refrigerant To create cold, the air conditioner uses a refrigerant. The unit draws in hot air, passes it through a cold coil to capture the heat before rejecting it. A cooler sucks in air and passes it through a media soaked in water (mains water or water from its tank).

Which is better air cooler or air conditioner?

If you're looking for a precise temperature control system, an air conditioner might be a better choice. But if you' re in a dry climate and want a more affordable and eco-friendly way to create a cool spot during hot weather, an air cooler can be a good option.

What are the disadvantages of air coolers?

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.

Can an air cooler work like an air conditioner?

While many people confuse air coolers with air conditioners, they are completely different types of appliances. Air Coolers are not equipped with complex components or gas and as a result, they are smaller and cheaper than air conditioning units.

Does an air cooler really cool the room?

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.

Air Conditioner vs Air Cooler

Is it OK to sleep with an air cooler on?

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.

Do we need to put cold water in an air cooler?

Without water, an air cooler would not be able to cool the air effectively, and simply be a dry air cooler. Water also helps to humidify the air, which can be beneficial for your skin, eyes, and respiratory system, especially in dry environments.

Do air coolers use a lot of electricity?

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.

How do you keep a room cool with an air cooler?

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.

Does putting an ice pack behind a fan work?

'If you're looking for relief from the heat, it's best to put ice in front of a fan, not behind it,' he says. 'When this happens, the cold air from outside will enter through the open window, causing air pressure that pushes hot air out of your house naturally.

Who should not use air cooler?

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.

What is the life expectancy of an air cooler?

Evaporative coolers are an efficient way to beat the heat while being gentle on your wallet. You can typically expect an evaporative cooler to last between 10 to 20 years, depending on usage, maintenance, and the model you choose.

What is the difference between a portable air conditioner and an air cooler?

Contrary to popular belief, air conditioners do not produce cold air. Instead, they draw in heat from the air and process it before returning the cooled air into the room and sending excess heat and humidity outdoors. Air coolers, on the other hand, work to cool ambient air through a process of evaporation.

How many degrees can an air cooler cool?

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.

What are the pros and cons of air cooler?

Air Cooler: Benefits and Disadvantages

An air cooler can cool a room quickly and efficiently. It is also more energy efficient than most air conditioner units and can be used in smaller spaces. However, the disadvantage of an air cooler is it has limited cooling capacity and needs a daily water change.

What is the most efficient way to cool air?

15 Ways to Cool Down a Room Fast
  • Close and cover windows during the day or add window insulation. ...
  • Open windows at night. ...
  • Create a cross breeze. ...
  • Close doors to any unused rooms. ...
  • Ensure your ceiling fans are turning the right way. ...
  • Improve ventilation throughout your home. ...
  • Switch to energy-efficient lights.

Can we put ice cubes in an air cooler?

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.

What happens when an air cooler runs out of water?

The pump will overheat and eventually burn out if it runs without water. Most evaporative coolers may run the fan without water, if you run only the fan without water, it is only for purpose of recirculating air, not cooling.

How long can an air cooler run continuously?

Yes, you can leave an evaporative cooler running 24/7. Evaporative coolers rely on low-power fans that can run for long periods of time without an issue.

Which is better AC or air cooler?

An air cooler enhances the quality of air in your space owing to the way it works. Another important factor about air coolers is that they are ideal for both indoor and outdoor settings, unlike air conditioners, which work best with closed doors and windows.

Does an air cooler make the room cold?

An air cooler is a device that is used to cool the air in a room or an outdoor space. It operates by drawing in hot air and passing it through moistened pads, which cools the air as it evaporates the water. The cooled air is then expelled into the room, creating a refreshing and comfortable environment.

Are air coolers expensive to run?

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.

When not to use air cooler?

3. Air coolers are not recommended for use in rooms with high ceilings. The fan on an air cooler can't circulate the air as effectively in a room with high ceilings, so the air cooler may not cool the space effectively.

Where to place an air cooler in a room?

Near an Open Window or Door: For optimal performance, position the air cooler near an open window or door. This allows for a continuous flow of fresh air, which is crucial for the evaporative cooling process.

How to make a cooler work like AC?

Steps to maximise air cooler efficiency
  1. Ensure adequate ventilation in the room.
  2. Ensure effective placement.
  3. Maintain a consistent water level.
  4. Add ice for better cooling.
  5. Saturate the cooling pads before use.
  6. Use an air cooler with humidity control.

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