The Pros and Cons of the Different Home Cooling Systems
A single home cooling systemscan cost thousands of dollars. You may want to carefully check what system works best for your home and your family’s needs, and what system suits your budget.
Contrary to popular belief, your choice of home cooling system need not be the best in the market. The best, sometimes, can only be an unnecessary expense. Even the average cooling system can meet all of your requirements. What’s important is that it suits your needs.
Cooling Systems Pros and Cons
Always consider the following pros and cons of the different home cooling systems in the market to find out what is best for you.
Evaporative cooling system
The use of this system is a growing trend among households and businesses. It provides comfortably cool temperatures without the hefty cost of the unit, its maintenance costs, and its electric consumption. It is not the most efficient system in the market, but it is reliable and usually enough to meet the cooling needs of an average Australian family.
How does evaporative cooling systems work?
An evaporative cooler usually needs to be loaded with water or ice, which acts as the cooling agent. The unit absorbs warm air from the environment and let it pass through a cooling filter pads. This warm air is released back into the house as cold air to lower the temperature and dehumidify the stale air at the same time.
Unlike air conditioning units, evaporative coolers can be used with the doors and windows open. In fact, many consumers prefer to use their units this way during the hot summer months because it allows the fresh air to fill the house and at the same time, release bad odors and the stale air.
Pros of cooling systems:
- Less electricity is used – You can save up to 80% on your monthly bill by shifting to evaporative coolers from air conditioners. The consumption of every unit also normally stays the same regardless of the size of the area being covered.
- Fresh air is delivered – The evaporative cooler can guarantee fresh air when the air is allowed to flow from the outside to the inside of the house. Some types of cooling humidifiers can also be used as air freshener by adding a few drops of essential oil to the water or ice in the compartment.
- The unit, installation, and maintenance are more affordable – An evaporative cooler can be bought for half the price of an air conditioner. Moreover, there is practically no need for installation, while the maintenance can be easily performed without technical know-how.
- The air can be filtered for an allergy- and asthma-free environment –Most evaporative coolers now use HEPA filters to make sure that all pollens, allergens, dust, dirt, and airborne particles in the air are filtered. This is a perfect yet affordable option for families with asthma and allergies.
- Dormant air is replaced every two to five minutes – This is the time needed to replace the stale and stagnant air inside the house with fresher, cooler air.
Cons of cooling system:
- The floor coverage is smaller – Evaporative coolers can only cover up to 14 square meters efficiently. An area larger than that may need an additional unit.
- Cooling is less efficient – On average, an evaporative cooler can only lower the temperature down to 30 degrees. There are new but more expensive models though, that can lower the temperature down to 27 degrees.
Air Conditioning Cooling System
Many websites mistakenly classify evaporative cooling as air conditioning, but they use completely different cooling methods and principles.
Evaporative cooling filters warm air, reducing its temperature. However, it doesn’t truly condition the air in a room.
Air conditioning changes the molecular structure of air using condensation and cooling coils before releasing it into a room.
This process is more advanced, which is why air conditioners cost more and consume more electricity than evaporative systems.
Wall Split (Split-Type) Air Conditioning
Wall split systems have two parts: an outside fan unit and an indoor unit mounted on the room’s wall.
Drain pipes and electric cables connect both units through the wall during installation.
Pros:
Cooling is efficient – It’s the most efficient air conditioning system, capable of reducing indoor temperatures down to 17 degrees.
The delivered air is clean and fresh – Outdoor air is filtered through the compressor; some brands use nano-tech to kill bacteria.
It reaches inner rooms – This system cools even rooms far from any windows or exterior walls.
Cons:
The price is usually in the mid-high range – It includes two units and sometimes advanced filtration or air-purifying features.
Installing the unit may require professional service – Proper installation is essential to connect units and prevent pipe leakage.
Ducted Reverse Cycle (Centralized Air Conditioning)
This system also uses split-type cooling principles but supports multiple units via ceiling ducts to cool several rooms simultaneously.
It also functions as a heating system (HVAC), making it a versatile climate solution for homes.
Pros:
Cooling is also efficient – Central systems offer similar cooling performance as wall split systems with broader coverage.
Every unit can be multifunctional – These systems can provide both heating and cooling throughout the house.
Its coverage is the largest – It cools the entire home, provided the duct network reaches all rooms and corners.
The unit is non-obstructive – All components are installed in the ceiling, keeping the system invisible inside living areas.
Cons:
This type is the most expensive – Equipment and installation costs are high, often reaching thousands of dollars.
The installation should always be done by professionals – It requires ceiling modifications and specialized HVAC expertise.
Controlling the distribution of cold air is usually limited – Without separate thermostats, temperature control in individual rooms is difficult.
