Collection: Air Cooler

An air cooler, also called an evaporative air cooler or swamp cooler, cools air by passing it over water, giving cooling that costs far less to run than air conditioning. The catch is climate: it works well in dry heat and poorly in humid air. A portable air cooler or water cooler fan suits inland and dry regions, where it it's an efficient middle ground between a fan and an air conditioner. Think about your local humidity first, then the room size and whether you want it portable.

How does an evaporative cooler work?

An evaporative cooler draws warm air through a water-soaked filter pad, and as the water evaporates it absorbs heat from the air, so cooler air blows out the front. It's the same effect as a breeze on damp skin. Because it only runs a fan and a small water pump, it uses much less electricity than an air conditioner, which has to run a compressor. It also adds moisture to the air, which helps in dry conditions. You top up the water tank as it evaporates, and some take ice packs for a bigger drop.

Does an air cooler work in humid weather?

Evaporative cooling depends on dry air, so it works far better in dry heat than in humidity. When the air is already holding a lot of moisture, water evaporates slowly, so there's little cooling — and the extra moisture can make a humid room feel muggier. That means air coolers suit inland and dry-climate areas, and disappoint in humid coastal and tropical conditions. If you live somewhere humid, an air conditioner cools properly and removes moisture, while a fan is the cheap option. Check your local humidity before choosing an evaporative cooler.

How do you get the best from an air cooler?

Air coolers work best with a few habits. Keep a window or door open, since evaporative cooling needs a flow of fresh air through the room — sealing the room up makes the air progressively more humid and less cool, which is the opposite of how you run an air conditioner. Keep the water tank topped up and use cold water or ice packs for a bigger temperature drop. Clean the filter pads regularly so airflow and hygiene stay good, since damp pads can grow mould if neglected. Tip: position it near an open window so it draws in fresh, drier air.

Common questions

Do air coolers work in humid climates?
Not well — evaporative cooling relies on water evaporating, which happens slowly in humid air, so there's little cooling and the room can feel muggier. They suit dry, inland heat.

Should windows be open with an evaporative cooler?
Yes — unlike an air conditioner, an evaporative cooler needs airflow through the room. Sealing the room makes the air humid and stops the cooling working.

Is an air cooler cheaper to run than air conditioning?
Much cheaper, since it only runs a fan and a small water pump rather than a compressor. The trade-off is that it only cools well in dry conditions.

How do I clean an air cooler?
Rinse or replace the filter pads regularly and empty the tank when not in use, since damp pads left dirty can grow mould. Regular cleaning keeps airflow and air quality good.

Can I pay for an air cooler with Afterpay?
Yes. You can split it with Afterpay, Zip, Klarna or PayPal Pay in 4. Our air coolers start from $71, which is four fortnightly payments of about $17.75.

Complete your climate setup

Air coolers work with the rest of your cooling. Add fans for cheap airflow, an air conditioner for humid days, and a dehumidifier for damp.

A $71 air cooler splits into four fortnightly payments of $17.75 with Afterpay, and Zip, Klarna and PayPal Pay in 4 do the same. Every order ships from our Australian warehouse, dispatched within 1–2 business days, with a 12-month warranty and 30 days to return it. We're a family-run Australian store, going since 2016, rated 4.66 out of 5 across 5,363 reviews.