Air Cooler or Air Conditioner: Which Is Best for Your Home?

An air conditioner is the more suitable type if you need to reduce the bedroom temperature. Consider noise, room capacity and how you will route its exhaust; an evaporative cooler is an option for a local breeze in drier conditions.

Running cost depends on the appliance, settings and electricity tariff. Compare the wattage or energy data for the exact models and your tariff; a low-power evaporative unit still will not provide the same cooling effect as an air conditioner.

They are less effective as humidity rises because evaporation becomes less effective and the device adds moisture to the air. For dependable cooling in humid conditions, an air conditioner is generally the more appropriate type.

It needs a route for hot exhaust air to leave, usually through a window kit. Follow the manufacturer's installation instructions to limit warm air leaking back into the room.

An evaporative cooler also moves air and adds a water-based cooling effect, but it requires tank filling and maintenance. A fan circulates air without adding moisture; neither type offers refrigerant air conditioning.