Beat the Heat with the Best 19 Evaporative Air Conditioners for Your Home

Sweating through the summer heat? Say hello to the evaporative air conditionerconditioner - a cost-effective and eco-friendly alternative to traditional AC systems. In this roundup, we’ll bring you the best options on the market, so you can stay cool without breaking the bank or harming the environment.

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Reviews

Honeywell Indoor Air Cooler, Fan & Humidifier

Discover the ultimate cooling and humidifying solution with the Honeywell Indoor Portable Evaporative Air Cooler. This versatile unit features a 525 CFM airflow and serves as a fan and humidifier, perfect for keeping your space cozy and invigorated. With a 3.5-star rating and 31 reviews, users enjoy its ability to condition their living spaces, even in the sweltering heat. The evaporative cooler is easy to move with its wheeled design and ensures a comfortable temperature throughout the year.

Hessaire MC37M 2200 CFM Portable Evaporative Cooler

The Hessaire MC37M offers a portable and lightweight cooling solution for various settings, ranging from indoor workspaces to outdoor campsites. With an impressive airflow of up to 3,100 CFM and three-speed operation, this evaporative cooler effectively circulates cool air throughout spaces up to 750 square feet. Its durable construction, featuring polypropylene resin and an oscillating design, delivers maximum cooling efficiency while maintaining a sleek and unobtrusive aesthetic. With added features such as a hose hookup, automatic overheat protection, and a water level indicator, the Hessaire MC37M is a versatile and reliable choice for your evaporative air conditioning needs.

Portable Evaporative Swamp Air Cooler for 950 Sq Ft

Get ready to enjoy cool, refreshing air in your home, patio, or campsite with the Hessaire MC37M Portable Evaporative Air Cooler. This versatile cooling system effortlessly turns warm, stale air into a comfortable breeze, utilizing water evaporation as its key component. Ideal for up to 950 square feet, its fan circulates air at a rate of 3,100 cubic square feet per minute, while the 10.3-gallon water reservoir provides ample capacity for keeping you cool. With easy-to-manage features like 4 fan-only settings, 2 evaporative settings, oscillating air vents, and an 8-hour timer, this portable swamp cooler is a must-have for all your cooling needs. Plus, with its lightweight design, convenient wheels, and carrying handle, transporting this device couldn’t be easier. Keep the air around you cool wherever you go - the Hessaire Portable Evaporative Air Cooler is here to provide ultimate comfort.

Hessaire 500 Sq Ft Portable Evaporative Humidifier Cooler

Bring cool relief to your outdoor spaces with the Hessaire Portable Evaporative Cooler Humidifier. This versatile and portable device offers a refreshing solution for small spaces, camping, and personal use. Weighing in at 16 pounds and standing at 20” Wide by 28” Tall, it provides a cooling capacity of 1300 cfm, enough to cool up to 500 sqft. With a water reservoir, it’s easy to keep refreshing and humidifying the air around you. Experience the comfort of this evaporative air conditioner, perfect for those hot summer days.

Honeywell 830 CFM Outdoor Portable Evaporative Cooler

Experience the refreshing coolness of a natural breeze with the Honeywell 830 CFM Outdoor Portable Evaporative Cooler. Perfect for hot, dry climates, this air cooler efficiently reduces temperatures and humidifies the air using evaporation. The powerful fan pushes the fresh air into the surrounding area, creating a comfortable environment while consuming minimal power. Ideal for both indoor and outdoor use, this versatile cooling system is easy to move and maintain with its weather-resistant design and low power consumption.

Costway Evaporative Air Cooler: Portable Fan, Conditioner, and Humidifier for Efficient Cooling and Humidity Control

Experience the perfect blend of cooling and comfort with the Costway Evaporative Air Cooler. This versatile device not only cools the air but also works as a humidifier, keeping your space moist and cozy. With three-speed airflow options and an 8-hour timer function, you can customize the cooling experience to suit your needs. The large-capacity water tank ensures uninterrupted cooling, while the wheels make it easy to move between rooms. While some users have encountered minor issues, overall, the Costway Evaporative Air Cooler is a great companion for those seeking a budget-friendly and eco-friendly cooling solution.

Honeywell Portable Evaporative Air Cooler (588 CFM)

Bask in the invigorating sensation of a revitalizing cool lake breeze within the comfort of your own home, thanks to the Honeywell 588 CFM Indoor Evaporative Air Cooler. Engineered to provide refreshing air to expansive living spaces measuring up to 342 square feet, this unit is an impeccable choice for living rooms, common areas, garages, as well as semi-outdoor settings like patios or covered tents. Featuring an impressively large water tank and continuous water supply option, it is capable of managing prolonged cooling sessions, even under strenuous conditions. The tower design with oscillating louvers ensures efficient and even distribution of air throughout the room, while its compact form makes it ideal for fitting into compact spaces. Furthermore, the air cooler’s dust filter and honeycomb cooling media are effortless to clean, enhancing maintenance convenience. This versatile evaporative air cooler serves as a budget-friendly and energy-efficient cooling solution when the temperature is high with low humidity, typical in desert regions. Nevertheless, for regions experiencing higher humidity, it’s advisable to explore options including portable air conditioning units or window air conditioners.

Honeywell Portable Evaporative Air Cooler

Enjoy a refreshingly cool environment indoors or outdoors with the Honeywell CO30XE portable air cooler. This versatile air cooler, powered by a high-velocity fan, provides effective spot cooling for small to medium spaces. With an easy-to-use digital touch display and remote control, you can easily adjust the airflow and humidity levels for a comfortable temperature. The detachable water bucket and low-water level alarm make maintenance effortless, while the 3-in-1 cooling, humidification, and fan functions ensure optimal comfort all summer long.

Hessaire MC18V Green Portable Evaporative Air Conditioner

Stay cool in any setting with the portable Hessaire Evaporative Air Cooler. These top-rated coolers are perfect for cooling down your home, patio, or campsite. Weighing just 16 pounds and featuring a 4.8-gallon water reservoir, it’s easy to move this cooler around. It even has heavy-duty wheels and a lightweight design for ease of use. Boasting a cooling zone of 500 square feet and providing 1,300 cubic feet per minute of cooling air, it efficiently circulates the air to keep you comfortable. Plus, with 4 different fan speed settings, you can easily adjust the temperature to your liking. This Evaporative Air Cooler is a budget alternative to an AC unit, designed specifically for dry climates, making it an excellent choice for keeping your small residence cool on hot days.

Honeywell 470 CFM Indoor Portable Evaporative Cooler

The Honeywell evaporative air cooler offers powerful relief from summer heat with an airflow of 470 CFM. Designed to save energy, it only consumes 145 watts of power and doesn’t require a compressor to cool your home. By using the evaporation cooling process, it provides a comfortable, cool stream of air. This air cooler is perfect for those living in dry climates with a maximum humidity of 60%, providing a refreshing relief from the hot days.

Honeywell Portable Evaporative Air Cooler for Home and Office

Experience the refreshing, natural air conditioning of the Honeywell CO25AE Indoor/Outdoor Evaporative Air Cooler. Say goodbye to energy-guzzling air conditioners and hello to this eco-friendly, pocket-friendly cooling solution. With four fan speeds and easy to adjust humidity control, you can customize the cool airflow to your liking. Its honeycomb cooling media and oscillating louvers ensure an even distribution of cooling throughout the room. Plus, the detachable ice compartment adds an extra layer of chill to the cool breeze. Great for spaces up to 301 square feet, it can be easily moved around thanks to its side handles and durable caster wheels. So, treat yourself to a more sustainable and comfortable living and working environment with this top-notch air cooler.

Honeywell 52-Pint Indoor Portable Evaporative Air Cooler - 500 CFM, 235W Power Consumption, Remote-Controlled

The Honeywell 252-Pint portable evaporative cooler is a popular choice for cooling medium to large rooms with its energy-efficient design. Unlike air conditioners, these coolers don’t require power-hungry components, leading to significant savings on energy bills. This unit boasts four fan speeds and oscillating louvers to evenly distribute air through the honeycomb cooling media. The carbon dust filter ensures clean air, while the automatic shut-off timer and four durable caster wheels add convenience and safety. With a maximum power consumption of 235 watts, this Honeywell evaporative air cooler is an eco-friendly and budget-friendly cooling solution.

Honeywell Portable Air Conditioner - Cooling Solution

The Honeywell Portable Air Cooler is an ideal choice for those seeking relief from the summer heat in hot, dry climates with low humidity levels. This 3-speed indoor evaporative cooler, boasting a 15-pint tank, effectively cools spaces up to 100 square feet and features a non-compressor system for efficient and inexpensive operation. The cooler’s honeycomb media ensures optimum cooling, while its 1.8-gallon water tank and low water alarm ensure consistent performance. A remote control and a carbon dust filter add to its convenience. Lightweight but not easily moved, this air cooler is perfect for spot cooling small areas such as a desk or bedroom.

Hessaire 3,100 CFM Portable Evaporative Air Cooler

The Hessaire Evaporative Cooler, boasting a 3,100 CFM airflow, is a flexible and environmentally-friendly choice for keeping cool in any environment. Equipped with 4 robust locking casters, this portable machine is ideal for chilling areas up to 950 square feet, including homes, patios, workshops, and campsites. By drawing in warm air and utilizing natural evaporation, it offers a budget-friendly method for generating a cooling breeze while reducing your energy bill. The cooler’s 3-sided rigid high-density cooling pads enhance the evaporative surface area, ensuring optimal cooling efficiency. Additionally, its lightweight design, durable wheels, and convenient handle make it effortless to maneuver throughout your space and experience the revitalizing air emitted by this cooler.

Hessaire 5300 CFM Evaporative Air Cooler

Stay cool in the heat with the Hessaire Portable Evaporative Air Cooler. This efficient cooling system is designed to cool outdoor areas up to 1,600 square feet using evaporated water, perfect for patios or camping trips. With a powerful 5,300 cubic square feet per minute fan, it ensures refreshing air circulation, even in large spaces. The 14.6-gallon water reservoir keeps the air cool and clean, while the heavy-duty locking wheels and convenient handle make it easy to transport wherever you need it. Enjoy a more comfortable outdoor experience with the Hessaire Evaporative Air Cooler.

Honeywell Indoor Portable Evaporative Air Cooler - White

This sleek portable air cooler from Honeywell is perfect for small rooms, offering 3-in-1 evaporative cooling, fan, and humidification. Enjoy easy digital control with a remote, while the easy-access washable dust filter makes maintenance a breeze. The slim design fits comfortably into tight spaces, and the powerful airflow provides optimum cooling for hot, low humidity environments. With a non-compressor cooling system, energy efficiency, and low power consumption, this air cooler makes a great alternative to traditional air conditioning.

Portable Honeywell Evaporative Cooler with Remote Control

The Honeywell TC10PEU is a portable evaporative cooler designed to target spot cooling in small areas like your bed, desk, sofa, or dining tabletable. With its space-saving tower design and easy-access washable dust filter, this eco-friendly cooling option saves energy and offers a budget-friendly solution for keeping your personal space cool.

Hessaire Portable Evaporative Air Cooler - Cool Up to 500 sq ft

Stay cool wherever you go with the Hessaire Portable Evaporative Cooler. Designed for residential use, this lightweight cooler is perfect for keeping the air comfortable inside your home, on your patio, or even at your campsite. Equipped with a 4.8-gallon water reservoir and a 1300 CFM fan, this portable swamp cooler can cool an area of up to 500 square feet. The MC18M air cooler features 2 fan-only settings, 2 evaporative settings, and 1 pump only setting, giving you the flexibility to choose the perfect setting for your space. Weighing only 16 pounds and featuring a convenient handle, this cooler is easy to move and set up wherever you need it.

Evaporative Portable Air Cooler with Remote for Efficient & Energy-Saving Cooling

The Honeywell Cl30Xc Indoor Evaporative Air Cooler is a natural and energy-efficient choice for cooling your space at home or work. With its non-compressor system, it offers a more affordable cooling solution compared to traditional air conditioners. Its honeycomb cooling media provides optimum cooling, while the adjustable humidification level ensures the best air quality. This portable air cooler works best for hot and dry conditions, and it comes with an LED control panel, full-function remote control, and a built-in timer for added convenience.

Buyer’s Guide

When it comes to evaporative air conditioners, there are various factors you need to consider before making your purchase. From size and installation to efficiency and noise level, this guide will help you understand the key features and considerations of evaporative air conditioners.

Size of the Evaporative Air Conditioner

One of the most important aspects to consider when purchasing an evaporative air conditioner is its size. The size of the unit will determine its capacity and cooling range. It is essential to choose a unit that matches the size of your room or space. Measure the area you want to cool and select a unit that can effectively cool that area.

Installation and Maintenance

Installation and maintenance are other crucial aspects to take into account. Evaporative air conditioners typically require a separate water supply and a drainage system. This means they will also require a power source. Consider your home’s electrical and plumbing setup before making a purchase. Additionally, regular maintenance will help ensure that your evaporative air conditioner functions properly and efficiently.

Efficiency and Noise Level

The efficiency of an evaporative air conditioner is often measured by its Australian cooling load (ACL) rating. The higher the ACL rating, the more cooling capacity the unit has. However, a higher ACL rating may also result in a more powerful and noisier unit. Consider your specific needs and preferences when choosing between a high or low ACL rating.

Additional Features

Lastly, consider any additional features you may want in your evaporative air conditioner. Some models come with built-in humidifiers or air purifiers, while others have adjustable fan speeds or remote controls. Determine which features are most important to you before making a purchase to ensure your evaporative air conditioner meets your needs and preferences.

FAQ

What is an evaporative air conditioner, and how does it work?

An evaporative air conditioner, also known as an “air washer, ” is a device designed to cool air by evaporating water. It is more eco-friendly and cost-effective compared to traditional air conditioning systems due to its use of natural energy from evaporation. Here’s how it works: water is absorbed from the surrounding environment, and as it evaporates, it cools the air passing over the evaporative media. The cooled and humidified air is then distributed throughout the room.

The air conditioner typically comprises a fan, water reservoir (or water-holding mat), cooling pad, and a water pump. The water pump circulates the water through a series of pipes, ensuring continuous moisture remains on the cooling pad. As the air passes over the cooling pad, the water evaporates, cooling the air. This humidified air is then circulated through the room, providing both cooling and humidification.

How does an evaporative air conditioner differ from a traditional air conditioner?

The primary difference between an evaporative air conditioner and a traditional air conditioner (which uses a refrigeration cycle to cool air) is their operation. An evaporative air conditioner relies on the process of evaporation to cool air, while traditional air conditioners use heat extraction through refrigeration.

Evaporative air conditioners also offer other notable differences, such as their lower energy consumption since they do not require a refrigeration cycle. They are more eco-friendly, as they produce fewer greenhouse gases. However, they do not dry the air, which some users may find uncomfortable in humid climates.

Are evaporative air conditioners effective in humid areas?

While evaporative air conditioners can cool air, they are not particularly efficient in extremely humid areas. This is because the evaporation process for cooling relies on the absorption of moisture from the surrounding environment. In humid areas, the air is already saturated with moisture, making it challenging to extract more moisture and create a cooling effect through evaporation.

However, there are some evaporative air conditioner models designed for high-humidity areas. These models often incorporate dehumidifying technology or additional ventilation features to help balance the humidity level and provide more effective cooling in humid environments. But overall, it’s essential to select the right model with proper dehumidification capabilities if living in a high-humidity area.

What factors should I consider when choosing the right evaporative air conditioner?

Here are some essential factors to consider when selecting an evaporative air conditioner for your space. First, assess the area you want to cool in terms of its size and the ceilings’ height. You’ll need an air conditioner that is suitable for that space to ensure even air distribution and maintain optimal temperature levels.

Next, consider the levels of humidity in your area. As mentioned earlier, evaporative air conditioners are not particularly effective in humid environments. So, opt for a model with added dehumidification features or sufficient air ventilation capabilities if you live in a humid area. Additionally, consider factors such as noise levels, energy efficiency, and the ease of maintenance to find the best fit for your needs.

What are the advantages and disadvantages of using an evaporative air conditioner?

Advantages of using an evaporative air conditioner include lower energy consumption compared to traditional air conditioners, cost-effectiveness, and a more eco-friendly approach due to fewer greenhouse gas emissions. They also offer some humidity control by maintaining moisture levels in the air, which can be beneficial in dry climates.

However, there are some disadvantages. Evaporative air conditioners are not as effective in humid environments, as their cooling effect depends on evaporating moisture from the air. Additionally, these units can create extra noise due to the fan operation and may require more frequent cleaning to prevent buildup of mold and mildew. Finally, evaporative air conditioners do not dry the air as a refrigerated system can, which may be a concern for some users.

Can an evaporative air conditioner be used as a standalone unit or as part of a ducted air conditioning system?

Both standalone and ducted evaporative air conditioners are available on the market. Standalone evaporative air conditioners are more common and can be installed in individual rooms, homes, or small commercial spaces. They require a window or wall installation and typically have a lower installation cost compared to ducted systems.

Ducted evaporative air conditioning systems, on the other hand, use ductwork to distribute air throughout your home or office. These units are more complex and thus more expensive to install, but they offer greater flexibility in terms of distribution airflow and temperature throughout the space. Ducted evaporative air conditioners may also be more suitable for larger buildings or commercial properties, where individual units could struggle to provide adequate cooling.

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