According to home specialists, air coolers can make a room feel noticeably cooler than an ordinary fan, without the high upfront cost and electricity demand of full air conditioning, giving households another option during a heatwave.

Here's what to know

Air coolers are designed to sit between fans and AC units. A full air-conditioning system removes heat and moisture from indoor air, which is why it tends to cool more effectively but also costs more to install and operate.

A fan, by comparison, only circulates the air already in the room rather than lowering its temperature, according to WalesOnline.

Ideal Home explains it this way: "Unlike a standard fan, which moves warm air around a room, an air cooler uses water to help create a cooling-feeling breeze."

For people who want more relief than a fan can offer without committing to AC, the device can be a useful compromise.

Emma Coleman, seasonal buyer at Robert Dyas, explained, "This temperature will also be felt across the whole room, instead of the focus point that a fan cools. Some also have a heating function, making them useful in the winter as well."

If you're thinking beyond a temporary fix, upgrading your heating and cooling system is one of the best ways to save money on utility bills and protect yourself against rising energy prices. Palmetto's Comfort Plan network can help you find efficient heating and cooling solutions for your home and connect you with vetted installers, including efficient HVACs and heat pumps that can slash your energy bills over time.

More background

For shoppers watching costs, air coolers can be a far cheaper purchase than installed AC. Models are priced at £39.99 ($54.35 USD), £53.99 ($73.38 USD), and £79.99 ($108.71 USD) — well below what most households associate with air conditioning.

Another selling point is electricity use, since these units typically consume less power than AC during the hottest months.

Experts cautioned that they have limits, though: humid weather can make them less effective, and they usually will not cool an entire room the way installed air conditioning can.

Still, they may offer a worthwhile upgrade over a basic fan, particularly in smaller or medium-size spaces.

One reviewer described a portable model as "fantastic," while another said, "The first level barely makes a difference, however, and the last level is kinda noisy for nighttime."

Performance will depend on both the size of the space and what a buyer expects the device to do.

What can be done?

If a standard fan is not enough and you want a quick, lower-cost option, a portable air cooler may be worth a look. It can deliver air that feels cooler without the installation demands, venting, or heavier energy use associated with traditional AC.

Efficient HVAC upgrades can deliver much bigger savings. If you're not ready to spend up front, Palmetto's Comfort Plan includes $0-down options that can lower your heating and cooling costs by up to 50%, and it includes 12 years of free maintenance.

You can also pair solar panels with electric appliances, like efficient HVACs, to push your utility costs even lower. EnergySage makes it easy to find the best solar system and installer for your home and budget, saving you up to $10,000 on installations.

A portable air cooler may help take the edge off during a hot spell, but a smarter home energy upgrade can keep paying off long after the heatwave passes.

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