How to make your Cooler as cool as AC in less than Rs 500

As temperatures rise across India during the peak summer months—especially in regions where mercury crosses 45°C—keeping your home cool is not just about comfort, but survival. While ACs offer the most effective respite from extreme heat, not every household can afford the cost, maintenance, or high power consumption associated with them. For a large section of the population, air coolers remain the preferred option due to their affordability and energy efficiency.

However, coolers are often criticised for their lower cooling performance, especially in humid conditions or when not maintained properly. But what if you could bridge the gap between a cooler and an AC with a minor investment? With just a simple upgrade costing as little as Rs 300–Rs 400, you can significantly boost your cooler’s performance, bringing it closer to the cooling efficiency of an AC—without increasing your electricity bills or relying on expensive technology.


Boost your cooler’s performance with honeycomb pads

What are honeycomb pads

Honeycomb cooling pads are made of cellulose material and have a hexagonal structure resembling a honeycomb. This design significantly increases surface area and water retention capacity, enabling the pads to hold more moisture and allow air to pass through more effectively.

Key benefits:

• Higher cooling efficiency due to better water retention
• Longer lifespan than grass pads
• Low maintenance, as the material resists mold and algae
• Improved air throw and lower noise

These pads are now standard in modern air cooler models and are increasingly being adopted as aftermarket upgrades for older coolers.


Where to buy honeycomb pads and how much they cost

Honeycomb pads are widely available both online and offline:

• E-commerce platforms
• Local electronics and hardware stores
• Branded cooler service centers

Prices vary depending on size and quality but generally range between Rs 300 and Rs 500 for a set suitable for a standard domestic air cooler.


Honeycomb pads installation guide

Upgrading your cooler to honeycomb pads is a straightforward process and usually does not require professional assistance. Here is how to do it:

Tools required:

• Screwdriver
• Soft brush or cloth
• Mild cleaning solution (optional)

Installation steps:

• Unplug the cooler and ensure it’s empty of water.
• Open the cooler panel to access the existing pads.
• Remove the old grass pads from all sides.
• Clean the interior of the cooler using a brush or damp cloth to remove dust and any residual algae.
• Install the honeycomb pads by securing them in the designated slots.
• Close the panel and fill the water tank.
• Turn on the cooler and observe the improved airflow and cooler air output.

The entire process can be completed in less than 30 minutes and doesn’t require specialised tools or skills.


Get AC-like cooling: Expert hacks for your air cooler

To get the best results from your upgraded cooler, consider the following tips:

• Place the cooler near an open window: Air coolers work on evaporative cooling and need fresh, hot air intake to operate efficiently.
• Use chilled water or ice cubes in the water tank for an added cooling boost.
• Keep the fan blades and water pump clean to avoid performance issues.
• Run the cooler in cross-ventilated spaces to maintain airflow and reduce humidity buildup.

Cost-effective cooling for Indian summers

With just a minor upgrade costing under Rs 500, you can drastically improve the performance of your air cooler, making it feel more like an air conditioner. While it won’t replicate the precision climate control of an AC, the difference in comfort can be substantial—especially in dry, arid regions where evaporative cooling is most effective.

This simple upgrade is ideal for renters, students, and budget-conscious families who want to survive the heat without increasing their electricity bills or investing in expensive appliances.


Also read | Do you really need to service your AC every year? Know what skipping maintenance could cost you