An air cooler looks like an air conditioner but doesn’t use cooling fluid. Instead, it works by evaporating water to cool the air in your home. It’s a great alternative to a portable air conditioner, allowing you to keep your energy bills down. The only thing to bear in mind is that they’re not as effective in hot, humid climates as an air conditioner.
How an air cooler works
An evaporative air cooler works by sucking in warm ambient air and passing it over a wet pad, which then evaporates and cools the air. The cooler then blows the cooled air into your room through a fan. The process is very similar to sweating, and it’s the same principle that causes us to feel cooler when we sweat.
These appliances are a good alternative to an air conditioner, since they don’t require professional installation or gas. Plus, they are extremely portable and easy to set up — simply fill the tank and plug in to get going. They’re a good option for those who don’t want to spend money on installing a new AC, or for those with a small apartment that doesn’t allow for venting.
Most air coolers have a reservoir where you add water for evaporation, but some can hold ice too, which is an extra cool feature. However, it’s important to note that ice slows down the evaporation process and can actually decrease cooling efficiency. This is because the colder water needs to heat up a bit in order to evaporate, and adding ice can prevent that from happening.
In addition to lowering the temperature, an air cooler also acts as a humidity control. If you live in a dry climate, this is an especially great solution for keeping your home comfortable all summer long. It’s also a good choice for anyone who wants to avoid the clammy feeling of traditional air conditioning and just wants a little more cooling power than what a fan can provide.
Some models also come with ionizers that help purify the air and improve your mood. These negative ions cling to pollen and other pollutants in the air, making them heavier and less likely to float off into your lungs. The ions also boost your concentration and make you more alert.
Compared to air conditioners, an evaporative air cooler uses significantly less energy, and it costs much less to run. It’s also environmentally friendly and doesn’t produce any greenhouse gases, so it’s a better option for the environment.
In our tests, the Symphony Air Cooler won our top spot because of its low running cost and impressive cooling capacity — it can easily cool a 20-by-40-foot room without making too much noise. It’s also light enough to be carried around and can be used in camping trips, college dorm rooms or the office.