10 Common Air Cooler Problems and How to Fix Them

Air coolers are a great way to stay cool during hot summer days. They are affordable, easy to use, and consume less electricity than air conditioners. But like any other appliance, air coolers can face problems from time to time. The good news is, most air cooler issues are easy to fix at home if you know what to look for.

In this article, we’ll go through the most common problems people face with air coolers and explain, step by step, how to fix them. Whether your cooler is not cooling, making noise, or smelling bad—we’ve got you covered.

Read: 10 Best Coolers For Home under 10000 in India 2025

10 Common Air Cooler Problems and How to Fix Them

1. Air Cooler Not Cooling Properly

Problem:

Your cooler is running, but the air coming out is not cool enough, or it feels like a regular fan.

Possible Reasons:

Cooling pads are dirty or worn out.
Not enough water in the tank.
Water pump not working.
Room is too humid.
Poor ventilation.

How to Fix It:

✅ Check Water Level:
Make sure the water tank is full. Air coolers need water to produce cool air. If the water level is low, refill it.

✅ Inspect Cooling Pads:
Dirty or dry cooling pads reduce the cooling effect. Remove them and rinse under clean water. If the pads are old, torn, or moldy—replace them.

✅ Check the Water Pump:
The pump may not be circulating water to the pads. Listen closely—if you can’t hear the sound of water flowing, the pump may be blocked or broken. Clean the pump and try again. Replace it if needed.

✅ Improve Ventilation:
Open a window or door. Air coolers need proper airflow to work. Without fresh air, the room will stay warm and humid.

✅ Avoid Using in High Humidity:
Air coolers work best in dry climates. If the humidity is high, the cooling effect will be weaker. Use a dehumidifier or switch to a fan in very humid weather.

2. Air Cooler Not Turning On

Problem:

You press the button or switch, but the cooler doesn’t start at all.

Possible Reasons:

No power supply.
Faulty switch or wiring.
Blown fuse.
Motor or capacitor failure.

How to Fix It:

✅ Check Power Source:
Make sure the cooler is plugged in properly. Try another appliance in the same socket to confirm if power is available.

✅ Inspect the Cord and Plug:
Look for any cuts, burns, or damage to the cord. If you find any, replace the power cord immediately.

✅ Test the Switch:
Sometimes the button or knob gets stuck or damaged. Try turning it on and off a few times. If it’s not working, get it replaced.

✅ Check the Fuse or Circuit Breaker:
If your cooler has a fuse, check if it has blown. Replace it with a new one of the same rating.

✅ Call a Technician for Motor Issues:
If everything looks fine and it still doesn’t start, the motor or capacitor might be faulty. It’s best to get help from a professional in this case.

3. Water Pump Not Working

Problem:

Fan is running, but the cooling pads remain dry. No water is flowing.

Possible Reasons:

Pump is clogged.
Pump is damaged.
Not enough water in the tank.

How to Fix It:

✅ Check the Water Level:
Always make sure the pump is submerged in water. If the tank is dry, refill it before turning the pump on.

✅ Clean the Pump:
Turn off the cooler, remove the pump, and clean any dust, mud, or algae. Use a soft brush or old toothbrush to remove blockage.

✅ Replace If Broken:
If cleaning doesn’t help and the pump is still not working, you might need a replacement. Pumps are affordable and easy to install.

4. Bad Smell from the Cooler

Problem:

The air from the cooler smells bad—like damp clothes or a dirty room.

Possible Reasons:

Dirty water tank.
Moldy or old cooling pads.
Stagnant water.
Algae growth.

How to Fix It:

✅ Drain and Clean the Tank:
Throw away the old water and wash the tank with soap or vinegar. Scrub away algae or slime, then rinse thoroughly.

✅ Change Cooling Pads:
Pads can absorb smells, especially if not cleaned regularly. Replace them if they are smelly, moldy, or turning black or green.

✅ Use Fresh Water Daily:
Don’t leave water sitting for days. Refill with clean, fresh water every 1–2 days.

✅ Add a Few Drops of Essential Oil (Optional):
For a pleasant scent, add a few drops of lemon or lavender oil to the water. But don’t overdo it—just a few drops!

5. Water Leaking from the Cooler

Problem:

Water is dripping or leaking from the cooler’s body or pipe.

Possible Reasons:

Water tank is overfilled.
Loose or cracked pipe.
Cracked body or internal parts.
Blocked water outlet.

How to Fix It:

✅ Don’t Overfill:
Fill water only up to the marked level. Extra water can spill out from overflow holes.

✅ Check for Cracks:
Look for any visible cracks or holes. Use waterproof sealant or epoxy glue to patch small cracks. For big damage, a replacement may be needed.

✅ Inspect the Drain Pipe:
If your cooler has a drainage pipe, make sure it’s properly attached and not leaking.

✅ Clear the Outlet Hole:
Some coolers have a small hole for draining excess water. If it’s blocked, water may overflow. Use a pin to clean it.

6. Fan Not Working or Making Noise

Problem:

The fan isn’t spinning, or it’s making a loud or rattling noise.

Possible Reasons:

Dust buildup on blades.
Loose motor or parts.
Dry motor bearings.
Damaged fan motor.

How to Fix It:

✅ Clean the Blades:
Turn off the cooler and clean the fan blades with a soft cloth. Dust buildup can make the fan heavy and noisy.

✅ Tighten Screws:
If the fan or motor seems loose, tighten all screws and bolts.

✅ Oil the Motor Bearings:
Use a few drops of machine oil on the motor shaft to reduce friction and noise.

✅ Replace the Motor (if necessary):
If the fan still doesn’t work, and you’ve tried everything else, the motor may be faulty. Call a technician or buy a new motor.

7. Cooler Consumes Too Much Electricity

Problem:

You notice your electricity bill is higher when using the cooler.

Possible Reasons:

Old or faulty motor.
Pump running without water.
Fan running at full speed unnecessarily.
Using cooler with damaged parts.

How to Fix It:

✅ Use at Medium Speed:
You don’t always need full speed. Use medium speed for regular cooling to save power.

✅ Turn Off When Not Needed:
Switch off the cooler when not in use or during the night if it gets too cold.

✅ Maintain the Cooler:
Clean and service the cooler regularly so that all parts run efficiently.

✅ Replace Worn-Out Parts:
Old motors or pumps can use more power. Replacing them can save money in the long run.

8. Water Not Getting Absorbed by Pads

Problem:

Water is being pumped, but the pads are not getting wet.

Possible Reasons:

Pads are clogged with dust or dirt.
Water channels are blocked.
Pump is weak.

How to Fix It:

✅ Clean or Replace Pads:
Soak them in water and scrub gently. If they still don’t absorb water, it’s time to replace them.

✅ Unblock the Channels:
Check the water distribution tray at the top. It may be clogged. Clean it using a pin or needle.

✅ Check Pump Pressure:
Sometimes the pump is too weak to push water evenly. If it’s old, replace it.

9. Strange Vibrations or Shaking

Problem:

The cooler shakes or vibrates while running.

Possible Reasons:

Unbalanced fan blades.
Loose screws or bolts.
Placed on uneven surface.

How to Fix It:

✅ Place on Level Ground:
Make sure the surface is flat and stable.

✅ Check for Loose Parts:
Tighten all visible screws, especially around the fan and motor.

✅ Inspect the Fan Blade:
If a fan blade is bent or broken, it can create imbalance. Replace it if necessary.

10. Cooling Stops After Few Minutes

Problem:

Cooler works well for a while, then stops cooling.

Possible Reasons:

Pump overheating or shutting off.
Water tank getting empty.
Pads drying out due to low flow.

How to Fix It:

✅ Keep an Eye on Water Level:
Make sure there’s enough water in the tank at all times.

✅ Let the Pump Rest:
If the pump gets too hot, give it a break. Don’t run the cooler non-stop for many hours.

✅ Check for Blockage:
Make sure water is flowing smoothly and reaching the pads.

Final Thoughts

Air coolers are simple machines, and most of their problems are easy to solve at home with basic tools and care. The key is regular maintenance, clean water, and replacing worn-out parts on time. Don’t wait for problems to become big—fix small issues early.

Here’s a quick checklist to keep your cooler in top condition: