Evaporative air coolers, also known as swamp coolers, are popular for cooling spaces because they use the natural process of water evaporation to lower temperatures. They work by pulling in warm air, passing it through water-soaked pads, and releasing cool, moist air back into the room. This process is efficient and eco-friendly in dry climates, but high humidity levels can drastically reduce the effectiveness of these devices.
Finding the best evaporative air cooler can be challenging in regions with high humidity. While evaporative coolers are generally not as effective in humid environments compared to dry ones, certain models are designed with features that allow them to function better in high-humidity areas. This blog will guide you through the key factors to consider when shopping for the best evaporative air cooler for high humidity and introduce some of the top models on the market.
Understanding How Evaporative Air Coolers Work
Before diving into which models work best in high humidity, it’s important to understand how evaporative air coolers operate. These coolers utilize a fan to draw warm air through water-saturated cooling pads. As the air passes through the pads, the water evaporates, causing the air to cool down. This cooled air is then circulated back into the room.
For this cooling process to be efficient, the air must be able to absorb more moisture. In dry climates, where the relative humidity is low, this is easy to achieve. However, in humid climates, the air is already saturated with moisture, leaving little room for water to evaporate. As a result, the cooling effect becomes less noticeable in humid conditions.
Why High Humidity Affects Performance
The efficiency of an evaporative air cooler is largely dependent on the air’s ability to absorb water. When the humidity levels are high, the air is close to its saturation point, meaning it can no longer hold much moisture. This decreases the evaporative cooling effect, and the air cooler may end up just circulating warm, humid air rather than effectively cooling it.
To combat this, manufacturers have designed coolers with additional features that enhance their performance in humid environments. These features might include larger water reservoirs, more powerful fans, and advanced cooling pads that improve air circulation and cooling efficiency.
Now that we’ve covered the basics, let’s explore what to look for in the best evaporative air cooler for high humidity.
Key Features to Look for in Evaporative Air Coolers for High Humidity
When selecting an evaporative air cooler for a humid environment, consider the following features to ensure better performance:
- Powerful Fan: The more air an evaporative cooler can circulate, the better it can compensate for the lack of evaporation in high humidity. Look for models with powerful fans and adjustable speeds, allowing you to customize airflow based on your comfort level and the ambient conditions.
- High-Capacity Water Tank: In humid conditions, you may need to change or refill the water tank more often as the air holds less moisture. A cooler with a large-capacity water tank ensures that you won’t need to refill it frequently, allowing for continuous operation.
- Advanced Cooling Pads: Cooling pads come in various types, with some designed specifically for more efficient cooling in humid environments. Look for models with honeycomb cooling pads or thick, multi-layered pads, as these can retain more water and enhance the cooling effect.
- Portability and Versatility: Given that evaporative coolers may not work as well in extremely humid areas, portability is a key feature. If your home has varying levels of humidity, being able to move the cooler from room to room might help you find the sweet spot where it works more effectively. Additionally, many coolers come with features like oscillating fans or multiple air vents to spread the cool air more evenly.
- Extra Features: Look for additional features such as humidistats, which can help regulate the humidity in a room or models that can also act as fans or dehumidifiers when needed. This versatility can make the cooler useful even when the humidity is too high for traditional evaporative cooling.
Best Evaporative Air Coolers for High Humidity
Here are some of the top evaporative air coolers designed to work efficiently in high-humidity environments. Each model has unique features that help enhance their cooling performance when humidity levels are higher than usual.
Honeywell CO60PM Evaporative Air Cooler
Best for Large Rooms and Outdoor Spaces
The Honeywell CO60PM is a powerhouse evaporative cooler that works well in both indoor and outdoor spaces. With a large 60-liter water tank and powerful fan, it is designed to cool large areas up to 850 square feet. It has a rugged build and is perfect for patios, garages, or living rooms in areas with high humidity. The cooler features three-speed settings and durable honeycomb cooling pads that enhance its cooling efficiency.
What sets this cooler apart is its large tank and high-performance fan, both of which help offset the reduced cooling power in humid environments. While not as effective as traditional air conditioning in extremely humid areas, the Honeywell CO60PM performs better than most standard evaporative coolers.
Hessaire MC18M Portable Evaporative Cooler
Best for Portability and Energy Efficiency
The Hessaire MC18M is one of the most portable and energy-efficient coolers available, making it a top contender for areas with high humidity. This compact unit comes with a 4.8-gallon water tank and a powerful air delivery system that can cool up to 500 square feet. It also features a simple, user-friendly control panel with two fan speeds and oscillation options.
Its compact size, combined with its efficiency, makes the Hessaire MC18M a good option for high-humidity regions. While it may not produce as drastic a cooling effect as it would in dry climates, the fan and evaporative technology still provide noticeable relief in humid environments.
Luma Comfort EC111B Portable Evaporative Cooler
Best for Small to Medium-Sized Rooms
The Luma Comfort EC111B is designed to cool areas up to 250 square feet, making it an excellent option for bedrooms, offices, or living rooms in humid climates. With a sleek design and a 1.76-gallon water tank, this cooler is both effective and aesthetically pleasing.
One of the standout features of the Luma Comfort EC111B is its three cooling speeds and oscillating fan, which distributes the cool air more evenly. Its honeycomb cooling pads and large air vents help to maximize its cooling potential even in more humid environments.
Portacool Jetstream 220
Best for Outdoor Use in High-Humidity Areas
The Portacool Jetstream 220 is an industrial-strength evaporative cooler designed for larger spaces, such as garages, workshops, or outdoor patios. It comes equipped with a powerful fan that can move a significant amount of air, even in high humidity. The Jetstream 220 has a 30-gallon water tank, which ensures long-lasting cooling without the need for frequent refills.
While the Jetstream 220 is on the larger and more expensive side, it is ideal for humid areas where you still want the cooling effect of an evaporative air cooler. Its high air velocity helps it remain effective even when the humidity levels are elevated.
NewAir AF-1000W Evaporative Cooler
Best for Energy Efficiency and Style
The NewAir AF-1000W is another evaporative cooler that performs well in smaller spaces with moderate humidity. This unit has a 5.3-gallon water tank and a sleek, compact design. It can cool rooms up to 300 square feet and has a built-in ionizer to help purify the air while cooling it.
One of the reasons the NewAir AF-1000W is popular in humid regions is its high energy efficiency. It uses very little electricity compared to traditional air conditioning units and can still provide a cooling effect, albeit less intense in higher humidity.
Choosing the Best Evaporative Air Cooler for High Humidity
While evaporative coolers may not be as efficient in high humidity as in dry climates, several models have been designed to tackle this challenge. The best evaporative air cooler for high humidity is one with powerful fans, large water tanks, and high-quality cooling pads that maximize the cooling effect.
When shopping for an evaporative cooler in a humid environment, be sure to consider the size of the area you want to cool, the capacity of the water tank, and any additional features that can help improve performance, such as adjustable fan speeds, oscillation, and portability. Although evaporative coolers won’t replace an air conditioner in humid regions, they can still provide relief in the right conditions.
By choosing one of the models mentioned above, such as the Honeywell CO60PM, Hessaire MC18M, or Portacool Jetstream 220, you can enjoy cooler, more comfortable air, even in a humid climate.
