Evaporative Air Cooler Fan: 5 Low-Energy Solutions for Hot Summers
With the weather heating up, everyone is looking for smart ways to stay cool. If you’re looking to beat the heat without doubling your electricity bill, an evaporative air cooler fan may be the perfect solution! These fans do more than blow hot air around. They rely on evaporation to naturally cool the air as they blow, providing a chemical-free cooling experience.
What Is an Evaporative Air Cooler Fan?
An evaporative air cooler fan, also known as a swamp cooler, is a device that cools air through the natural process of evaporation. Unlike traditional air conditioners, which use refrigerants and coolants that create potent greenhouse gases, these rely on water to cool your space.
Evaporative air cooler fans work by moving air through water-soaked pads. The water evaporates as air passes through, absorbing heat, and then a fan blows this cooler air out into the room.
Because these fans add moisture to the air, evaporative coolers are most effective in arid climates where humidity levels are relatively low. They can even double as a humidifier in especially dry areas. They’re energy-efficient, eco-friendly, and can be a cost-effective alternative to air conditioning.
Top 5 Evaporative Air Cooler Fans: How We Chose
To bring you the best in evaporative coolers, we looked for products that are:
- Energy-efficient. We prioritized brands with energy-saving features.
- Effective. We sought highly rated products with positive reviews and excellent customer experiences.
- Easy to use. We picked products that are simple to set up and user-friendly.
- Suitable for various needs. Whether you’re looking for a small, portable cooling device or something that can handle a large living space, you’ll find it on this list.
With these criteria in mind, we found some great evaporative air coolers that will help you stay cool.
Our Picks
All featured products are chosen at the discretion of the author and DGHQ editors. However, Do Good HQ may make a small affiliate commission if you click through and make a purchase.
1. Hessaire MC18M Evaporative Air Cooler
| Material | Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene (ABS) |
| Key Features | 2 speeds, hose hook-up, lightweight |
| Floor Area | 500 square feet |
| Price at Publishing | $156.65 |
This powerful evaporative air cooler features simple, user-friendly controls and a top handle for easy movement. Its high-density media provides 80% more evaporation surface for fast, efficient cooling.
Highlights
The expanded air intake saves energy and results in more efficient cooling. And it’s not just air-efficient—it’s energy-efficient too, using only 85 watts of electricity. It also features a hose hookup, allowing you to avoid refilling the water tank during continuous use.
Things to Consider
With only two fan speed options, it’s a tad less flexible than some other models.
2. Dreo Tower Fan Evaporative Air Cooler
| Material | Polypropylene (PP) |
| Key Features | 3 modes, 4 fan speeds, remote control |
| Floor Area | 20 ft range |
| Price at Publishing | $179.99 |
This evaporative cooler tower fan features multiple speeds and settings for a versatile cooling experience. It has an 80-degree rotation radius and three different modes: fan, humidifier, and evaporative cooler. It’s a light, versatile device that will deliver cool air without hogging floor space.
Highlights
This fan comes with reusable ice boxes for maximum cooling potential. It only uses 50 watts of electricity when turned on, and this gradually decreases to 25 watts when set to Sleep Mode.
Things to Consider
While it might be ideal for a bedroom or compact living space, it might not be powerful enough to cool larger areas. Some customers also noted that the small water tank requires frequent refills with extended use.
3. Honeywell 500 CFM Indoor Portable Evaporative Cooler
| Material | Plastic |
| Key Features | Low water alarm, energy-saving timer, adjustable humidifier |
| Floor Area | 300 square feet |
| Price at Publishing | $449.61 |
If you’re looking for an evaporative cooling system that puts your old fan to shame, this is the one for you. It’s user-friendly and easy to adjust with a humidifier dial and multiple speeds. With a built-in dust filter and ice compartment, this standing fan is perfect for cooling down small and medium rooms.
Highlights
A large 6.6-gallon water tank means fewer refills. It offers four fan speeds and a timer for automatic shut-off.
Things to Consider
It’s a little noisier than some other models, especially when the fan is on the highest setting. This fan is also a little larger than some other models, which you may want to consider if floor space is a factor.
4. Honeywell 470 CFM Indoor Portable Evaporative Air Cooler
| Material | Plastic |
| Key Features | 3 modes, 3 fan speeds, remote control |
| Floor Area | 280 square feet |
| Price at Publishing | $219.99 |
This portable swamp cooler is ideal for small to medium rooms. It’s versatile and lightweight, with multiple settings so you can find your ideal climate control. The water reservoir fits 7.9 gallons, and at only 19.2 lbs, its slim design makes it easy to wheel around and fit into small spaces.
Highlights
With a built-in dust filter, this fan helps clean the air while it cools. It offers 3-in-1 functionality, serving as a fan, humidifier, or evaporative cooler.
Things to Consider
This model uses 145 watts when powered on, making it a little less energy efficient than some other fans on our list.
5. VeRosky Personal Evaporative Air Cooler
| Material | Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene (ABS) |
| Key Features | 3 speeds, shut-off timer, LED touch display, USB powered |
| Floor Area | N/A |
| Price at Publishing | $33.99 |
If you’re looking for a quick, compact solution to help you beat the heat, this personal evaporative air cooler is just what you need. It’s small, portable, and easy to use, featuring a simple touchscreen display. It’s USB-powered for easy hookups and can fit comfortably on your desk, bedside table, or anywhere else you might need a little extra cooling power.
Highlights
This compact fan uses only 6 watts of power, and with a built-in ice tray, it provides quick and powerful cooling for small spaces.
Things to Consider
This model comes with a USB cable, but a wall adapter is not included.
How to Choose the Best Evaporative Air Cooler Fan
With so many different shapes, styles, speeds, and settings, it’s important to choose wisely when picking a new fan. Here are some questions to consider:
- How big is your space? Are you looking to cool down a small bedroom or a large living area? Pay attention to the size and cooling capacity to find the perfect fan for your needs.
- Do you need it to be portable? Some fans are more versatile than others. If you want the freedom to move your fan from room to room, opt for a smaller, lightweight option.
- Are you looking for extra features? Not all evaporative air coolers are created equal. Some have multiple functions, such as fan-only and humidifier-only settings, while others offer simpler features.
With these factors in mind, you’ll find the perfect cooling companion in no time! Opt for an evaporative fan to help keep yourself—and the planet—nice and cool.
Featured image via Amazon
