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 environmental friendly.
Picking the right air cooler though can be a little confusing. There are plenty of options in the market and many more features to consider. In this article, we take a brief look at all the important features one should consider while buying an air cooler.
How do they work?
Air coolers use a slightly evolved technique of evaporative cooling. They have a simple air cooling process which is no less effective than modern refrigerated air-conditioning technologies. Air coolers make use of a simple air moving system that pulls fresh air from the outside and drives it through the wet cooling pads. The evaporation of water in these cooling pads brings down the temperature of the air, which is then blown out by the fan.
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 different climatic conditions.
Desert air coolers
Desert air coolers are mostly used in dry climate regions. They are usually larger than personal air coolers and are designed for cooling large 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 outdoors, for example, on your terrace or backyard.
Personal air coolers
Personal air coolers are more preferable for places that face humid weather conditions. They are specifically meant to be used 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 smaller water tanks but are capable of providing cooling for hours.
Key features to consider
Once you have decided on the type of cooler you would want, you need to decide a model which best suits your needs. Here are some of these features.
Water tank capacity
Air coolers make use of an evaporative cooling method. In this method, water is converted into water vapour, which reduces the temperature of the air blown by the fan or blower. It’s important to have air coolers that have large water tanks. Larger the water tank, the longer the air cooler will run. You need to select an air cooler that has a water tank that’s the right size for your everyday use. A larger room would also require an air cooler with a larger tank. Both desert and personal air coolers come with a wide range of water tanks sizes. Personal air coolers have tanks of 20 to 30 litre capacities while desert air coolers capacities range from 31 to 50 litres.
Airflow
Just like an air conditioner, it’s important to buy an air cooler that fits the size of your room. Airflow of an air cooler is also measured in terms of CFM (cubic feet per minute). The CFM denotes the amount of air cycled into your room each minute. You can choose the right 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 sq feet in size, with the ceiling at a height of 10 feet. Then the CFM required would 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 with low pressure but in large volumes; they are usually used in big air coolers. Blowers on the other hand, can create high pressure airflow at high volumes, which is why they are used in smaller models. While buying an air cooler, you should also look for models that have multiple speed settings. This lets you control the airflow, thereby controlling the temperature in the room. Most air coolers sport a three-speed regulator at the least. You can also 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 Pads
Cooling pads have a direct impact on the cooling of an air cooler. They absorb water and allow air to flow through them to cool it. Thicker the cooling pad, the better the cooling. Cooling pads are generally made of aspen or cellulose material. Both have their advantages and disadvantages. Aspen pads are made of wood shavings and synthetic fibre. They are cheaper, need high maintenance and have a shorter life. Cellulose cooling pads are also known as honeycomb pads, mostly because they look like a honeycomb. They are thicker in comparison to aspen pads and have low maintenance and a higher life. They cost a little more but are also known to be more efficient.
Trending features to look for
Design
One of the major reasons why people don’t prefer buying air coolers is because they take up space and don’t go well with the aesthetics of the room. These days, manufacturers have models with sleek and stylish designs. Tower air coolers are 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 big rooms.
If you plan on using your air cooler in different rooms, then it’s better to get an air cooler with castor wheels. This makes it easy to move the air cooler around the house. Some air coolers also come with the option of attachable wheels.
Air coolers that work on inverters
Air coolers are already known for their low energy consumption. Some manufacturers today have added to that feature by introducing air coolers that can even work on inverters. These air coolers consume up to 50 per cent less power than a standard air cooler. They are the best option for you if your home faces constant power cuts. If you want to learn more about improving your air cooler's efficiency, read our article on it.
Remote control function
For quick access to settings, look for an air cooler that comes with a remote. Remotes for air coolers will let you control the speed of the fan so you don’t have to get up over and over again to change the settings.
Conclusion
There you have it, a brief buying guide that will help you select the right air cooler for your home. Before you go out looking for models, be clear about the type of air cooler you want, based on the climatic conditions in your area. Also, select the right water tank capacity that offers optimum cooling without taking up a lot of space. Additional features like remote control and castor wheels can increase your price, but if you are willing to spend a bit more, it will be worthwhile. For more information, head on to our website www.reliancedigital.in or feel free to walk into any of your Reliance Digital stores. We will be more than happy to help you select a model that’s just right for your home.
Hi,
Thanks for the useful information sir.
Can you provide the fan size calculation and selection for required CFM of air cooler.
Regards
Yogesh
Hi Yogesh,
Most air coolers with air circulation capability of more than 1000CFM should be sufficient for most mid-sized rooms.