The heat dissipation method of air coolers refers to the primary methods by which the device releases heat. In thermodynamics, heat dissipation is the transfer of heat, and the primary methods of heat transfer include three: conduction, convection, and radiation. This can occur through the substance itself or when substances come into contact with each other.

Energy transfer is referred to as heat conduction, which is a common method of heat transfer. Heat convection refers to the method of heat transfer where active fluids (gases or liquids) carry away heat.

Common in heat dissipation systems is the "forced heat convection" method, which involves the movement of gases driven by cooling fans. Heat radiation refers to the transfer of heat through ray radiation, with the most common example being solar radiation. These three heat dissipation methods are not isolated; in everyday heat transfer, they all occur and function together.

In reality, regardless of the type of air cooler, the three heat transfer methods mentioned above are generally used together, with varying emphases.