An air cooler is often mentioned in the same breath as an air conditioner, but it is a different type of device with a different operating principle. Below, you can read exactly what an air cooler does and what you should take into account.
How does an air cooler work?
An air cooler has a water reservoir and one or more cooling elements that absorb the water. A fan inside the device blows air past this damp element, causing the water to evaporate. Evaporation extracts heat from the air, so the air coming out of the air cooler is colder and more humid than the air that went in. This is called evaporative cooling.
How does an air cooler differ from a fan?
A regular fan only moves air, without changing the temperature of that air. An air cooler actually cools the air it blows out by a few degrees, thanks to the evaporation of water. In return, an air cooler increases the humidity in the room, something a fan does not do.
Is an air cooler an air conditioner?
No, an air cooler is not a full-fledged air conditioner. An air conditioner (split or portable) uses a refrigerant and a discharge hose or outdoor unit to actually remove heat from the room, and can structurally cool a room by several degrees, even in a closed space. An air cooler only works via evaporation and therefore has clear limits to what it can do.
In which climate does an air cooler work best?
An air cooler works best in a dry environment, because there is still plenty of room for extra evaporation. With high outdoor humidity, the air is already relatively saturated with moisture, which significantly reduces the cooling effect of an air cooler. Preferably, use an air cooler in a room with sufficient fresh air from outside, for example through a slightly opened window, so that the moist air can escape and does not keep accumulating.
Pros and cons summarized
- Pro: lower energy consumption than an air conditioner.
- Pro: portable and ready for immediate use, without installation.
- Con: increases humidity, less suitable for a damp room.
- Con: more limited cooling than a real air conditioner, especially at high outdoor temperatures.
Our advice
An air cooler is a good option as a supplement to a fan on hot, dry days, especially if you don't feel like dealing with the installation or energy consumption of an air conditioner. The Dynter AirFlow SM211 is one such evaporative air cooler, which can be viewed on the product page of the SM211 (black) or in the grey version. Do not expect full air conditioner performance from it, but rather a noticeable cooling effect on hot, dry days.