Summer is here, and so is the annual debate between two popular cooling options: the desert air cooler and the tower AC. Both devices can sit in living rooms and bedrooms and promise relief from the heat. However, the core principles they work on are very different. Moreover, they are also priced very differently and suit very different homes. Before you spend your money, it helps to understand what each one actually does and where it falls short. This guide breaks down the key differences across four areas so you can make a choice that fits your space, your weather, and your budget.
The desert air cooler takes warm air, moves it through pads wet with water, and produces cool and humid air in the room. However, this machine functions more efficiently. This is because the machine operates more efficiently during dry weather when humidity levels are low.
On the contrary, the tower AC uses a refrigerant for cooling air and works effectively in all climatic conditions, even during humid weather. When compared with a desert air cooler, the tower AC is much faster in cooling the room.
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This is where the desert air cooler pulls ahead, as a standard desert cooler uses between 150 and 250 watts of power, while a tower AC typically consumes 1,000 to 1,500 watts.
Running a cooler for eight hours a day costs a fraction of what an AC costs over a month. For households watching their electricity bills, the cooler is the clear winner on running costs.
Desert coolers need an open window or door to work properly since they push fresh air in and need a way for stale air to exit. Tower ACs seal the room and recirculate the same air, so ventilation is not a factor.
In terms of portability, coolers win easily, as most desert air coolers come with wheels, and no installation is needed, while tower ACs are freestanding but need a window or wall opening for the exhaust pipe.
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A good desert air cooler costs between Rs 5,000 and Rs 18,000, and maintenance involves cleaning the water tank and replacing the cooling pads once a season.
Whereas a tower AC has a price that ranges between Rs 32,000 and Rs 65,000. Not only that, but the servicing cost is also higher than a desert cooler since it uses the refrigerant-based system.