Kamal Ghorui
With the advent of summer, not everybody is fortunate enough to have an air conditioner. In this regard, air coolers continue to be a popular and economical choice for many people. However, with some minor modifications, using an object worth just 5 rupees, you can enhance the effectiveness of your cooler. Such hacks, based on scientific knowledge and studies conducted in the environment, can help to greatly increase the cooling capacity of your cooler. These simple yet efficient hacks do not require any extra money to perform.
Add ice and salt to your cooler for an instant cooling boost
One of the simplest ways to enhance your air cooler’s performance is by adding ice or frozen saltwater bottles into the water tank. The “5 rupee trick” involves the use of common salt. The melting point of water is lowered by salt, and it remains cold for a long time.Based on the concept of evaporative cooling, the evaporative coolers perform best under conditions where temperatures are high, and humidity is low; the performance of the cooling process improves if the water used is cold. The use of ice cubes or salt-chilled water causes the temperature of the air passing through the cooling pads to drop greatly.This approach works best in the afternoon hours.
Ensure proper ventilation for maximum airflow
Many people incorrectly employ air coolers in enclosed spaces with the expectation of achieving air conditioning-like effects. Nevertheless, Evaporative coolers need to be employed in areas where there is adequate ventilation. Without the right air flow, there will be an accumulation of moisture in the room, hence increasing its heat levels.How to increase cooling:
- Leave one of the doors or windows open
- Place the cooler close to one of the windows
- Cross-ventilate to enable the expulsion of warm air from the room
These basic steps can lead to significant improvements in cooling.
Clean cooling pads and use khus for natural cooling
Eventually, dust and minerals collect in the pads, limiting their effectiveness in absorbing water and cooling the air. Clean and replace pads regularly to maximise their efficiency.The importance of having clean and wet pads cannot be underestimated when it comes to evaporation. As a natural element, the khus mat, commonly used, can help improve the effectiveness of your air cooler while adding an aromatic scent to the air. When water passes through the khus mat, it makes the air cooler and more refreshing.Optimising your air cooler does not have to cost a fortune. It can be done with the least effort, such as adding ice cubes or salt into the cooler and ensuring that there is enough ventilation.
