A heavy-duty industrial air cooler is built to run all day in factories, warehouses and commercial spaces: airflow from 18,000 CMH upward, a continuous-duty motor, thick cellulose pads and a body that survives sun and rain. Before buying, check the nine points below and compare quotes on the same basis.
1. Airflow, in CMH or CFM
Airflow decides how much floor one cooler serves. As a guide, 18,000 CMH covers up to 1,000 sq ft and 50,000 CMH up to 3,000 sq ft. Ask whether the figure is free-air or with ducting.
2. Motor
Look for a continuous-duty motor sized for the fan: 1.1 kW at 18,000 CMH up to 4.5 kW at 50,000 CMH in our range. Check whether you need single or three phase.
3. Speed control
A VFD lets the cooler run slower on mild days and at night, saving power and noise.
4. Body
Industrial coolers live outdoors. UV-stabilised engineering plastic does not rust; stainless steel SS-304 suits coastal and chemical sites.
5. Cooling pads
Pads do the cooling. Look for cellulose pads 100 mm thick on all four sides, and ask who makes them and whether replacements are stocked. We make our own.
6. Water system
Check tank size, a float valve for automatic filling, a drain valve, and how much water the unit uses per hour: 10 to 30 litres across our range.
7. Motor protection
Three-phase motors burn out when a phase fails. A controller with a phase preventer cuts the power in time. Our motor warranty applies only when one is fitted.
8. Warranty and spares
Ask for the warranty in writing and check that motors, pumps, pads and blades are available. Our duct coolers carry 3 years on the body and 1 year on the motor.
9. Ducting and installation
A good cooler badly ducted cools badly. Ask who designs the ducting, what is included and who installs it. See ducting basics.
Industrial vs commercial vs home coolers
| Home cooler | Commercial cooler | Industrial duct cooler | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Airflow | A few thousand CMH | Up to about 18,000 CMH | 18,000 to 50,000 CMH |
| Placement | In the room | In the space, on wheels | Outside, ducted in |
| Duty | A few hours | Long hours | Continuous |
| Example | – | Smart Cooler SC23 | 30,000 CMH duct cooler |
See industrial coolers and how many you need.
Frequently asked questions
What is a heavy-duty industrial air cooler?
An evaporative cooler built for continuous use in factories and warehouses, typically 18,000 CMH and above, with a continuous-duty motor and thick cellulose pads.
Which is the best industrial air cooler for a factory?
A ducted evaporative cooler sized to the floor: for example 30,000 CMH per 2,000 sq ft, with a phase preventer and good exhaust.
What is the difference between a commercial and an industrial cooler?
Commercial coolers stand in the space and suit shops and halls; industrial duct coolers sit outside and deliver far more air through ducts.