6 Reasons To Choose Evaporative Air Conditioning

Outdoor unit of an evaporative air conditioning system installed on the roof of a house.

It’s no secret that the hot and dry summers in Australia can get quite intense, which is why evaporative air conditioning is so popular in certain regions of the country.

Ideally suited to areas with relatively low humidity levels, evaporative cooling uses the power of water evaporation to cool the air. Ultimately, it’s an environmentally friendly and energy-efficient alternative to conventional air con solutions.

There are numerous benefits to using evaporative air conditioning in your home. Let’s take a look at them in more detail, and discover why evaporative air conditioners can be such a smart choice for Australian homeowners.

1. It’s Highly Energy Efficient

For an energy-efficient way to enjoy cooled air throughout your whole home, consider a ducted evaporative cooling system. Unlike refrigerated air con systems that use a refrigerant and compressor to deliver cool air, evaporative coolers use the natural process of water evaporation to reduce the indoor air temperature. As the system only uses energy to power the fan and pump, and doesn’t provide heating functions, it offers a much more energy-efficient solution.

Red tiled house roof with solar panels and an evaporative air conditioning unit installed toward the back.

Australian manufacturer Seeley International suggests that, with an evaporative cooling system, energy consumption may be even up to 80% less than with refrigerated air conditioning. This makes evaporative coolers an appealing choice for homeowners seeking a cost-effective and environmentally-friendly cooling solution.

2. Evaporative Air Conditioners are Environmentally Friendly

Using an evaporative air conditioner impacts the environment considerably less than a refrigerated air con system. The use of refrigerants as the cooling agent means that the emitted greenhouse gases can add to the diminishing of the ozone layer, and therefore contribute to global warming. By comparison, evaporative air conditioning uses water as its main cooling agent, which is a more eco-friendly option.

Additionally, as the energy consumption of an evaporative air conditioner is comparatively lower, it produces no carbon emissions. Again, this further reduces the impact on the environment. This makes an evaporative system a far more sustainable and environmentally responsible option for homeowners wanting to minimise their carbon footprint.

3. Evaporative Air Conditioning is Cost Effective

Compared to conventional refrigerated air conditioning, evaporative air conditioning systems can often be more cost-effective. This can be for a variety of reasons. As we looked at earlier, an evaporative system requires less energy as it has fewer components to power – generally just the water pump and the . This also typically makes standard installation and maintenance less expensive as well.

On top of this, the absence of refrigerants used to cool the air reduces overall running costs over the system’s lifespan, as it doesn’t require professional handling and disposal.

Australian dollar currency, showing fifty dollar, twenty dollar and five dollar note as well as a one dollar coin.

Consumer website Choice provides a comparison of the running costs of an evaporative cooling system and a traditional medium-sized air conditioner. They claim that the average evaporative cooler costs between $200 and $300 a year to run, while a refrigerated air con system typically costs between $400 and $500 a year.

All in all, this makes a ducted evaporative air conditioner highly attractive to Aussie customers wanting the comfort of a cooling system at a relatively affordable price.

4. You Can Say Goodbye to Stale Air

Evaporative air conditioning can help improve the general air quality of your indoor living space. It draws fresh air, often hot air, from outside. That hot air passes through cooling pads inside the unit; pads that are moistened with water from a tank located at the base of the unit. As the warm air moves through the cooling pads, the water evaporates and cools the air which then gets circulated throughout the ducting in your home.

Blonde woman relaxing on bed with a breakfast beside her.

But the process doesn’t just simply replace stale air with fresh air. It’s also helpful in reducing the accumulated airborne pollutants, unwanted smells and allergens lurking indoors. This could be everything from cooking odours to dust particles.

For people in your home with allergies or respiratory problems, this can be a big win. Ultimately, an evaporative air conditioner delivers consistent ventilation and air circulation – just be sure to have doors and windows open to make that possible!

5. Enjoy Effective Humidity Control

In addition to providing clean, fresh air, evaporative air conditioning can increase the moisture content in the air as well. This is particularly great for people who suffer from:

  • Respiratory problems
  • Asthma
  • Dry skin, and
  • Eye irritation

among other conditions, as dry climates with low humidity have the potential to exacerbate those issues. The cooling process used by evaporative air conditioning systems helps to boost moisture levels and provide natural humidity control.

Getting the humidity balanced just right inside – you don’t want it too dry, but you don’t want it too damp either – can help to reduce incidences of dry skin, eye irritation and respiratory issues. On top of that, it can also help safeguard wood furniture and flooring, minimise static electricity, and create a more comfortable living environment.

6. Evaporative Air Conditioning Systems are Low Maintenance

Evaporative air conditioning systems offer the much-valued benefit of relatively easy maintenance. Compared to refrigerated air conditioning systems with their many moving parts and need for professional handling, ducted evaporative air coolers have fewer components. It makes them considerably easier to operate and maintain.

For many evaporative cooler models, cleaning and maintenance is straightforward and accessible, enabling easy removal and cleaning of the cooling pads and filters.

Brush cleaning the duct of an air conditioning system.

Furthermore, as evaporative air conditioning uses water as the primary cooling agent, it is easy to detect any leaks that might require repair. The overall ease of the system offers an appealing home cooling choice for those looking for a low-maintenance solution that doesn’t require specialist training or equipment for upkeep.

Summary of Evaporative Air Conditioner Benefits

All in all, evaporative cooling can be a highly effective cooling solution for your home. However, it’s important to reiterate that it won’t be for everyone – in areas of Australia with high levels of humidity, an evaporative air conditioner will essentially be ineffective as it is too humid for the process of evaporation to take place.

For those in regions where the air is drier and less humid, homeowners can benefit from:

  • Greater energy efficiency
  • A more environmentally friendly system
  • Lower running costs
  • Better quality indoor air
  • Effective humidity control
  • The need for less intensive maintenance

If you’re considering a cooling solution for your home, it’s worth exploring the many benefits of evaporative air conditioning.

Please note: This information is provided for advice purposes only. Regulations differ from state to state, so please consult your local authorities or an industry professional before proceeding with any work. See our Terms & Conditions here.

Last Edited on: 17th February 2023