As heat waves sweep across many parts of the country, staying cool at home is becoming both a challenge and a financial burden. Air coolers are still the top choice for budget-conscious households, but many users feel that the cooling effect fades too quickly. If your cooler also struggles to beat the heat, there’s a powerful yet simple hack that can boost its cooling performance without hitting your pocket hard.
This technique is not new, but it has recently gained fresh attention on social media due to its simplicity and effectiveness. All it takes is one additional item that costs less than ₹1, and your cooler might just start performing like an AC.
Basic Cooler Benefits
Before diving into the trick, it’s worth remembering why air coolers are still preferred by millions. They use very little electricity compared to ACs, are easier to maintain, and are effective especially in dry weather conditions. But their cooling efficiency depends heavily on water temperature, airflow, and external humidity.
Adding ice to the water tank is a well-known method. But what if we told you that adding salt with ice could supercharge your cooler’s effect even more?
The ₹1 Salt Trick
Here’s the technique: add 2 to 3 teaspoons of regular salt into the cooler tank along with your ice cubes. This method works based on a simple scientific principle called freezing point depression. When salt is mixed with ice, it lowers the temperature at which water freezes, causing the ice to melt faster while absorbing more heat from the surrounding water and air.
This process chills the water more deeply and rapidly. As this super-chilled water circulates through the cooler’s pads, the fan blows much colder air into the room. The result? Noticeably lower room temperature in just a few minutes. Some users even say they feel like they’re sitting in a hill station.
How It Works
When salt is added to ice:
- It lowers the freezing point of water
- Ice starts melting rapidly
- The melting process absorbs more heat
- Cooler water temperature drops below normal levels
- The cooler fan pushes this extra cold air through pads into your room
This creates a noticeable chill compared to just using plain ice or cold water. In dry regions like Rajasthan or central India, where evaporative coolers perform best, this method can be especially effective.
Real Benefits
Here’s what makes the salt-ice hack a must-try for cooler users:
- Budget-friendly: Salt costs almost nothing and is available in every kitchen
- Fast cooling: Temperature drops are noticeable within minutes
- No extra electricity: Unlike ACs, the cooler’s power usage doesn’t increase
- Eco-friendly: No harmful gases, no heavy maintenance
- Perfect for dry climates: Helps cool large rooms even in peak afternoon heat
If you’ve felt your cooler just isn’t cutting it during this summer, this ₹1 fix might be the smartest upgrade you try all season.
Important Precautions
While the hack works, there are a few things to keep in mind before making it your daily habit:
- Avoid overuse: Using too much salt can corrode metal parts inside the cooler, especially the pump
- Use regular or rock salt in moderation: Stick to 2–3 teaspoons per full tank of water
- Clean your cooler weekly: Salt residue can build up over time. A quick rinse once a week will keep it running smooth
- Don’t let salt sit too long: If water sits still in the tank overnight with salt, drain it and refill with fresh water in the morning
These simple precautions will help you enjoy chilled air without damaging your machine.
When and Where to Use
This method works best in the following scenarios:
- Dry summer months: Works more efficiently when humidity is low
- Midday or afternoon use: Use when heat levels peak
- During power cuts: Helps make the most of limited electricity
- Smaller rooms or bedrooms: Cools faster in smaller enclosed spaces
This trick won’t be as effective in very humid regions like coastal areas during monsoon, where moisture in the air makes evaporation slower.
Final Thoughts
You don’t need to buy expensive devices or increase your electricity bills to stay cool. A simple kitchen item like salt, when used with ice, can turn your regular cooler into a surprisingly powerful cooling system. This smart hack leverages science without needing fancy equipment or added power.
Try it once, and you may find yourself grabbing a blanket by evening even in peak summer. Just be sure to follow the guidelines and keep your cooler clean. With this easy method, your home can feel like Shimla without the need for AC or high power costs.
