Electric Cooler: A Smart and Affordable Way to Beat the Heat

Electric coolers have become a common household item in Pakistan and many other countries where summers are extremely hot. These cooling machines are not only affordable but also energy-efficient, making them a popular alternative to air conditioners. Whether you live in a village or a city, electric coolers are used in homes, offices, shops, and even mosques to provide relief from scorching heat. This article will explain everything about electric coolers.

What is an Electric Cooler?

An electric cooler, often called an air or desert cooler, is a machine that cools indoor spaces by combining water and airflow. It works by pulling in hot air from the surroundings, passing it through water-soaked pads, and blowing out cool air using a fan. Unlike air conditioners, electric coolers do not use harmful gases or compressors, which makes them eco-friendly and cheaper to run.

Main Components of an Electric Cooler:

Electric coolers may look simple, but they include many important parts:

Fan or blower: Helps push the cooled air out into the room for better circulation.
Cooling Pads: Water passes through these pads and cools the air.
Water Tank: Stores water that helps in cooling.
Electric Motor: Runs the fan and water pump.
Water Pump: Circulates water through the cooling pads.
Body (Plastic or Metal): Holds all the parts together.
Speed Control Knob or Panel: Adjusts the fan speed.

How Does It Work?

Electric coolers work on a simple process called evaporative cooling. Here’s how it works:

The cooler takes in hot air from the surroundings.
This hot air passes through wet cooling pads.
Water evaporates from the pads, absorbing heat.
The air becomes cooler and is then blown into the room through the fan.

This cooling process works best in dry and hot climates, which is perfect for most parts of Pakistan.

Where Are Electric Coolers Made?

In Pakistan, electric coolers are mostly made in cities like:

Gujranwala

Lahore

Sialkot

Karachi

Faisalabad

Gujranwala is well-known for producing a wide range of electric products such as fans, coolers, motors, and water pumps.Many small to medium-sized industries manufacture coolers using local materials. Some big brands also assemble coolers using imported motors and quality plastics.

How Are Electric Coolers Made?

The manufacturing process includes:

Designing the Frame: Plastic or metal sheets are cut and shaped into the body of the cooler.
Fixing the Motor and Fan: A strong motor is attached with a fan or blower depending on the model.
Installing Cooling Pads: Wood wool or honeycomb pads are fixed on three sides for better airflow.
Adding the Water Tank: A leak-proof tank is installed at the bottom.
Electrical Setup: Wiring, switches, and the pump are connected.
Testing: The cooler is tested for airflow, leaks, and motor performance.

After passing all tests, the cooler is packed and sent to distributors or markets.

Supply Chain and Distribution:

Electric coolers are supplied all over Pakistan and even exported to neighboring countries. The supply process includes:

Manufacturers → Wholesalers → Retailers → Customers

In big cities like Lahore and Karachi, wholesale markets buy electric coolers in bulk and sell them to small retailers. Some brands also sell directly through online platforms like Daraz, OLX, and official websites. During peak summer months (April to July), the demand and supply both increase rapidly.

Types of Electric Coolers:

Electric coolers come in various sizes and designs based on usage and price:

Room Cooler: Best for small rooms, low power, and budget-friendly.
Desert coolers are built larger and more powerful, suitable for cooling wide spaces or big halls.
Tower Cooler: Slim and stylish, good for bedrooms or offices.
Window Cooler: Fits in windows, blows air directly inside.
Portable Cooler: Comes with wheels for easy movement.

Price Range:

The price of an electric cooler in Pakistan (as of 2025) usually falls between:

Small room cooler: PKR 6,000 – 10,000
Medium-sized cooler: PKR 10,000 – 15,000
Large desert cooler: PKR 16,000 – 25,000
Branded models with remote/control panel: PKR 25,000 – 40,000+

Electricity Usage:

One of the best things about electric coolers is their low power consumption. On average, a cooler uses:

Only 150 to 250 watts per hour, compared to 1000–2000 watts used by air conditioners.

This makes it ideal for homes with limited electricity or solar power setups.

Benefits of Electric Coolers:

✅ Affordable: Much cheaper than air conditioners.
✅ Low Power Usage: Saves electricity bills.
✅ Eco-Friendly: No harmful gases or chemicals.
✅ Portable: Easy to move from one room to another.
✅ Fresh Air: Keeps air circulation active and less dry.
✅ Easy Maintenance: Simple structure and parts are locally available.
✅ No Need for Room Sealing: Works well even with open windows.

Some Common Problems & Solutions:

Water Leakage: Often due to a cracked tank – fix or replace the tank.
Weak Airflow: May be caused by dirty pads or fan – clean or replace pads.
Noise Issues: Happens if the motor is faulty or fan is loose – service required.
Bad Smell: Caused by stagnant water – always empty and clean the tank.

Regular cleaning and maintenance can prevent most issues.

Tips to Use Electric Cooler Effectively:

Always fill clean water in the tank.
Place the cooler near a window for better airflow.
Clean cooling pads every 15–20 days.
Add ice to the water tank to enhance the cooling effect.
Start the water pump at least 5 to 10 minutes earlier than switching on the fan to ensure better cooling.

Future of Electric Coolers:

With rising electricity costs and hotter summers every year, electric coolers are expected to become even more popular. New designs now include features like:

Remote control
Temperature display
Honeycomb cooling pads
Solar-compatible models
Inverter motors for power saving

These upgrades make electric coolers a smart choice for the future.

Conclusion:

Electric coolers offer an affordable, energy-saving, and eco-friendly way to stay cool during Pakistan’s hot summer months. From local factories in Gujranwala to homes in remote villages, these coolers are a symbol of comfort and innovation.