Portable AC vs tower air cooler: Price, running cost, maintenance and other factors compared
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You may agree that buying a cooling appliance is not an easy decision. Many people compare a portable AC and a tower air cooler because both are designed to cool a room without requiring permanent installation. While they may look similar, they work in very different ways. A portable AC uses a compressor and refrigerant to lower the room temperature, while a tower air cooler uses water evaporation to provide cooler air. Also, they differ in price, electricity use, maintenance needs and performance. Choosing the right one for you depends on many factors. Here is a simple comparison of portable ACs and tower air coolers to help you decide which one is the better choice for your home.
SurveyPortable AC vs tower air cooler: Price
Tower air coolers are usually priced between Rs 5,000 and Rs 15,000. On the other hand, portable ACs usually start at around Rs 25,000 and can go beyond Rs 55,000.
Also read: Common AC problems during monsoon and how to prevent them
Portable AC vs tower air cooler: Running cost and power consumption
A portable AC consumes around 900 to 1,500 watts or more. If used for about eight hours every day, it can increase your monthly electricity bill by around Rs 2,000 to Rs 4,000. Meanwhile, a tower air cooler usually consumes around 150 to 250 watts, which means it is cheaper to run. In most cases, the monthly electricity cost stays below Rs 1,000.
Portable AC vs tower air cooler: Maintenance
In case of a portable AC, you mainly have to clean the air filters every couple of weeks and empty the water collection tray when needed. Tower air coolers require more frequent cleaning. The water tank should be cleaned regularly to prevent dirt, mould and bad smells. The cooling pads also need to be replaced after a period of use.
Portable AC vs tower air cooler: Cooling performance
A portable AC cools the room using refrigerant and also removes moisture from the air. This makes it a better choice for humid cities and coastal areas.
A tower air cooler works by passing air through water-soaked cooling pads. It performs well in hot and dry weather. It does not work well in places with high humidity.
Portable AC vs tower air cooler: Which one should you buy?
You should go for a portable AC if you live in a humid area, want stronger cooling and do not want the hassle of filling a water tank every day. It is also a good option if you need cooling without installing a fixed AC.
If you want a budget-friendly cooling solution with lower electricity bills and you live in a dry climate, then go for a tower air cooler. It is a practical option for people looking for an affordable way to stay cool.
