Is evaporative cooling cheaper than refrigerated air conditioning?

Yes, evaporative coolers are significantly cheaper to run. They typically use up to 80% less electricity than refrigerated reverse cycle systems because they only power a fan and a small water pump, rather than a heavy compressor.

Do I need to leave windows open?

Yes. Unlike refrigerated AC which requires a sealed room, evaporative cooling relies on airflow. You must leave windows or doors slightly open to allow the hot air to escape as the cool air enters.

Does evaporative cooling work in Canberra's climate?

Canberra's climate is ideal for evaporative cooling because it is generally hot and dry in summer. Evaporative systems perform best in low humidity environments.

Evaporative Cooling Installation Canberra | Low Running Costs

Q: How does evaporative cooling work?

A roof-mounted unit draws in hot, dry outside air and passes it through water-saturated filter pads. The water evaporates, naturally cooling the air, which is then pushed through ducts into your home. This process pushes warm, stale air out through open windows.

Why Canberra Homes Choose Evaporative Cooling

Evaporative cooling is tailored for dry climates like Canberra. Unlike refrigerated air conditioning which recycles the same air, evaporative systems replace the stale air in your home with 100% fresh, filtered, and naturally cooled air every few minutes.

We supply and install leading brands including Bonaire, Braemar, Brivis, and Coolair, ensuring your system is built to withstand the tough Australian summer.

How Does Evaporative Cooling Work?

As the name suggests, the process relies on water evaporation. A rooftop unit pulls hot, dry outside air through water-saturated cooling pads. As the air passes through these wet pads, the water evaporates, absorbing heat and significantly lowering the air temperature. This cool breeze is then distributed via ducting throughout your home.

Important Note: For this system to work effectively, you must leave windows or doors partially open. This allows the warm air to be pushed out as the fresh cool air flows in.

Key Benefits

Massive Energy Savings: Save up to 80% on running costs compared to refrigerated ducted systems.
Healthier Air: Ideal for allergy and asthma sufferers as it constantly filters out dust and pollen while bringing in fresh air.
Eco-Friendly: Uses water as a refrigerant, emitting significantly less CO2 and no harmful CFC gases.

Evaporative vs. Refrigerated Cooling

Which system is right for your budget?

Feature	Evaporative Cooling	Refrigerated Cooling
Running Costs	Low	High
Fresh Air	100% Fresh Air	Recirculated Air
Doors/Windows	Must be Open	Must be Closed
Performance in Humidity	Reduced Efficiency	Consistent

Servicing & Maintenance

Like all HVAC systems, evaporative coolers require regular maintenance to prevent mould build-up and ensure hygiene. We recommend an annual service to clean the pads, check the water pump, and ensure the unit is draining correctly. Book a service here.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does evaporative cooling work effectively in Canberra?

Yes. Evaporative cooling relies on evaporation, which works best in hot, dry climates. Canberra's dry summer heat makes it the perfect environment for these systems to operate at peak efficiency.

How much cheaper is it to run?

Very. Because the only moving parts are a fan and a water pump (no high-energy compressor), you can expect running costs to be roughly 1/5th to 1/8th the cost of a ducted refrigerated system.

What happens on humid days?

On extremely humid or rainy days, the cooling efficiency decreases because the air is already saturated with moisture, making evaporation harder. However, in Canberra, high-humidity days in summer are rare.