Are air coolers effective in high-humidity areas, or should I consider other options?

With summer arriving earlier than usual, you must be grappling with the decision to choose the most cost-effective and energy-efficient cooling solution for your home. While air conditioners are a no-brainer, they are expensive, and air coolers often prove to be a popular choice for consumers. However, the question is whether air coolers are effective in high-humidity areas, and if you have been harbouring this question, here’s what you need to know.

Air coolers in high humidity: Do they work?

Air coolers are simple devices that work on the principle of evaporative cooling, meaning they draw in hot and dry air, cool it by moving this air through a wet pad or a water tank, and cool air is blown inside the room. This process of evaporative cooling works best in dry climates where evaporation happens quickly but in high-humidity areas, the air is already saturated with moisture and thus slows down the process of evaporation. As a result, air coolers may not offer the best cooling experience in high-humidity areas.

While they aren’t the best solution, it doesn’t mean they can’t be effective. To get the best experience of an air cooler in high-humidity areas, it is recommended to pair them with a dehumidifier, which can remove excess moisture from the air.

By placing air coolers in well-ventilated rooms with open windows or doors, you can eliminate moisture in the air and cool the room effectively. In high-humidity areas, air coolers deliver the best experience if used when the humidity is relatively lower.

Best air cooler for high humidity

When it comes to air coolers, there are mainly three types – desert air coolers, window air coolers, and personal air coolers. While personal air coolers are further categorized into room air coolers and tower air coolers, some models are designed to perform better than others in a humid area.

With large water tanks and powerful fans, desert coolers can circulate air more effectively than a window air cooler or personal air cooler. Some desert air coolers even have features like humidity control to help in damp conditions. If you live in a high-humidity area and are considering an air cooler for this summer season then a desert air cooler like Symphony Sumo 75 XL with large cooling pads and powerful airflow will be an apt choice.

ALSO READ: Common air cooler problems and their solutions

You can also consider tower air coolers like Croma 30 Litres Tower Air Cooler or Bajaj Shield Skive Nios 36 Litres Tower Air Cooler since they have a dedicated ice chamber that helps lower temperature in humid conditions. However, for the best result, it is recommended to pair your air cooler with a dehumidifier.

If you live in a tropical region or areas with high humidity, an air cooler might not be the best solution. An air conditioner, a dehumidifier, or a ceiling fan will be more effective, but if you do bring home an air cooler, make sure to keep it in a well-ventilated space.