Posted by GoodCooling Team
Both units move air, but only one actually cools it. If you know the differences, you will buy the right unit.
The fan: air movement
A fan stirs up the existing air. On the skin this feels cooler, because sweat evaporates faster. The room temperature does not fall as a result. It uses little electricity and is inexpensive.
The evaporative air cooler: air movement plus evaporation
An evaporative air cooler also passes the air over a wet cooling pad. The evaporating water draws heat from the air, and the air becomes cooler. You can read exactly how this works in How does an evaporative air cooler work?
The key differences
| Fan | Evaporative air cooler | |
|---|---|---|
| Cools the air | No | Yes, through evaporation |
| Needs water | No | Yes |
| Humidity | Stays the same | Rises somewhat |
| Maintenance | Low | Keep water and cooling pad clean |
Which unit when?
- Fan: for mild warmth and small workstations.
- Evaporative air cooler: for larger rooms and dry heat with good air exchange. In muggy air the effect is small, see Evaporative air coolers and humidity.
Frequently asked questions
Does an evaporative air cooler replace air conditioning?
Not in every situation, see Evaporative air cooler vs. portable air conditioner.
Which model is right for me?
Our model comparison shows you.
Conclusion
A fan distributes air, while an evaporative air cooler also cools it. For large, well-ventilated rooms, the evaporative air cooler is usually worthwhile. We are happy to advise you.
