Air coolers
Cooling without air conditioning: workshops, terraces, warehouses, events.
Choosing an air cooler without getting it wrong
Uses and selection criteria
An evaporative air cooler draws air through a wetted medium: the water evaporates and the air comes out cooler and slightly more humid. That simple principle explains everything else. It works best when the air is hot and dry, it uses little energy compared with air conditioning, and it requires fresh air to be renewed: it is a machine for open workshops, terraces, warehouses, tents and temporary sites, not for a closed office.
The right model is chosen on the area to be treated and the ceiling height, the duty cycle (a few hours a day or continuous), the quality of the available water supply, and the mobility required. A mobile single-unit cooler and a fixed ducted installation have neither the same cost of ownership nor the same maintenance constraints. We always start from your actual use, never from the airflow figure printed in a brochure.
Applicable regulation in Europe
An air cooler is an electrical appliance: the Low Voltage Directive and the Electromagnetic Compatibility Directive apply, with an EU declaration of conformity signed by the manufacturer or its authorised representative. Depending on its design, it also falls under machinery regulation, today Directive 2006/42, replaced by Regulation 2023/1230 applicable from 20 January 2027. A unit ordered today must be designed with that deadline in mind.
The user manual must be available in the language of the country where the product is placed on the market, and the importer who places it on the Union market bears the regulatory responsibility. We build the technical file and verify every certificate supplied by the factory using the method described in our resources, before any recommendation.
Common buying mistakes
The first mistake is to compare models on the displayed airflow alone, without looking at the conditions under which it was measured or the actual area to be treated. The second is to install the unit in a closed room: without air renewal, humidity rises and the cooling effect disappears. The third is to neglect the water: a cooler must be drained, cleaned and recommissioned on a schedule the manual should specify.
On the paperwork side, beware of the generic “CE certificate” sold with the product: that document does not exist in European law. Ask for the EU declaration of conformity, the test reports and the manual in your language. And check before ordering that wear parts, media, pump, motor, are available and deliverable in Europe for the expected life of the unit.
The main families of air coolers
Mobile single units
On wheels, with a built-in tank, plugged into a socket: the simplest option for a workstation, an open workshop or seasonal use.
Fixed wall or roof units
Fed with water and connected to a duct network: they treat large areas continuously and are controlled from inside.
High-airflow units for halls and warehouses
Designed for industrial volumes and dock areas, often as several coordinated units.
Terraces and outdoor
UV- and rain-resistant materials for terrace dining, markets and event sites.
Events and rental
Rugged, easy to transport and commission, for tents, marquees and temporary sites.
A range of capacities, from workstation to large volume
The model table (air flow, coverage area, power draw) will be published once supplier data has been revalidated. In the meantime, tell us your area and use case. We'll come back with a reasoned shortlist.
What our file covers
Low Voltage and Electromagnetic Compatibility (EMC) directives, English-language user manual, a written contractual warranty, in addition to the statutory warranties applicable in the country of delivery.
Where they make the difference
Documentation before the conversation
Technical sheet, manual and certificates will go online as supplier data is validated.
Need to quote a cooling project?
Describe your area and use case. We'll come back to you with a model shortlist.
Request a quote