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Portable AC or Air Cooler: The Difference Explained

Heat is something that affects everyone differently. Some go to the beach, others to the pool, and some to the cold showers. Others drink as many icy, chilled drinks as possible, while others are more comfortable with the sweat.

If you don’t have a nearby pool, can only drink liquids, or cannot cook your meals, you may want to consider a cooling system (AC) and an air conditioner.

Yes, an air conditioner and an air cooler do the same job of reducing the temperature in your home to ensure you are more comfortable in both hot and cold weather. But they do this using slightly different methods.

An AC takes in warm, usually moist, air and then uses a refrigerant or other means to turn it into dry and cool air. The AC circulates the cool, cooled air throughout the room.

An air chiller uses a fan to blow hot air through water-soaked pads. The hot air causes the pad’s water to evaporate, cooling it. The fan continues to blow cool air throughout the area. The cooling effect is similar to when you splash water on the skin on a hot summer day or rub alcohol on your hands and feel an instant cooling sensation.

Do They Need Both?

Your ability to handle the heat is the only thing that will determine your ability. Some people will be fine with an electric fan and other cooling methods. Others may need a more powerful cooling source.

But before you dismiss an air conditioner as a welcome but unnecessary luxury. The temperature range between 22-25degC and above can cause you to feel tired and unfocused as you lose important electrolytes.

COVID-19 has influenced many of us to work remotely. Therefore, an air conditioner is no longer just for comfort. It’s a good idea to have an air conditioner in your home so you can work during the hottest periods of the day.

What’s It All About AC?

Humidity

ACs shine in this area. Although air coolers work well for hot, dry places such as the Middle East deserts and the Philippines archipelagos, high humidity will make it difficult to use them in these areas. Because air coolers evaporate the air from outside air, it is possible to feel a sticky sweat while cooling off during hot days. ACs will dry the cooled air, and some ACs can dehumidify. This is a great option for people allergic to allergens that thrive in humid environments like mildew or Moss.

Setup

Air coolers are generally smaller than portable ACs. Both ACs and ACs are very easy to set up. You will need to place an AC near a window to allow the water to escape during dehumidification. This could pose a problem to condominium and apartment owners.

Maintenance

Both are fairly easy to maintain. Just change the water to the AC cooler from time to time. You have two options for the AC: hire a professional or do it yourself.

General Health Concerns

ACs remove air from the outdoors, while coolers recirculate it indoors. Therefore ACs help to ensure that you get lots of fresh air. A bad environment can cause severe allergic reactions.

Environmental Impact

Since water is used as the refrigerant, air coolers are very ecologically friendly. ACs use CFCs and HFCs as refrigerants, which are harmful to the environment. As time goes by, new refrigerants have been developed to lessen the negative environmental effects.