Air cooler buying guide

If you don't fancy investing in an air conditioner buying guide">air conditioning system but want more effective cooling performance than a fan can offer, then an air cooler might just be the ideal option for you. In fact, an air cooler can lower the ambient temperature of a room by up to ten degrees.

Compact devices not dissimilar to fans, air coolers feature the addition of a water tank. They are designed to draw in warm air from a room before passing it through an absorbent sheet where the water evaporates and ultimately cools the air around it. Less costly and energy intensive than air conditioners, air coolers are really easy to use: you simply need to top up the tank with water. Unlike air conditioners, these devices don't release any toxic fumes and they don't require a lot of maintenance. However, you will not be able to adjust the temperature of the room with a great deal of accuracy .

Once you've settled on investing in an air cooler, you'll need to weigh up a few different factors including:

• the size of the room you want to cool;

• the water tank capacity which will affect how often you have to top it up;

• air flow rate;

• fan speed;

• energy consumption;

• noise level;

• portability;

• additional options like air purifying, timers or remote control.

When choosing an air cooler, it's important to think carefully about a few different factors to ensure you select the right model for your needs.

Size of the room you want to cool

You need to make sure that the air cooler is suited to the quantity of air you need to cool. Too little power and the air cooler won't be able to do its job properly and you'll end up with something that performs about as well as a basic fan. On the other hand, if you go for a device that is too powerful, you run the risk of increasing the humidity level of the room and reducing the performance of the machine. The product specifications will tell you the size of the room that the air cooler is designed for. It's worth noting, however, that this will never be more than 30 m2.

Water tank capacity

The capacity of the water tank will determine how much you need to tend to the air cooler since the device must always have enough water for operation. The smaller the tank, the more often you'll have to top it up. It's also important to ensure the tank is easy to access. Some built-in tanks also feature an ice compartment to increase the machine's cooling performance.

Air flow rate

An air flow rate of 150 m3 to 200 m3 should be enough to cool down any room. However, the higher the flow rate, the more effective the machine.

Fan speed

An air cooler will often feature several fan speeds to match your needs and to cool the room down at different rates. Be sure to check if it is possible to change the direction of the air flow or to put the air cooler in oscillating mode. Some models even come with a breeze mode to simulate natural air flow. A night time mode with quieter operation is also a bonus.

Noise level

The noise level of an air cooler is reported in decibels (dB) and is a really important criterion if you plan on using your device regularly. For daytime use, opt for a system with a sound level of around 50 dB. If you want to use the air cooler overnight, the sound level should ideally be kept below 40 dB.

Energy consumption

While air coolers require little electricity, it's still worth thinking about their energy consumption. These devices are generally rated under 100 watts but the most economical models can go down to 50 watts.

Portability

Of course this factor all depends on what you want to do with the air cooler. If you plan on moving it around regularly, castors will be a must. A carry handle will also be handy if you need to carry it up and down stairs. In this case, you'll also have to think about weight.

Air treatment

Some air coolers have additional features designed to filter, humidify and/or purify the air using technology such as ionisation to generate negative ions.

Additional options: remote control and timers

Air coolers can be fitted with a timer to program stop and start times.

Remote control will allow you to adjust your settings without having to get up.

Installing your air cooler correctly will optimise its cooling power. Place your air cooler on a flat surface and ensure it is kept far from any heat sources. This type of device does not appreciate humidity so avoid using it in a bathroom and be sure to air out your home regularly.

Do not direct the air flow towards a wall or furniture. It's best to direct it towards a door or window. Once you've chosen your spot, you simply need to fill the water tank and plug in the device.

While the process is straightforward, it is important to clean certain parts of your air cooler on a regular basis.

• The cooling pad must be cleaned around once a month depending on the hardness of your water. If limescale is allowed to build up, it can leave a film on the pad that will hinder performance. You may also need to change the cooling pad from time to time.

• The air filter must be regularly dusted and changed as required. Wash it in lukewarm water and leave it to dry completely before replacing it.

• The water tank should also be cleaned on a regular basis. Remember to empty the tank if you don't plan on using your air cooler for a while. Quick tip: limescale can often be removed using white vinegar.