As one of the sunniest cities in the world, you can count on scorching heat waves in Perth.
Using an evaporative air conditioning unit is one of the most effective ways to stay cool on hot summer days in Australia.
Here, we’ll look at how evaporative cooling works, the benefits of evaporative aircon systems, and FAQs about evaporative aircon so you can decide if this popular cooling option is right for your home or business.
Advantages of Evaporative Cooling
Evaporative air conditioning offers a variety of benefits, including:
- Releases air that is completely fresh and never recirculated
- Eco-friendly and free of harmful synthetic refrigerants (as opposed to refrigerated systems that rely on greenhouse gasses and chemicals to operate)
- Easy to maintain and operate
- Improved indoor air quality
- Extremely efficient
- Low operating costs
- Can slightly increase the moisture content of the air inside your home, a benefit for individuals who get dry cracked skin or find it difficult to breathe in a dry environment
- Quiet operation (especially certain brands such as Breezair)
- More affordable than a ducted aircon system
- No need to zone rooms
- Ideal for Perth’s hot, dry climate
How Does Evaporative Cooling Work?
Evaporative air cooling works similarly to how the human body regulates temperature. When we get too hot, we sweat. This moisture on the skin evaporates, resulting in a lower body temperature.
Evaporative cooling is based on this natural process of evaporation and involves three simple steps:
- The evaporative aircon unit uses a ventilation fan to draw warm air in from the outside and pass it through wet filter pads
- Evaporation begins and causes heat to be expelled, resulting in cooler air
- The ventilation fan delivers the cooled air to the room
Evaporative Cooling vs Split Systems vs Ducted Air Conditioners
Evaporative air conditioners rely on water and evaporation to help decrease room temperatures by roughly 20 to 25 degrees Celsius. Ducted and split air conditioners use refrigerant gasses and a chemical process to cool the air and provide powerful performance.
Many air conditioners use reverse cycle technology that allows them to both heats and cools the air in your home. Evaporative aircon units are only capable of providing cooling.
Split air conditioners involve both an outdoor and indoor unit that works in conjunction to regulate the temperature in your home. Split air conditioners utilise refrigerant gas to remove hot air and cool down incoming airflow.
Ducted air conditioners are cooled through a system of ducts installed throughout a home or business. Reverse ducted air conditioners can both cool or heat indoor air. In summer, refrigerant gasses cool the outside air. During the colder months, it warms up outdoor air before pumping it into your home to keep you cosy.
If desired, an evaporative air conditioner can be installed as a ducted system. This requires the unit to be installed on the roof for optimal airflow. Ducted evaporative air conditioners draw hot air in through cooling pads, create evaporation, and pump cooled air into the home through the duct system.
Are Evaporative Coolers Cost-Effective?
Yes, evaporative air conditioners are very cost-effective. Evaporative air conditioners operate more efficiently than traditional air conditioning units.
Along with costing less initially (usually up to half the cost of window-type air conditioners), evaporative aircon units are also energy efficient and more eco-friendly than traditional units.
The installation process and maintenance for evaporative cooling are also cheaper and less complicated than other air conditioning systems. There is no need for compressors, zoning rooms, or ductwork, making evaporative aircon units straightforward, efficient, and simple to install.
Is Evaporative Air Conditioning Good for Asthmatics?
Millions of Australians live with asthma, with this number projected to jump to around three million by the year 2030. Did you know the air inside your home can be more polluted than the air outside? This makes indoor air quality a significant concern for individuals with allergies or asthma.
This is where evaporative cooling surpasses alternative air conditioning methods. Since evaporative aircon units pull fresh air from outside the home rather than recirculating the air, it brings in a consistent supply of cleaner air. The wet cooling pads also help filter out allergens, pollen, pet dander, and other irritants that can aggravate allergies or asthma.
How to Service an Evaporative Air Conditioner
Looking for an evaporative air conditioning service? That is one of our specialties here at Provista Plumbing & Gas. Regularly servicing your evaporative aircon unit can significantly increase its performance and lifespan, helping you stay cooler for longer.
We recommend evaporative air conditioner service at least once a year, especially in Perth where units are used almost daily. Some newer models may only need to be serviced once every couple of years. We also recommend hanging on to the manual for future reference.
Our team of experts can evaluate your evaporative aircon system and advise you on the ideal service schedule for your unit’s specific make, age, usage frequency, and model.
Evaporative Air Conditioner Installation
Installation is a simple process for portable, smaller units. Since they require a nearby window to supply a consistent stream of air, we recommend installing your evaporative aircon unit close to a window.
If you opt for a ducted evaporative cooler, ducts and vents need to be added, making the installation process far more extensive.
Our certified tradesmen do more than just install evaporative aircon units — we also take your old system away so you have zero hassle to worry about!
Want to Learn More About Evaporative Air Conditioner Service or Installation?
At Provista Plumbing & Gas, we are dedicated to helping you beat the heat, even on the hottest summer days. We’re experts on all facets of evaporative air conditioning and have been helping Perth homes and businesses stay cool for over 12 years. Our fully certified tradesmen service and repair all major makes and models throughout the entire Perth metro area, including Freo, Joondalup, and more.
If your evaporative aircon unit needs servicing or if you are interested in an evaporative aircon install, contact our friendly team and we’ll be glad to help. We can make sure your current evaporative aircon unit is running properly or help guide you through the process of selecting the ideal evaporative cooling system for your home or business.