Air Cooler Range: Find a Style That Fits Your Room

Common formats include compact tabletop coolers and larger portable units with a water tank, fan and evaporative pad. Features such as remote controls, castors and oscillation vary by model.

They are most useful when the airflow can reach the person or area that needs cooling. They add moisture, so consider room humidity and ventilation as well as floor space.

An evaporative cooler uses water evaporation and a fan. A compressor air conditioner uses refrigeration to move heat away and may need an exhaust route, depending on its type.

Start with footprint and intended placement, then compare tank size, refill method, airflow settings, sound data and the manual's maintenance instructions.