Best Air cooler buying guide, and what are the advantages or air cooler
Air coolers are one of the best cooling solutions for places that face dry summers. They are popular because they are economical to use and are environmentally friendly.
Choosing the right air cooler can be a bit confusing though.
There are a lot of options in the market and many more features to consider. In this article, I take a brief look at all the important features that one should consider when purchasing an air cooler.
How does Air cooler work?
Air coolers use a slightly developed technique of evaporative cooling. They have a simple air cooling process that is no less effective than modern refrigerated air conditioning techniques. Air coolers use a simple air moving system that draws fresh air from outside and drives it through a wet cooling pad. Evaporation of water in these cooling pads brings down the air temperature, which is then blown off by the fan.
What are the advantages of Air Cooler?
Why should you go for an air cooler on an air conditioner, here I try to explain this question. In the ongoing debate of air conditioners versus air coolers, we list some important points that will offer a clear idea of why you should opt for an air cooler.
But first things first, should you buy an air cooler?
Everyone can use a cooler, especially those living in hot and dry climates. Depending on the requirements, one can also choose from a dessert cooler, a window cooler or an individual cooler.
Have you ever wondered how an AC or an air cooler works and how it affects the air quality in your home?
An air conditioner repeatedly circulates the interior air of the room, while an air cooler draws fresh air from outside and then cools it. Also, the air cooler does not over-dry the air like an air conditioner. Due to the way it operates, an air cooler provides a better quality of air for your room. So much so, that air circulating from an air cooler is better for people with asthma or dust allergies.
Affordable alternative
When it comes to value for money, an air cooler definitely scores higher on an AC. Even though both cool the room, an AC can cost from ₹ 30,000 to ₹ 60,000, while a cooler can be from ₹ 5000. Up to 15,000 will be available. Furthermore, in addition to the initial cost of purchase, even the operating cost of an air cooler is less than AC. You can expect about 80% lower power bill from a cooler than an AC, which makes it economical in the long run.
Environmentally friendly route
Green is the one thing that worries us all, and air coolers trample the cards here too. Air conditioners use CFC (chlorofluorocarbons) and HFCs (hydro-chlorofluorocarbons) as their refrigerant, which is quite harmful to the environment. On the other hand, air coolers are eco-friendly, as they use water as a refrigerant.
Easy installation and portable
Air coolers do not require installation, which is a cumbersome task in the case of air conditioners. Whether you have a window AC or split AC, they require an additional arrangement for installation. An air cooler, on the other hand, can be placed in your home as an appliance. Many air coolers also come with castors, making it more convenient to move them from one room to another.
Types of air coolers
The two most popular types of air coolers are desert air coolers and personal air coolers. They are both used in various climatic conditions.
Desert Air Cooler
Desert air coolers are mostly used in dry climatic regions. They are usually larger than individual air coolers and are designed to cool larger rooms. They use large water tanks and have huge fans that can deliver cool air to the farthest corners of the room. Desert air coolers are more preferable if you want to use them on the outside terrace or backyard.
Personal air cooler
Personal air coolers are more preferable for places experiencing humid air conditions. They are specifically intended for use in small or specific areas of the room. They are known to consume less energy and are also quieter than desert air coolers. They have small tanks of water, but they are capable of providing cooling for hours.
Key features to consider before buying an air cooler
Once you decide on the type of cooler, you have to decide a model that suits your needs. Here are some of these characteristics.
Water tank capacity
Air coolers use an evaporative cooling method. In this method, water is converted into vapor, which reduces the air temperature with a fan or blower. It is necessary to have large water tanks in the air cooler. Larger than the water tank, the air cooler will last longer. You will need to select an air cooler that has a water tank that is the right size for your everyday use. A larger room would require an air cooler with a larger tank. Both desert and individual air coolers come with a wide range of sizes of water tanks. Individual air coolers have tanks with a capacity of 20 to 30 liters while desert air coolers have a capacity of 31 to 50 liters.
Air flow
Like an air conditioner, it is important to buy an air cooler that fits the size of your room. The airflow of an air cooler is also measured in terms of CFM (cubic feet per minute). CFM refers to the amount of air in your room every minute. You can choose the correct size for the air cooler by calculating the CFM required for your room. You can calculate the required CFM by dividing the cubic feet of your room by two. For example, if your room is 300 square feet in size, the roof is at a height of 10 feet. The required CFM would then be 1,500 (300 sq ft x 10 ft / 2).
The airflow of an air cooler also depends on whether it uses a blower or a fan. Fans can create airflow in large flows with low pressure; They are commonly used in large air coolers. Blowers, on the other hand, can create high amounts of high-pressure airflow, which is why they are used in smaller models. When purchasing an air cooler, you should also look for models that have multiple speed settings. This allows you to control the airflow, keeping the temperature in the room controlled. Most air coolers sport at least three-speed regulators. You can look for an air cooler with automatic louver movement, which ensures the flow of cool air in all directions. This feature is especially important for desert air coolers that are used in large rooms.
Cooling pad
The cooling pad has a direct effect on the cooling of the air cooler. They absorb water and allow air to flow through them to cool it. Thickening pad, better cooling. Cooling pads are usually made of aspen or cellulose material. Both have their advantages and disadvantages. Aspen pads are made of wood shavings and synthetic fibers. They are cheap, require high maintenance, and have a short life. Cellulose cooling pads are also known as honeycomb pads, mostly because they look like honeycomb. They are thicker than aspen pads and are low maintenance and high life. They cost slightly more but are also known to be more efficient.
Design features to look for trends before buying an Air cooler
A big reason why people do not like to buy air coolers is that they take up space and do not go well with the aesthetics of the room. These days, manufacturers have models with sleek and stylish designs. The tower air cooler is currently one of the most trending variants in the market. They take up less floor space but are still powerful enough to be used in large rooms.
If you plan to use your air cooler in different rooms, it is better to get an air cooler with castor wheels. This makes it easier to move air coolers around the house. Some air coolers also come with the option of an attached wheel.
Air coolers that work on inverters
Air coolers are already known for low energy consumption. Some manufacturers have added that feature by starting air coolers today that can also work on inverters. These air coolers consume 50 percent less power than a standard air cooler. If there are frequent power cuts in your home, then they are the best option for you. If you want to know more about improving the efficiency of your air cooler, read our article on it.
Remote control function
For quick access to settings, look for an air cooler that comes with a remote. Remedy for the air cooler will let you control the fan speed so that you have to wake up again and again to change the settings.
The conclusion
You have it, a brief buying guide that will help you select the right air cooler for your home. Before you set out in search of a model, be clear about the type of air cooler you want, depending on the climatic conditions in your area. In addition, choose the right water tank capacity that provides optimum cooling without taking up a lot of space. Additional features such as remote control and caster wheels may increase your price, but if you are willing to spend a bit more, it will be worthwhile.