Air coolers are an effective way to beat the heat. They are inexpensive, easy to use, and take up minimal space.
But do air coolers need water to function? This is a question that many people ask. Evaporative air coolers work best in low-humidity zones and are popular in dry climates.
How do they work?
The cool breeze of an air cooler creates a soothing environment that’s ideal for any room. These compact devices work like a fan but also contain a water tank that fills with fresh water and evaporates into the atmosphere to give you a refreshing cooling effect. Air coolers are much less costly and energy-intensive than air conditioners, making them a great alternative for those looking to save on electricity bills and reduce their carbon footprint.
These devices pull dry, warm air from a home, pass it through wet pads inside the air cooler, and evaporate the water into the atmosphere. This lowers the temperature of the atmosphere, which in turn cools the surrounding space. It is for this reason that evaporative coolers tend to work best in drier climates, as the water molecules can be released into the atmosphere more easily than they can into moist air.
To ensure the best possible performance of a portable evaporative air cooler, it is important to regularly clean certain areas within the device. The cooling pad should be cleaned around once a month, depending on the hardness of your water, and it is also advisable to clean the filter and the tank from time to time. These routine cleaning tasks will help to avoid the build-up of limescale that can significantly decrease the effectiveness of your air cooler.
Besides the regular maintenance tasks, you should also be sure to keep the air cooler away from any heat sources and habitually crack a window near it. This will allow dry, warm air to be drawn in for quick evaporation and prevent your house from feeling too clammy.
As well as helping you stay cool and comfortable in your home, air coolers can also provide various other health benefits. Adding moisture to the air can help alleviate issues such as dry skin, itchy eyes and irritated sinus and throat. They can also aid in improving lung function by reducing the amount of dust and pollen in the air, which can be an issue for those with allergies or asthma.
How do they cool?
Air coolers are like the superheroes of summer, saving you from scorching heat with their magical cooling powers. By using the natural process of evaporative cooling, they chill the air and make it blissful to breathe. Unlike ACs, they don’t need complicated machinery and are also much cheaper to run.
An air cooler is basically a fan with an integrated water tank that uses the power of evaporative cooling to cool the environment in your room. The air cooler works by blowing the hot air over a wet pad where the water in the pad evaporates and lowers the temperature of the air that gets blown back into your room. This is the same principle as how sweat cools your skin when you are perspiring.
The main thing to look for in an air cooler is its water tank capacity and how often you might need to refill it. A large water tank can help the machine run for long hours without needing to be refilled. Also, some air coolers come with dedicated ice trays that increase the cooling power of the machine.
It is best to keep the air cooler by a door or window, as this will enable it to work with your room’s natural airflow and provide a more effective cooling experience. Additionally, you should keep the doors and windows partially open so that the cooling breeze can circulate through your space.
Another important feature of an air cooler is its wick. It is a filter-like element that pulls in the air and cools it by converting the water in the pad into water vapor, making the air cooler more efficient than it would be otherwise. The wick also helps the machine stay clean and prevents dust from entering it. Most air coolers also have a shutoff dampener that closes when the air cooler is turned off to minimize the loss of water from it. This is a great feature to have, as it will save you from getting up in the middle of the night to replenish it.
Are they dangerous?
Air coolers use the principle of evaporative cooling to cool air by blowing over a wet surface. This causes the water to evaporate, thereby cooling it. The cooled air is then blown into the room, reducing the temperature. This is a healthier option than ACs, which recycle stale air throughout the home, leading to problems such as dry skin and itchy eyes. Air coolers also produce a steady stream of moisture-rich air, helping to prevent dry throat and itchy sinuses and nose.
Moreover, since the air cooler evaporates water, it adds humidity to the environment. Increased humidity can lead to the accumulation of bacteria, viruses, and mold. These can irritate your respiratory system and may cause asthma attacks. It is, therefore, essential to clean the air cooler regularly and replace the water in it on a daily basis. It is also recommended to buy an air cooler that comes with a hygienic water tank and a replaceable filter.
It is important to note that air coolers can be dangerous when not maintained properly. If you leave the air cooler running overnight, it could overheat, resulting in a fire hazard. Additionally, it is important to ensure that the air cooler’s fan and pump are switched off before you go to sleep. Finally, you should always keep the air cooler’s tank filled with fresh water to prevent mildew and stagnation.
Another potential danger is the fact that evaporative air coolers can make you sick. However, this is not as much of a concern as it might sound, as the air coolers don’t recirculate the same air as ACs do. Air coolers pull in fresh air from outside, and the moist cooling pads inside absorb and cool it. This fresh air is easy to breathe and poses no health risk, unlike the stale and dry air that an AC circulates.
In addition, many air coolers come with an ionizer, which can help to purify the air. Negative ions in the air can cling to pollutants and pollen, making them heavy so that they fall to the ground rather than floating in the air. This makes the air cleaner and healthier to breathe, and it can even boost your mood and improve concentration!
What should I look for in an air cooler?
The first thing to look for in an air cooler is the size of its water tank. Ideally, it should be large enough to last for long cooling periods without having to be refilled frequently. Moreover, the cooler should have a convenient water-level indicator to let you know when it’s time to refill the tank. It’s also advisable to settle for one with a drain valve to minimize leakage issues and prevent mildew and mold.
A good cooler should have a high air delivery rate to ensure even coverage throughout the room. This will prevent hotspots and inefficient cooling. Additionally, looking for a cooler with an effective fan design and blade profile is crucial for achieving an extended air throw distance.
In addition, consider the height of the cooling tower and its reach when making your selection. Taller units are ideal for larger rooms and higher ceilings, while shorter models are best suited to smaller spaces.
Finally, choose an air cooler with a remote control for easy access to its settings. This will make operating it even more effortless and enjoyable. Air coolers with remote controls are also easier to clean, as they can be switched off and on from a distance, preventing the build-up of dust particles.
The cooling pads in an air cooler should be cleaned regularly to prevent dust and pollen build-up, which can impair the performance of the machine. Ideally, they should be cleaned with a mixture of lukewarm water and a mild detergent to avoid causing any harm to the unit. It is also a good idea to clean the pipes and the tank on a regular basis.
Other features to look for in an air cooler include automatic water level controllers and ice compartments to maximize its efficiency. You should also go for one that comes with a sleeve to protect the cooling pads and enhance its durability. In addition, look for one with an anti-mosquito feature and a dust filter to reduce the risk of allergens entering your space.
