Is Air Cooler Good for Health? Explained

Mar 02, 2024

By Voltas

Air coolers are a common and economical way of cooling your home or office, especially in hot and dry regions. They are also known as evaporative coolers or swamp coolers, as they use the evaporation principle to lower the air temperature. There are different kinds of air coolers in the market like - room air coolers, personal coolers, tower coolers, window coolers, and desert coolers. However, many people have doubts and misconceptions about the health effects of air coolers. Some wonder- if the air cooler is good for health, while others worry if the air cooler is bad for health or even harmful to health. This blog will explain the facts and myths about air coolers and their impact on your health.

WHAT IS AN AIR COOLER?

An air cooler, also known as an evaporative cooler or a swamp cooler, is a device that cools the air by evaporating water. It consists of a fan, a water tank, and a wet wick, pad, or filter. The fan draws in hot and dry air from the outside and passes it through the wet wick, pad, or filter. As the air passes through, some of the water evaporates and absorbs heat from the air, lowering its temperature. The cooled and moistened air is then blown out into the room, creating a refreshing breeze.

AIR COOLER HEALTH BENEFITS

There are several air cooler benefits, as they can improve the quality and comfort of the air in your space. Here are some of the air cooler benefits for your health:

Improvement in indoor air quality: Air coolers can remove stale, humid, or contaminated air from your room and replace it with fresh and clean air. This can reduce the exposure to dust, pollen, bacteria, viruses, and other pollutants that can cause respiratory problems, allergies, and infections. Air coolers can also filter out odors and smoke, making the air more pleasant to breathe.
Reduction in the risk of health issues: Air coolers can lower the risk of developing health issues related to high temperatures and low humidity. For example, air coolers can prevent dehydration, heatstroke, heat exhaustion, headaches, and fatigue. Air coolers can also soothe dry skin, eyes, nose, and throat, as they add moisture to the air. Air coolers can also reduce the inflammation and irritation caused by asthma, bronchitis, sinusitis, and other respiratory conditions.
Management of overall humidity levels: Air coolers can help you maintain the optimal humidity level in your room, which is between 40% and 60%. This can prevent the growth of mold, mildew, and fungi, which can cause allergies, infections, and damage to your furniture and walls. Air coolers can also prevent the air from becoming too dry, which can cause cracking, warping, and shrinking of wood, leather, and paper.
Reduction in stress and improvement in sleep: Air coolers can reduce the stress and discomfort caused by environmental fatigue, which is the feeling of tiredness and exhaustion due to high temperatures and low humidity. Air coolers can also improve your sleep quality, as they create a cool and comfortable environment for your body and mind. Air coolers can also produce a soothing white noise, which can mask unwanted sounds and help you relax.

AIR COOLER LIMITATIONS AND CONSIDERATIONS

Air coolers are not perfect, and they have some limitations and drawbacks that you should be aware of. Since there are different types of air coolers available in the market, each cooler has different working and functionalities which sometimes give birth to some challenges and drawbacks as well. Here we have discussed some of the most common of these challenges and concerns.

HERE ARE SOME OF THE CHALLENGES AND CONCERNS OF USING AIR COOLERS:

Ineffectiveness in humid conditions: Air coolers work best in hot and dry climates, where the relative humidity is below 50%. In humid conditions, the air is already saturated with moisture, and the evaporation process becomes less efficient. This means that the air cooler will not be able to cool the air as much, and it may even make the air more humid and uncomfortable.
Requirement of good ventilation: Air coolers need a constant supply of fresh and dry air to work properly. This means that you need to have good ventilation in your room, such as windows, doors, or exhaust fans. If the air cooler is used in a closed or poorly ventilated space, it can cause the air to become too humid and stuffy, which can lead to mold, mildew, and respiratory problems. If your space lacks sufficient ventilation required for an air cooler, you might wanna consider getting an air conditioner installed. Air Coolers vs Air Conditioners - Which one to Choose?
Need for regular maintenance and cleaning: Air coolers need to be cleaned and maintained regularly to ensure their efficiency and hygiene. You need to change the water in the tank frequently, as stale or dirty water can harbor bacteria, algae, and other microorganisms that can cause foul smells and health issues. Due to the usage of water and these related problems, some people prefer using air coolers without water. Read our blog about Can we use air cooler without water?

You also need to clean the wick, pad, or filter, as they can accumulate dust, dirt, and minerals that can reduce the cooling performance and air quality. You also need to check the fan, motor, and electrical components for any damage or malfunction.

Potential health concerns if not maintained properly: Air coolers can pose some health risks if they are not used or maintained properly. For example, air coolers can spread diseases such as Legionnaires’ disease, which is a type of pneumonia caused by a bacterium that can grow in warm water. Air coolers can also cause allergies, asthma, and other respiratory health problems if they are not cleaned or filtered regularly. Air coolers can also cause skin and eye irritation if the water is too hard or contains chemicals or additives.

CONCLUSION

Air coolers are a simple and effective way of cooling your space, and they have many health benefits. They can improve sleep quality, reduce the risk of health issues, and manage humidity control, and energy efficiency. However, air coolers also have some limitations and drawbacks, and they need to be used and maintained properly to avoid any health problems. Therefore, the answer to the question “Is air cooler harmful for health” is not a simple yes or no, but rather it depends on several factors, such as the climate, the ventilation, the maintenance, and the personal preference.

One common misconception about air coolers is that they can cause respiratory problems. However, this is only true if the air cooler is not properly maintained or if it is used in a very dusty environment. Regular cleaning and proper filter replacement can help eliminate this issue. Another air cooler myth is that air coolers can increase humidity levels, leading to mold growth and other issues. Again, this can be avoided with proper maintenance and by ensuring that the air cooler is properly vented.

For summer cooling, air coolers can be especially helpful in keeping your home or office cool. They can be used in conjunction with windows open to allow for cross ventilation, or they can be used on their own to provide a refreshing breeze. Just be sure to follow the maintenance tips and maintain the air cooler properly to ensure optimal performance and safety.