An air cooler cools air by 5-10°C through evaporative cooling. This works best in dry climates (humidity below 55-60%) common in Delhi NCR, Rajasthan, Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, and interior Maharashtra. In humid coastal cities (Mumbai, Chennai, Kolkata, Kerala), evaporative cooling is significantly less effective — the air is already moisture-saturated, limiting temperature reduction. If you live in these cities, a ceiling fan or split AC is a better investment. At Rs.10,000, you could also consider a budget 1.5-ton window AC for humid regions. If you live in a dry-heat city where evaporative cooling works, a Rs.10,000 cooler delivers far more cooling comfort than a Rs.5,000 fan — and at a fraction of an AC's electricity bill.