Beginners guide to evaporative air conditioners

In this beginners guide to evaporative air conditioners, we explore how evaporative coolers work as a clever way to cool air using water. The main principle of evaporative cooling is simple: as water evaporates within the system, it absorbs heat energy, leading to a drop in temperature. With the rising cost of keeping properties cool, installing an evaporative air conditioner offers an energy-efficient solution to reduce daily cooling expenses while enhancing comfort throughout your home. To find out more about how we can help you, visit our evaporative cooling page.

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How do evaporative coolers work?

The process for evaporative cooling is simple; the air conditioning unit uses evaporation to cool as a pump circulates the water onto a cooling pad where the fan draws air from the outside of the unit via a moist pad. As the air passes the pad the air is completely cooled by evaporation.

Evaporative coolers are ideal for the Australian climate and are energy efficient and high performance. The natural cooling principles of evaporative air conditioners make the systems a reliable and sustainable option for homes and commercial properties.

What’s the difference between an air conditioner and an evaporative air conditioner?

There are considerable differences between evaporative air conditioning versus ducted and reverse cycle air conditioning units. We’ve outlined a few of the benefits of evaporative air conditioners compared to traditional air conditioners to help you get a better understanding of the benefits.

Lower purchase price and overall running costs

Evaporative air conditioners are available for a fraction of the cost of refrigerated units and also come with big savings on running costs.

Evaporative air conditioning units use a great deal less power than traditional units and can be left on for extended lengths of time a fraction of the price. Some estimates state that evaporative air conditioners are up to 50% cheaper than ducted and reverse cycle air conditioning systems making their lower purchase price a massive factor in the decision making process for some homeowners.

Reduced maintenance costs

The cost of maintaining and servicing evaporative air conditioners is a small proportion compared to a ducted or reverse cycle air conditioning unit. There is no compressor and the majority of the parts for most evaporative air conditioning systems are cheap to purchase.

Fresh air versus recirculated air

Traditional air conditioners recycle indoor air, conditioning it repeatedly within a home or commercial space.

Evaporative air conditioning units push fresh, filtered outdoor air into your home instead of reusing stale indoor air.

They deliver crisp, cool air that feels fresh—not recycled—which is a key benefit of evaporative air conditioning systems.

These systems automatically clean their filter panels while operating, maintaining freshness without using refrigerant gases or heavy mechanical conditioning.

No need to zone your home

Ducted or reverse cycle systems need zoning for best performance and efficiency across different rooms in your home.

Evaporative air conditioners have low running costs, allowing you to cool your whole home without zoning or energy concerns.

They run at a fraction of the cost of traditional systems, removing heat efficiently without high electricity bills.

As long as your system is correctly sized, evaporative air conditioning is a simple and cost-effective ducted cooling alternative.

Environmentally friendly

Evaporative air conditioning units have a lower peak energy usage and lower greenhouse gas production making it a friendlier option than many alternatives. In an age where energy efficiency is a major factor in homes this is a huge benefit for eco housing and home focused on energy efficiency.

Suitable for people with allergies

Individuals with allergies often prefer evaporative air conditioning due to a lower risk of triggering allergic reactions.

These systems use filtering processes that remove substances traditional air conditioners often miss, helping people with allergies or asthma feel better.

Moist pads inside evaporative air conditioners trap more dust and pollen, acting as highly efficient air filters.

This makes evaporative systems ideal for those suffering from seasonal or year-round allergies and asthma-related issues.

Evaporative cooling does not cause dry or itchy eyes or skin, unlike many refrigerated systems.

Instead, it provides a natural-feeling indoor environment with no stale, icy air blowing through your home.

Evaporative vs Traditional Cooling

While both systems cool your space, evaporative air conditioners offer clear advantages over traditional air conditioning units.

They cost less to run, support better air quality, and consistently circulate fresh outdoor air throughout your property.

These benefits make them ideal for allergy sufferers, families, and anyone wanting cleaner, more breathable indoor air.

If you want affordable and efficient cooling, evaporative air conditioners are a fantastic choice for fresh, filtered, and cost-effective comfort.