A mathematical model has been developed to evaluate the relative thermal performance of a building coupled with an indirect or direct evaporative cooler. Using periodic analysis for taking into account thermal storage of building envelope, explicit expressions have been obtained for room air temperature and room air humidity. For comparing their performance under different climatic conditions, numerical calculations have been made taking meteorological parameters for a typical day for Delhi (composite climate), Jodhpur (hot-dry climate) and Madras (hot-humid climate). It is found that the indirect evaporative cooler is a more effective and energy efficient system than the air-conditioner; it can hence be commercially used for computer and electronic exchange applications as well as for human comfort in a variety of climatic conditions; whereas direct evaporative cooler has limited use (only in hot-dry and composite climates).