How an air cooler works
A cooler pulls hot, dry air through wet pads, the water evaporates and the air leaves cooler. A pump keeps the pads wet and a fan pushes the air. Because it relies on evaporation, it works best when the air is dry and needs a window or door open so humid air can leave. In humid weather it feels clammy rather than cool.
Types of cooler
- Personal coolers. Small 12 watt class units for a desk or bedside.
- Room coolers. The usual 20 to 40 litre tank units on wheels.
- Tower coolers. Slim units that suit corners and small rooms.
- Window and duct coolers. Fixed units that blow through a wall or a duct.
Indicative rates by type
Rates depend on tank size, build and brand. These indicative ranges show common retail figures.
| Item | Indicative range |
|---|---|
| Personal air cooler, small | PKR 3,500 - 8,000 |
| Room air cooler, 20 to 30 litres | PKR 18,000 - 35,000 |
| Large room cooler, 40 litres or more | PKR 35,000 - 60,000 |
| Tower air cooler | PKR 30,000 - 40,000 |
| Spare pads, per set | PKR 1,500 - 5,000 |
Prices move with brand, model, size and stock. Use these ranges to judge a quote, then compare the exact model and what is included.
Sizing for your room
A small cooler suits a bedroom up to about 120 square feet, a medium cooler up to about 200 square feet and a large cooler a lounge of 300 square feet or more. Choose a cooler a little above your need, because one that runs flat out is loud and cools less. Check the airflow rating, not only the tank size.
Features that matter
- Tank size. Bigger tanks run longer between fills.
- Pad type. Thick honeycomb pads cool better and last longer.
- Airflow. Compare the cubic feet or metre per hour figure.
- Swing and speeds. Wide swing spreads the cool air.
- Remote and timer. Handy at night.
Power use and solar
A room cooler draws about 100 to 250 watts, far less than an air conditioner, so it fits a small solar or inverter system. See air cooler electricity consumption for the sums. Protect the circuit with an MCB and keep the plug and socket in good condition.
How to compare brands
Brands sell coolers in overlapping ranges, so compare the same tank size and airflow, the motor warranty, the pump warranty and the price of pads. Ask whether the body is plastic or metal, how heavy it is and whether spare parts are easy to find. A larger cooler from a lesser name can beat a smaller one from a famous name.
Care and cleaning
Drain and clean the tank every few weeks, change the pads each season and wipe the grille. A dirty cooler smells, cools less and works the pump harder. Run it in fan-only mode for a few minutes before switching off so the pads dry.
Cooler or AC
A cooler suits dry heat and a budget, while an AC suits humid weather and a closed room. Many homes use both, with the cooler in the day and the AC at night. Read our guide on air cooler versus AC to decide, and see pedestal fans as a cheaper option.
Frequently Asked Questions
The best cooler is the one that suits your room size and climate. Match the airflow to the room, choose a tank and pad type that suit your use and compare warranty and spare parts across brands, rather than choosing by tank size or price alone.
A small personal cooler is about PKR 3,500 to 8,000, a room cooler of 20 to 30 litres about PKR 18,000 to 35,000, a large room cooler about PKR 35,000 to 60,000 and a tower cooler about PKR 30,000 to 40,000. Check the warranty terms and who honours them before you pay.
Poorly. An evaporative cooler needs dry air to work, so in humid weather it feels clammy and cools little. Keep a window open for ventilation, and consider an air conditioner or a fan if your area is humid. Measure carefully and confirm sizes with the seller before ordering.
A small cooler suits a room up to about 120 square feet, a medium one up to about 200 square feet and a large one about 300 square feet or more. Choose a little above your need so it does not run flat out.
Drain and clean the tank every few weeks, change the pads each season and wipe the grille. A dirty cooler smells, cools less and works harder. Run fan-only mode before switching off to dry the pads. If you are unsure, send a photo and the measurements and we will advise.
Usually the same working day once you send the quantity, the size or rating and a photo. The reply is a written rate with the model, warranty and delivery listed, so you can compare it against other quotes line by line. Rates and stock change, so confirm the current position before you commit.