How to Improve Cooler Efficiency? Maintenance Tips & More

improve cooler efficiency

As temperatures rise globally, especially during the scorching summer months, effective cooling solutions are becoming increasingly vital. With climate change exacerbating heat waves and extreme weather events, staying cool and comfortable is no longer just a luxury but a necessity for health and well-being.

In the face of rising energy costs and environmental concerns, maximizing the efficiency of cooling appliances such as air coolers is crucial. By optimizing the performance of your air cooler, you cannot only save money on utility bills but also reduce energy consumption and minimize your carbon footprint.

An Air Cooler can be categorized into various types based on its size, functionality, and design. For example, a Room Air Cooler,  Personal Cooler, Tower Cooler, Window Cooler or Desert Cooler. Irrespective of these types, air coolers are a cost-effective and efficient way for cooling. For more information on air coolers, their working, and more, don’t forget to check out our comprehensive guide for Air Coolers.

Investing in cooling solutions that offer effective and energy-saving features is essential to ensure comfort without compromising sustainability. In this blog, we are going to take a look at how you can improve the efficiency of your air cooler and make the most out of it. Let’s get started!

Optimising Cooler Performance

Let us learn about how to optimize the performance of your cooler to experience the best cooling experience. 

Placement and Air Circulation is Key

Unlike using Air Conditioners, one needs to keep windows or doors open to ensure proper Air Circulation and reduce excess humidity in the room. If excess humidity is not removed, it will dramatically reduce the efficiency of the Air Cooler. Evaporation of water (which causes cooling) won’t happen much when Indoor Air already has excess moisture.

Positioning your cooler near an open window or door is essential for maximizing its effectiveness.

Place the Air Cooler on the Windward Side (i.e. near the Window where the Air usually enters your room) The ventilation or opening should ideally be more on the Leeward Side (i.e. near the Window or door where there usually is less breeze entering in your room.) as compared to Windward side.

If the bedroom has only 1 Window and 1 Door, then usually the side having the external Window is the Windward side, and the side having the Door (opening in the corridor or hall) is the Leeward side.

The picture below describes the ideal placement of a Portable Air Cooler. If you have a Window Cooler instead of a Portable Air Cooler then install a Window Cooler on the Windward Side. 

This placement allows hot air to enter from the Windward side into the Air Cooler. There, the Hot air causes the evaporation of moist Air from the Cooler, resulting in further Cooling of Indoor Air. The excess humid air then flows out of the room via the Window or Door on the Leeward side.

how to improve cooler efficiency

Avoid Heat Source

Similarly, having appliances like a Refrigerator or Cooking oven in your nearby room can reduce the efficiency of the Cooler. Remember, unlike air conditioners, you need to keep the door or window slightly open so air immediately in the vicinity of your bedroom can easily enter cool air if you are not careful.

Don’t get an underpowered Air Cooler

One common mistake people make is to get an Air Cooler that is underpowered. While it is great to have an Air Cooler, which is tiny and highly portable, you need a sufficient size Air Cooler to have the necessary Air Flow, Wattage and Tank capacity to Cool the room.

Also, if you live in a climate that is more humid and not dry, then you would need more ventilation to let excess humidity leave the room. More ventilation means you need a bigger Air Cooler with more Air throw as compared to a Cooler in a dry climate.

Maintaining Cleanliness

Regular air cooler cleaning is necessary to ensure that it offers maximum performance. For the same, you need to clean the cooler pads and the water reservoir from time to time. You may be wondering how to clean air cooler pads. Regularly cleaning the cooling pads ensures optimal airflow and efficient cooling. Over time, dust and debris can accumulate on the cooling pads, obstructing airflow and reducing the cooler's effectiveness. By cleaning the cooling pads regularly, you can remove any buildup of dirt and dust, allowing air to pass through freely and ensuring maximum cooling efficiency. 


In addition to cleaning the cooling pads, it's also important to maintain overall cooler hygiene by regularly cleaning the water tank and fan blades. The water tank can become a breeding ground for bacteria and algae if not cleaned regularly, leading to unpleasant odors and potential health hazards. Similarly, dust and dirt can accumulate on the fan blades, affecting airflow and reducing cooling performance. Cleaning the water tank and fan blades regularly ensures that your cooler remains hygienic and operates at its best.

Clean the Air Cooler at least a month during use to maintain the efficiency of the Air Cooler. If you have installed a Window Cooler or live in a dusty environment, then clean it at least once every 2 weeks.

Water Management

Maintaining a proper water level in the tank according to the manufacturer's instructions is essential for ensuring optimal air cooler performance and efficiency of your air cooler. The manufacturer's instructions typically guide the recommended water level to achieve the best cooling results. Filling the tank with the correct amount of water ensures that the cooling pads are adequately saturated, allowing for effective evaporation and cooling of the air passing through them. Insufficient water can reduce cooling efficiency and damage the cooler's pump or motor.

In addition to maintaining the proper water level, using cool water or adding ice to the tank can further enhance the cooling effectiveness of your air cooler. Cool water helps to lower the temperature of the air passing through the cooling pads, resulting in a more significant cooling effect. Similarly, adding ice to the water tank can boost cooling power, especially during particularly hot days or in areas with high temperatures. The ice helps lower the water's overall temperature, circulating cooler air into your living space.

Maximizing Cooling Power

Air Circulation is Crucial

Good air circulation throughout the room plays a vital role in maximizing the effectiveness of your air cooler. Proper circulation ensures that the cool air produced by the cooler is distributed evenly across the space, preventing any areas from becoming overly warm or stagnant. When air circulates effectively, it helps to maintain a consistent and comfortable temperature throughout the room, creating a more pleasant and refreshing environment.

One way to promote better air circulation is to use ceiling fans in conjunction with your air cooler. Ceiling fans help distribute cool air more efficiently by pushing warm air upwards and circulating cool air downwards, creating a gentle breeze that enhances the cooling effect of the air cooler. Additionally, opening additional windows or doors can further improve airflow, allowing fresh air to enter the room and facilitating the movement of cool air produced by the cooler.

By promoting good air circulation throughout the room, you can optimise the effectiveness of your air cooler, ensuring that it operates at its full potential and provides maximum cooling comfort. Whether through ceiling fans or by opening additional windows, improving airflow helps maintain a comfortable temperature. It ensures that cool air is evenly distributed throughout the space, allowing you to enjoy a cooler and more enjoyable indoor environment.

Harnessing the Power of Nature

Utilizing natural ventilation during cooler nighttime hours by opening windows and turning off the air cooler can be an effective strategy for maintaining indoor comfort while also saving energy with air cooler. At night, outdoor temperatures typically drop, providing a natural cooling effect. By opening windows strategically to allow fresh, cooler air to enter the room and circulating it throughout the space, you can take advantage of nature's cooling power without relying solely on mechanical cooling systems. Turning off the air cooler during these times helps conserve energy and lower utility costs while ensuring a comfortable indoor environment for sleeping or relaxation.

In addition to harnessing natural ventilation, using blinds or curtains to block sunlight and prevent heat gain during the day can further enhance cooling efficiency. Direct sunlight streaming through windows can significantly increase indoor temperatures, making it more challenging for air coolers to maintain desired comfort levels. By closing blinds or curtains during the hottest parts of the day, you can reduce solar heat gain and keep indoor temperatures cooler, minimizing the workload on your cooling system. This is how to make your air cooler more efficient and save energy with air cooler.

Cooler Maintenance and Upkeep

Let’s take a brief look at some important air cooler maintenance tips.

Regular Servicing

Regular servicing is crucial for maintaining your cooler's optimal performance and longevity, emphasizing the importance of scheduling professional maintenance at recommended intervals. Professional servicing ensures that all components are thoroughly inspected, cleaned, and lubricated as necessary, helping identify and address potential issues before they escalate. Adhering to a regular servicing schedule can prevent minor problems from turning into major repairs, ultimately saving time, money, and hassle in the long run. Proper maintenance also helps ensure your cooler operates at peak efficiency, delivering maximum cooling performance while minimizing energy consumption. Ultimately, investing in regular servicing not only extends the lifespan of your cooler but also ensures that it continues to provide reliable and efficient cooling for years to come.

At Voltas, we provide you a Warranty and an Extended Warranty on Air Cooler. Purchase our AMC for Air Cooler to avail the same.

Replacing Worn-Out Parts

Identifying and replacing clogged or damaged cooling pads is essential for maintaining optimal air circulation and cooling efficiency in your cooler. Over time, cooling pads can become clogged with dust, dirt, and mineral deposits, inhibiting airflow and reducing the cooler's effectiveness. Additionally, wear and tear or damage to the cooling pads can compromise their ability to absorb and evaporate water efficiently, further impeding cooling performance.

Regularly inspecting the cooling pads for signs of clogging or damage and promptly replacing them when necessary can ensure that your cooler operates at its best. New, clean cooling pads allow for better airflow and more effective evaporation, resulting in improved air circulation and cooler indoor temperatures. Ultimately, replacing worn-out cooling pads helps maintain your cooler's overall performance and efficiency, ensuring that you stay cool and comfortable even during the hottest days. 

Conclusion

In summary, achieving optimal efficiency with your air cooler requires attention to several key factors. Firstly, maintaining proper water management by adhering to manufacturer guidelines ensures your cooler operates at its best.

Secondly, promoting good air circulation through the strategic use of ceiling fans and open windows enhances cooling effectiveness throughout your space. Thirdly, harnessing the power of nature by utilizing natural ventilation during cooler nighttime hours and blocking sunlight during the day helps to enhance cooling efficiency further.

Additionally, scheduling regular servicing for your cooler at recommended intervals ensures that all components are in top condition, while promptly replacing worn-out cooling pads improves air circulation and cooling performance. Overall, a well-maintained cooler not only saves on energy costs but also creates a more comfortable indoor environment, making your summer more enjoyable.