India Evaporative Air Cooler Market Outlook, 2027-28

Air coolers have a long and fascinating history in India, dating back to pre-industrial times. Early iterations involved simple evaporative cooling techniques, like placing earthenware pots filled with water near doorways to cool incoming air. The invention of electric fans in the late 19th century revolutionized air coolers. The first commercial air coolers, known as "desert coolers," emerged in the 1930s, capitalizing on the hot and dry climate of northern India. These early models were bulky and often made of wood or metal. Following World War II, the air cooler market saw a surge in innovation, with the introduction of portable coolers, window coolers, and desert coolers with improved water efficiency and cooling capacity. The 1980s and 1990s witnessed the rise of organized players like Bajaj Electric and Havells, who standardized designs, introduced features like oscillating fans and water level indicators, and streamlined distribution channels. Today, the Indian air cooler market boasts a diverse range of products catering to various needs and budgets.

According to the research report "India Evaporative Air Cooler Market Overview, 2029, 2029," published by Bonafide Research, the India Evaporative Air Cooler market is projected to add more than US 240 Million from 2024 to 2029. The Indian air cooler market is expected to witness steady growth in the coming years. Several factors are propelling this expansion. Firstly, India's burgeoning middle class with increasing disposable incomes is a key driver. As homes become larger and standards of living improve, the demand for effective cooling solutions rises. Secondly, the real estate boom in India has led to a surge in new housing construction, many of which are not initially equipped with air conditioning. Air coolers offer a temporary and cost-effective cooling solution for these dwellings. Thirdly, growing concerns about energy costs and environmental impact are making air coolers a more attractive option compared to power-hungry air conditioners.

Despite the positive outlook, the Indian air cooler market faces certain challenges. One major hurdle is the perception of air coolers being less effective than air conditioners. While air coolers excel in dry climates, their cooling capacity diminishes in humid conditions. Secondly, frequent water refilling and maintenance requirements can be inconvenient for some consumers. Furthermore, the unorganized sector with low-quality products can sometimes tarnish the image of branded air coolers. Finally, rising disposable incomes may eventually lead to increased adoption of air conditioners, potentially impacting air cooler sales in the long run.

Within the residential segment, which dominates the market on segmentation by application, various subcategories emerge, driven by factors such as rising temperatures and increasing disposable income. Budget-conscious consumers prioritize affordability and basic functionality, opting for personal or desert coolers. Value-seeking consumers strike a balance between price and features, favoring tower coolers with added functionalities like water level indicators and oscillation. Comfort-focused consumers prioritize powerful cooling, low noise levels, and smart functionalities, often opting for premium tower coolers equipped with inverter technology and air filters. In the commercial segment, steady growth is observed, fueled by the demand for cost-effective cooling solutions in diverse settings such as restaurants, shops, offices, and open-air spaces. Small and medium businesses seek energy-efficient coolers for smaller spaces, while establishments with larger areas, like restaurants with outdoor seating or warehouses, demand powerful solutions such as ducted evaporative coolers.

Market segmentation also extends to cooler types, with tower coolers experiencing rapid growth due to their sleek design and diverse features, catering to both residential and commercial applications. Desert coolers remain popular in rural areas and among budget-conscious households, offering cost-effective cooling in dry climates. Window coolers provide space-saving solutions for small rooms, while personal coolers cater to individual use in compact spaces. Additionally, ducted evaporative coolers and hybrid evaporative coolers offer powerful cooling options for large commercial spaces, each targeting specific niche segments seeking superior performance.

Make this report your own

Have queries/questions regarding a report

Take advantage of intelligence tailored to your business objective

Ask an Expert

Manmayi Raval

Research Consultant

The Indian air cooler market, a vital source of comfort in the scorching summers, is guided by a framework of policies, regulations, and certifications that ensure safety, efficiency, and consumer protection. The Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE) under the Ministry of Power plays a central role. Mandatory registration under BEE's Star Labeling program assigns energy efficiency stars (1 being the least efficient, 5 being the most) based on stringent testing procedures outlined in IS 12831 (room air coolers - Specification). Manufacturers must adhere to these guidelines to display the star label, influencing consumer purchase decisions towards energy-saving models. Furthermore, the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) sets safety benchmarks through product certification under IS 10099 (Specification for the safety of electrical appliances - Particular requirements for room air-coolers). This certification covers aspects like electrical safety, mechanical strength, fire resistance of materials, and stability, ensuring the air cooler functions without posing a risk to users. Additionally, the Restriction of Hazardous Substances (RoHS) directive restricts the use of harmful substances like lead, mercury, cadmium, hexavalent chromium, polybrominated biphenyls (PBBs), and polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) in electrical and electronic equipment, including air coolers. This regulation aligns with India's commitment to environmental responsibility and user health. For air coolers utilizing refrigerants, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) guidelines under the Montreal Protocol are followed to ensure responsible use and disposal of these substances, minimizing environmental impact. State governments may also have additional regulations specific to their regions, such as noise pollution restrictions, which manufacturers need to comply with. Staying abreast of these evolving policies and regulations is crucial for air cooler manufacturers and distributors to ensure their products meet the safety, efficiency, and environmental standards required for success in the Indian market.

In conclusion, the Indian air cooler market is a unique blend of tradition and modernity. As the country develops and consumer preferences evolve, air cooler manufacturers will need to continuously innovate to address challenges and capitalize on growth opportunities. By focusing on improved efficiency, smarter features, and stylish designs, air coolers can retain their relevance in the Indian cooling landscape.

Considered in this report
• Historic year: 2018
• Base year: 2023
• Estimated year: 2024
• Forecast year: 2029

Don’t pay for what you don’t need. Save 30%

Customise your report by selecting specific countries or regions

Specify Scope Now

Aspects covered in this report
• Evaporative Air Cooler market Outlook with its value and forecast along with its segments
• Various drivers and challenges
• On-going trends and developments
• Top profiled companies
• Strategic recommendation

By Type
• Tower
• Desert
• Window
• Personal
• Other

By Application
• Residential
• Commercial

The approach of the report:
This report consists of a combined approach of primary and secondary research. Initially, secondary research was used to get an understanding of the market and list the companies that are present in it. The secondary research consists of third-party sources such as press releases, annual reports of companies, and government-generated reports and databases. After gathering the data from secondary sources, primary research was conducted by conducting telephone interviews with the leading players about how the market is functioning and then conducting trade calls with dealers and distributors of the market. Post this; we have started making primary calls to consumers by equally segmenting them in regional aspects, tier aspects, age group, and gender. Once we have primary data with us, we can start verifying the details obtained from secondary sources.

Intended audience
This report can be useful to industry consultants, manufacturers, suppliers, associations, and organizations related to the Evaporative Air Cooler industry, government bodies, and other stakeholders to align their market-centric strategies. In addition to marketing and presentations, it will also increase competitive knowledge about the industry.