9 Reasons Why Air Coolers are Better Than ACs – Air Cooler Buying Guide and the Best Air Coolers

Summer is here, and with it comes the intense heat that makes us crave chilled beverages, frozen desserts, and ice creams. While air conditioners (ACs) offer instant relief by cooling down our environment, they come with their own set of drawbacks. ACs require you to seal off a room, cutting off fresh air circulation, which can feel suffocating. Moreover, the unnatural cooling process of ACs can lead to health issues like body aches, sinus pain, headaches, and even long-term dependency, making it difficult to tolerate outdoor heat. Stepping out of an air-conditioned room can feel like being teleported from a cool climate back into the sweltering heat of summer.

This is where air coolers come in as a healthier, more natural, and cost-effective alternative. Air coolers, also known as evaporative coolers, use water to cool the air, making them ideal for dry climates. They not only provide effective cooling but also offer several benefits over traditional ACs. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore why air coolers are a better choice, how they work, the different types available, and what to consider when buying one. We’ll also recommend some of the best air coolers on the market to help you beat the heat this summer.

Benefits of Using an Air Cooler in Summers

1. Natural Cooling with Added Humidity: Air coolers use water to cool the air, which adds moisture back into the room. This is especially beneficial during summers when the air tends to be dry, improving respiratory health and preventing skin dryness.
2. Air Purification: As air passes through the water-saturated pads in an air cooler, it traps dust, pollutants, and allergens, making the air cleaner and healthier to breathe.
3. Healthy Temperature Difference: Unlike ACs, which create a stark contrast between indoor and outdoor temperatures, air coolers provide a more natural cooling effect. This makes it easier to transition between indoor and outdoor environments without discomfort.
4. Energy Efficiency: Air coolers consume significantly less power than ACs. On average, an air cooler uses about 120 watts per hour, compared to 700 watts or more for an AC.
5. Portability: Air coolers are lightweight and easy to move around, allowing you to cool different rooms or even outdoor spaces. Unlike ACs, which are fixed to one room, air coolers offer flexibility.
6. Instant Cooling: Air coolers start cooling the air as soon as they are turned on, providing immediate relief from the heat.
7. Low Maintenance: Air coolers have simple technology with minimal components, making them easy and inexpensive to maintain.
8. Inverter Compatibility: Many modern air coolers are compatible with inverters, ensuring uninterrupted cooling even during power outages.
9. Cost-Effective: The initial cost, running expenses, and maintenance of air coolers are much lower than those of ACs, making them a budget-friendly option.

How Does an Air Cooler Work?

Air coolers operate on the principle of evaporative cooling. Here’s a step-by-step breakdown of how they work:

1. Water Absorption: The cooler’s water tank is filled with water, which is absorbed by honeycomb or cellulose cooling pads.
2. Air Circulation: A fan inside the cooler draws warm air from the environment and forces it through the wet cooling pads.
3. Cooling Effect: As the warm air passes through the wet pads, the water evaporates, absorbing heat from the air and cooling it down.
4. Air Distribution: The cooled air is then blown into the room, creating a refreshing breeze.
5. Exhaust of Warm Air: The warm, moist air is expelled through vents, maintaining a continuous cycle of cool air circulation.

This natural process makes air coolers energy-efficient and environmentally friendly.

Types of Air Coolers and Their Benefits

Air coolers come in various types, each designed for specific needs and spaces. Here’s a detailed look at the different types and their benefits:

1. Personal Air Coolers

• Best for: Small rooms, offices, or personal use.
• Benefits:
  • Compact and portable.
  • Energy-efficient and affordable.
  • Ideal for quick cooling in small spaces.
• Recommended Models:
  • Symphony Diet 12T Personal Tower Air Cooler (12L)
  • Bajaj PMH 25 DLX Personal Air Cooler (24L)
  • Symphony Ice Cube 27 Personal Air Cooler (27L)

2. Desert Air Coolers

• Best for: Large spaces, living rooms, or outdoor areas.
• Benefits:
  • High cooling capacity for larger areas.
  • Larger water tanks for extended cooling.
  • Suitable for dry climates.
• Recommended Models:
  • Crompton Ozone 75 Litres Desert Air Cooler.
  • Livpure Koolbliss Desert Air Cooler (88L).
  • Crompton Optimus 65 Litres Desert Air Cooler.

3. Tower Air Coolers

• Best for: Medium-sized rooms with limited floor space.
• Benefits:
  • Sleek, space-saving design.
  • Quiet operation, ideal for bedrooms or offices.
  • Aesthetically pleasing.
• Recommended Models:
  • Symphony Diet 12T Tower Air Cooler (12L).
  • Symphony Diet 3D 30i Tower Air Cooler (30L).
  • Symphony Diet 3D 55i+ Tower Air Cooler (55L).

4. Window Air Coolers

• Best for: Small rooms with limited floor space.
• Benefits:
  • Mounted on windows or walls, saving floor space.
  • Cost-effective and easy to install.
  • Improves ventilation by expelling stale air.
• Recommended Models:
  • Kenstar Wave 56 Litres Window Cooler.
  • Cello Swift 50 Ltrs Window Air Cooler.
  • RR Zello Plus 50 Window Air Cooler.

Factors to Consider When Buying an Air Cooler

Choosing the right air cooler depends on several factors. Here’s what to keep in mind:

1. Room Size: Match the cooler’s cooling capacity to the size of the room. Larger rooms require higher CFM (cubic feet per minute) ratings.
2. Cooling Capacity: Check the CFM rating to ensure the cooler can effectively cool your space.
3. Water Tank Capacity: Larger tanks mean longer cooling durations without frequent refills.
4. Portability: Look for lightweight models with wheels for easy movement.
5. Energy Efficiency: Opt for energy-efficient models to save on electricity bills.
6. Noise Level: Choose quiet models for bedrooms or offices.
7. Additional Features: Consider features like remote control, air purification, humidity control, and smart connectivity.
8. Budget: Air coolers are available at various price points. Choose one that fits your budget while meeting your cooling needs.

Trending Features in Modern Air Coolers

1. Smart Connectivity: Control your air cooler remotely via smartphone apps for added convenience.
2. Air Purification: Built-in filters or ionisers to improve air quality.
3. Humidity Control: Adjust moisture levels for optimal comfort.
4. Energy Efficiency: Eco-friendly cooling technologies to reduce power consumption.
5. Low Noise Operation: Advanced fan technology for quiet performance.
6. Easy Maintenance: Removable water tanks and washable filters for hassle-free cleaning.

Top Air Cooler Recommendations

Here are some of the best air coolers available in 2023:

1. Symphony Diet 12T Personal Tower Air Cooler (12L) – ₹5,991.
2. Bajaj PMH 25 DLX Personal Air Cooler (24L) – ₹4,899.
3. Crompton Ozone 75 Litres Desert Air Cooler – ₹9,599.
4. Livpure Koolbliss Desert Air Cooler (88L) – ₹9,499.
5. Symphony Diet 3D 55i+ Tower Air Cooler (55L) – Check latest price.

Conclusion

Air coolers are a natural, energy-efficient, and cost-effective way to beat the summer heat. They offer several advantages over ACs, including better air quality, portability, and lower running costs. By understanding the different types of air coolers and the factors to consider when buying one, you can choose the perfect model for your needs. Whether you’re cooling a small bedroom or a large living room, an air cooler is a smart investment for a comfortable and refreshing summer.

So, this summer, ditch the AC and embrace the cool, refreshing breeze of an air cooler!

Note: Air Cooler brand recommendations and prices are indicative only. Please check with dealers or online for exact brands and their prices.