In this study, a two-dimensional numerical model of finned-tube type adsorbers was developed and used to examine heat recovery time to improve the performance of an adsorption cooling system. The optimal heat recovery time, which resulted in the highest COP, was determined for a range of heat source temperatures (60–90 ∘ ∘C) and cycle times (600–1200s). The introduced heat recovery process enhanced COP, but also reduced SCP. This penalty became more serious when the hot water temperature was low and cycle time was short, which serves as a guideline for when heat recovery should be adopted in a given operating condition.