Air cooler, a truly cost-effective and environment-friendly home appliance, offering immense comfort in hot and humid seasons of the year, requires regular maintenance for delivering powerful performance and staying durable for long.
This blog by Onida, one of the best air cooler manufacturers in India, provides you with valuable and practical insights for cleaning, refilling, and troubleshooting of your air cooler to keep it running smoothly for years without incurring expenses on repairs and replacements.
Most of the problems in air coolers arise on account of unclean or excessively hard water. Minerals present in hard water leave a residue on the inner surface of the tank, causing algae buildup, bacterial accumulation, and smelly air flow. In order to reduce this problem, low TDS water should be used in a cooler. The tank must be drained completely every 3-4 days. Before refilling, the interiors must be wiped clean with a cloth, dampened with warm water and a mild sanitiser or a natural descaling agent like white vinegar.
Cooling pads need gentle care to stay healthy and efficient for long. They must be cleared off dust, pollens, scaling, and germs for a hygienic cooling experience. A soft brush should be used to rub the pads with warm water and a mild soap (scrubbing harshly must be strictly avoided to prevent damage). If the pads get damaged over a period of time or in the process of cleaning or they continue to emanate foul odour even after cleaning, replacement is the best alternative.
Fan blades are mainly responsible for air-throw. Apart from fan blades, filter nets, safety grills, louvers, etc. gather a lot of dust, and obstruct air flow, affecting the performance. Cleaning them with a soft cloth or a vacuum cleaner with brush attachment brings them back to their original state, and helps them deliver a dust-free and refreshing air flow.
Cleaning only the interiors of a cooler is not enough for a clean and dust-free experience. The exteriors must also be freed of dust and stains to ensure that there are no scratches or cracks in the outer body, causing water leakage or seepage.
Refilling an air cooler seems to be the easiest task, but refilling it appropriately is the key to a hassle-free cooling experience.
If the water contains dust particles, minute debris, or excessive quantities of minerals, internal tubes, pumps, and filters get clogged, putting excessive pressure on the motor. It must be ensured that the water used for refilling is thoroughly filtered and descaled to prevent damage, and extend the durability of the cooler.
It must be seen that the water tank is neither overfilled nor is it going completely dry. An overfilled water tank can lead to spillage or damage to the motor due to excessive pressure. Similarly, an empty water tank harms the pump and cooling pads by burning them out prematurely. Most of the air coolers come with clearly readable water level indicators that help you fill the tank optimally.
Coolers with dedicated ice chambers allow filling the tanks with chilled water, enhancing cooling. Manufacturer recommendations must, however, be taken into consideration, as excessive use of ice can hamper evaporation process in humid climates, affecting cooling adversely.
If a cooler, especially desert air cooler, has ‘uninterrupted water supply’ feature that allows continuous inflow of water, it must be ensured that inlet pipes are in good condition and also well connected in order to prevent water leak. When the cooler is not in use, it is advisable to turn the valve off so as to avoid overflow. Similarly, it must be seen that water supply is on during the use so that internal components do not get damaged due to dry operation.
If the air cooler is in frequent use, especially during summers, it is advisable to drain the tank and refill it more often than usual to prevent a smelly airflow, and maximise cooling.
Often, what seems like a major issue with your cooler may actually be a minor, easily fixable glitch. With most home appliances, occasional malfunctions are to be expected, but you don’t always need to call a technician. By using your cooler carefully, performing regular maintenance, and having a basic understanding of its functions, you can resolve most problems quickly and enjoy uninterrupted comfort.
Onida offers a diverse range of home air coolers, from compact 6 L personal coolers to large 95 L desert units, each designed to deliver powerful, energy-efficient cooling tailored to Indian weather conditions. For smaller spaces, models like the Aero 35 L and OD‑110 (6 L) feature honeycomb pads, three-speed fan settings, convenient remote control, and portability via caster wheels—ideal for bedrooms and offices.
For semi-open spaces and larger rooms, the Zephyr 80 L and 95 L desert coolers combine honeycomb cooling technology with high air throw distances (up to 40 ft) and ice chambers for enhanced chill, making them robust and reliable options.
These sleek, photorealistically designed coolers reflect Onida’s commitment to creating long-lasting, value-for-money appliances, cementing the brand as one of the best air cooler companies in India.
The best desert air cooler from Onida typically combines high-capacity water tanks, powerful air delivery, and durable build quality—making it ideal for large rooms and semi-open spaces. These models are designed to deliver long-lasting cooling even in extreme heat, thanks to features like honeycomb cooling pads, wide air throw, and efficient motor technology. Onida's desert air coolers are known for their energy efficiency, modern design, and strong after-sales support, making them a great choice for Indian summers.
Aero 35 L is one of the best personal air coolers in the markets today.
Desert air coolers generally feature water tanks ranging between 50-95 litres.
A desert air cooler is crafted for serving in dry areas like Rajasthan, Eastern Maharashtra, and parts of Gujarat with extremely hot weather. Personal air coolers are designed to keep compact spaces such as a bedroom, home-office or study cool during periods of moderate heat and humidity.
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