Air Cooler vs Air Conditioner: Which One Is Best for Bangladesh?

Choosing the Right Cooling Solution for Bangladesh
Bangladesh experiences hot and humid summers, making cooling solutions a necessity rather than a luxury. But when it comes to air cooler vs. air conditioner, which one is the best fit for your home or office?
Many Bangladeshis are looking for affordable, energy-efficient, and effective cooling solutions. While air conditioners (ACs) offer powerful cooling, air coolers are more budget-friendly and eco-friendly. But which one should you choose? In this guide, we will compare air coolers and air conditioners in terms of cooling power, cost, energy efficiency, and suitability for Bangladesh’s climate.
Air Cooler vs Air Conditioner: Key Differences
To make an informed choice, let’s break down the differences between air coolers and air conditioners in the table below:
Feature |
Air Cooler |
Air Conditioner |
Cooling Mechanism | Uses water evaporation to cool the air | Uses refrigerant gas to lower room temperature |
Best For | Dry and hot climates; Open and ventilated spaces | Hot and humid climates; Sealed rooms with good insulation |
Cooling Power | Provides a cool breeze but does not lower room temperature significantly | Rapid cooling lowers the room temperature efficiently |
Electricity Consumption | Low (50-100W) | High (800W-2500W) |
Water Requirement | Needs regular water refills | No water required |
Humidity Effect | Increases humidity, which is good for dry seasons | Reduces humidity, preventing dampness and mold |
Cost | Affordable (Starts from 4,000৳) | Expensive (Starts from 35,000৳) |
Maintenance | Easy – just clean the tank and filters | High – needs servicing, gas refilling, and professional cleaning |
Eco-Friendliness | Yes, since it uses water instead of refrigerant gas | No, as it emits greenhouse gases |
Portability | Yes, lightweight and movable with wheels | No, needs installation and fixed in one place |
Which One is Better for Bangladesh?
Both air coolers and air conditioners have their advantages and disadvantages, but the right choice depends on your needs and budget. Let’s look at which one is better for Bangladesh based on different factors.
1. Climate and Weather Suitability
- Air coolers work best in dry heat but may struggle in humid environments.
- Air conditioners effectively reduce both heat and humidity, making them ideal for Bangladesh’s summer climate.
👉 Winner: Air Conditioner for humid weather.
2. Cost & Affordability
- Air coolers are much cheaper than air conditioners, making them accessible for most households.
- Air conditioners are expensive to buy and require high installation costs.
👉 Winner: Air Cooler for affordability.
3. Electricity Consumption & Energy Efficiency
- Air coolers consume very little electricity, making them cost-effective for daily use.
- Air conditioners require a lot of electricity, which increases electricity bills significantly.
👉 Winner: Air Cooler for low power consumption.
4. Cooling Performance
- Air coolers provide a refreshing breeze but do not lower room temperatures significantly.
- Air conditioners rapidly cool the entire room and maintain a steady temperature.
👉 Winner: Air Conditioner for better cooling.
5. Portability & Maintenance
- Air coolers are portable and require only basic cleaning.
- Air conditioners are fixed in place and require regular professional maintenance.
👉 Winner: Air Cooler for convenience.
Air Cooler vs Air Conditioner: Which One Should You Buy?
When to Choose an Air Cooler
✅ If you need an affordable cooling option.
✅ If you want low electricity bills.
✅ If you prefer a portable cooling solution.
✅ If you live in an area with frequent power cuts.
When to Choose an Air Conditioner
✅ If you need strong and instant cooling.
✅ If you live in a high-humidity area.
✅ If you don’t mind higher electricity bills.
✅ If you want a fully climate-controlled environment.
Best Air Cooler & Air Conditioner Prices in Bangladesh
If you’re looking for affordable cooling solutions in Bangladesh, here’s a quick price comparison:
Product |
Type |
Price in Bangladesh |
Extonic ET-C701 Air Cooler | Air Cooler | ৳6,999 |
Arctic Air Ultra Mini | Air Cooler | ৳1,150 |
Gree GS-12XFV32 Inverter AC (1 Ton) | Air Conditioner | ৳52,000 |
Midea 1.5 Ton AC (Inverter) | Air Conditioner | ৳55,000 |
🔹 The air cooler price in BD is significantly lower compared to air conditioners, making it a great budget-friendly choice.
FAQs About Air Coolers & Air Conditioners in Bangladesh
What is the price of an air cooler in Bangladesh?
The price of an air cooler in BD ranges from ৳4,000 to ৳15,000, depending on the model and features.
What is the price of an air conditioner in Bangladesh?
A 1-ton AC in BD costs between ৳35,000 and ৳50,000, while a 1.5-ton AC can cost ৳50,000 to ৳65,000.
Which is more cost-effective: an Air Cooler or AC?
An air cooler is much more cost-effective, both in terms of price and electricity consumption. However, an air conditioner provides better cooling.
Can I use an air cooler in a closed room?
No, air coolers work best in open or ventilated rooms. Using an air cooler in a closed space increases humidity, making the room uncomfortable.
Which one is better for a small room?
For a small room, an air cooler is a good option for budget-conscious users. However, if you need better cooling, a split AC is ideal.
Do air conditioners increase electricity bills?
Yes, air conditioners consume more power compared to air coolers, leading to higher electricity bills. An inverter AC can help reduce electricity consumption.
Which One Should You Buy?
If you’re looking for an affordable, portable, and energy-efficient cooling option, an air cooler is the best choice for Bangladesh. However, if you need strong and consistent cooling, especially in humid areas, an air conditioner is worth the investment.