Air coolers (evaporative air coolers) and air conditioners are mainstream cooling devices. They each have their own technical characteristics and applicable scenarios. There is no absolute advantage or disadvantage. The selection needs to be made based on comprehensive judgment based on environmental conditions and usage requirements.
The difference in working principles determines the core performance. Air conditioners achieve active cooling through the circulation of refrigerant in the compressor, which can reduce the temperature to 5-15℃ below the ambient temperature, but they need to operate in a closed space, which can easily cause the air to dry out. The air cooler uses the principle of water evaporation and heat absorption to cool down the fresh air outside and send it into the room. The temperature is 3-8℃ lower than the environment. At the same time, it maintains air circulation and slightly increases the humidity (increases 5%-10%). It is suitable for places that require ventilation.
The difference between energy consumption and installation costs is significant. A 1.5-horsepower air conditioner consumes about 1200W of power and 9.6 kWh of electricity in 8 hours; an air cooler with the same air volume consumes only 150W of power and 1.2 kWh of electricity in the same amount of time, which is only 1/8 of the energy consumption of an air conditioner. In terms of installation, air conditioners require professionals to lay pipes, which costs about 2,000-5,000 yuan per unit; air coolers do not require external units and pipes, and can be used after unpacking and powering on, and the installation cost is only 1/10 of that of air conditioners.
Each application scenario has its own emphasis. Open places (such as workshops and food stalls) are more suitable for air coolers, and their characteristics of continuously supplying fresh air can solve the problem of stuffiness in air-conditioned closed environments; when used in high-temperature and dry areas (such as Northwest and North China), moderate humidification can also improve body sensation. Air conditioners are preferred for confined spaces (such as offices and bedrooms), and their precise temperature control capabilities are more suitable for long-term stays.
Limitations need to be considered in advance. The cooling effect of air coolers is greatly affected by environmental humidity, and the efficiency drops by more than 30% during the rainy season in the south; although air conditioners have strong temperature control, long-term use can easily cause "air conditioning disease", and the initial investment is high.
Selection suggestions: Air coolers are more cost-effective in large spaces such as industrial workshops and outdoor booths, and places that require ventilation; air conditioners are more practical in small confined spaces and temperature-sensitive scenes. The two are not substitutes. Their combined use can balance the cooling effect and energy consumption cost, and achieve precise temperature control needs.
