Comparison of Air Coolers and Air Conditioners
An air cooler or an air conditioner? That is the question many homeowners ask when it comes to choosing a cooling system for their home. Both have their pros and cons.
While ACs are more efficient at cooling large areas and keeping the temperature steady, they require regular maintenance and are quite expensive to install.
On the other hand, air coolers are less expensive than air conditioners, need minimal maintenance, and can be installed easily with no major changes to the existing structure of your home.
However, in order to make an informed decision, you need to understand both these systems in detail before finalizing on one or the other as per your needs and budget. So let’s explore
What is an Air Cooler?
An air cooler is a device that extracts the heat from the air and transfers it to the water that is being sprayed and evaporated to produce cool air. The water is sprayed through a water wheel or a rotating wheel with a number of tiny holes to produce a fine mist.
The air is cooled by the mist, which is then carried to the room through a duct. Air coolers are more efficient in dry climates than in humid areas because water evaporates more slowly, taking more time to cool the surrounding air.
Air coolers are mainly used in small rooms, such as bedrooms or offices because they are not as efficient at cooling larger areas as air conditioners. However, they are ideal for places where the electricity supply is not reliable enough to run an air conditioner. Due to their smaller size, air coolers are also less expensive to buy and install than air conditioners.
Generally, air coolers are available in either evaporative or misting system designs. The evaporative air cooler uses a water reservoir usually contained within the appliance itself. The misting system, on the other hand, sprays water into the air through tiny nozzles on the outside of the appliance.
Difference Between Air Cooler and Air Conditioner
Air conditioners and air coolers are both cooling systems that provide comfort in warmer weather. However, there are a few key differences between the two that are worth noting.
Air conditioners use refrigerant to lower the air temperature in your house by removing the excess heat from the air. They are an ideal solution for a larger area, such as a living room or a whole house, and can be controlled remotely. Air coolers, on the other hand, are a cheaper solution that uses air flow and water mist to produce cool air.
They are best suited for small areas, such as a bedroom or office. Air conditioners are better at keeping the temperature consistent, while air coolers are better at cooling a room down quickly after it has become too warm.
Air conditioners require larger amounts of energy to operate compared to air coolers. This is why they are usually installed in the room or house that is being cooled, while air coolers are usually better suited for smaller areas, such as a bedroom.
Which Type of Cooling System to Choose?
While air coolers and air conditioners both provide relief from hot weather, there are some key differences that are worth highlighting before making a final decision.
Air Conditioners – Air conditioners are efficient at cooling down an entire house or room, especially when the outside temperatures are high. They maintain a steady temperature, which is great for households where someone has a medical condition that requires a specific temperature to reduce symptoms. Air Coolers – Air coolers are perfect for cooling a small room or area where the temperature may change frequently.
They can also be used to cool outdoor spaces such as patios. Air conditioners are better at removing humidity than air coolers. So, if you are living in a humid area, you might want to consider using an air conditioner instead of an air cooler.
Why Go for an Air Cooler Over an AC?
Air coolers are less expensive than air conditioners. Depending on the size of your room, you can get a large air cooler for a fraction of what the installation of an AC would cost. If you have a small house, you might be able to get away with just installing an air cooler in the bedroom. Air coolers are more eco-friendly than air conditioners.
While air conditioners use a lot of energy, air coolers require much less. Air coolers are easy to maintain and clean. They do not require any special maintenance, unlike air conditioners. Air coolers are usually water-based, so you just need to empty the tank when it’s full.
Air coolers can be used in hot, humid environments where you cannot use an air conditioner. Air conditioners require low humidity and cool temperatures to operate efficiently.
Disadvantages of Air Coolers
Air coolers are not as efficient as air conditioners at cooling large areas. Air coolers are less effective at lowering humidity compared to air conditioners. Air coolers produce water that may create a wet floor. Air coolers are not suitable for use in areas where there are high levels of pollution.
Air coolers are not effective in very cold temperatures, making them more suitable for warmer climates. Air coolers require a constant source of electricity to operate. This means that you will need to shut them down whenever there is a power outage in your area.
Conclusion
If you need a cooling system for a small room, then an air cooler is the best choice for you. An air cooler is cheaper than an air conditioner and requires less maintenance, but it is not as efficient at cooling a large area.
You should also consider your climate before making a decision. If you live in a humid area, the air cooler is not an ideal option because it won’t be able to remove the humidity.
If you live in a dry area, an air cooler is the best choice because it is more efficient than an air conditioner in these conditions.
