Benefits of Using Evaporative Cooling for Your Home

Evaporative cooling, a centuries-old concept, is suddenly back in fashion.

As homeowners increasingly seek energy-efficient solutions to keep their homes cool on sweltering summer days, the trusty evaporative cooler is grabbing the spotlight and is often posited as an attractive alternative to traditional air conditioning systems.

So, are evaporative coolers any good? Is evaporative cooling efficient as air conditioning? In this blog post, we’ll answer these questions and draw the curtain on some of the major perks of evaporative cooling.

Understanding The Benefits of Using Evaporative Cooling

Understanding how evaporative cooling works lays the foundation for appreciating it. Unlike air conditioners that recirculate cooled, recycled air, an evaporative cooling system works by taking in hot air from outside and running it over water-soaked pads in the cooling unit.

This initiates the evaporative cooling process, thus the name evaporative coolers. As the warm air contacts the moist cooling pads, the water evaporates, absorbing heat and naturally dropping the air temperature. This cooled moist air is then distributed throughout the house, replacing the stuffy indoor air with cool, fresh air.

• A Breath of Fresh Air

Delving deeper into the comparison between evaporative cooling and air conditioning, one clear advantage emanates from the former. Unlike traditional air conditioning systems which recirculate the same air, evaporative cooling systems offer a continuous supply of fresh air.

With evaporative cooling, each gust of air that breezes through your home is a constant influx of fresh, outdoor air. This distinct characteristic of the evaporative cooling process helps significantly improve indoor air quality, creating a healthier and more comfortable living environment.

• Uninterrupted Ventilation and Air Flow

One of the striking benefits of evaporative cooling rests in the regular flow of fresh air it furnishes. Traditional air conditioning systems demand homes be sealed, with windows and doors shut to maintain the cool temperature inside. On the contrary, evaporative cooling systems work optimally when windows and doors are left open, ensuring a constant circulation of fresh outdoor air.

This attribute fosters healthier living conditions by continuously ventilating your home and replacing stale indoor air with clean air from the outdoors. It deals with “sick building syndrome” arising from excessive indoor pollutants and stale air, often experienced in tightly sealed homes.

• Creating a Comfortable Humidity Level

An evaporative air cooler can also contribute to creating a cosy humidity level, especially in hot and dry climates. As they operate, evaporative coolers add moisture to the air. This makes them especially well-suited for areas with low humidity where the air can become uncomfortably dry.

However, remember that evaporative coolers might not perform optimally in places with a high level of humidity. In such conditions, the capacity for the air to absorb additional moisture reduces, which can limit the cooling effect.

• Energy Efficiency and Running Costs

Another critical answer to how “good” evaporative coolers are hinges on their running costs and energy usage. Do evaporative coolers use a lot of electricity? Definitively, no. One of the most compelling benefits of evaporative cooling systems is their energy efficiency.

These systems use less electricity than traditional air conditioning units as they don’t rely on chemical refrigerants or compressors. Because of their direct evaporative cooling process, they mainly require power for the water pump and fans. This can translate to significant cost savings on your electricity tariff over time, curbing both your energy consumption and carbon footprint.

• Environmentally Friendly

The green facet of evaporative cooling is yet another reason to applaud its use. Unlike conventional air conditioning systems which utilise refrigerant, evaporative coolers rely purely on water and the evaporative process for cooling.

These systems have zero ozone-depleting potential and significantly less greenhouse gas emissions compared to their traditional counterparts. Hence, an evaporative cooler doesn’t just keep your house cool but also helps to keep the planet cool. This makes evaporative cooling a top choice for those seeking an environmentally friendly cooling solution.

• Extended Lifespan

Compared with traditional air conditioning units, evaporative coolers typically have a longer lifespan, making them a smart long-term investment. This longer life expectancy can be attributed to their less complex design which consists of only a few moving parts.

Regular maintenance performed by professionals can even further extend this lifespan, ensuring you enjoy the benefits of your cooling system for many years to come.

• Quiet Operation

Evaporative coolers have a reputation for producing less noise compared to traditional systems. These coolers function by directing air over wet filter pads, a process that is much quieter than the compressor and fan operation of traditional air conditioning systems.

The quiet operation of evaporative coolers makes them particularly ideal for bedroom use or in any setting where reducing noise can enhance comfort and productivity.

• Enhanced Overall Comfort

Evaporative cooling systems imbue a different feel compared to conventional air-conditioners, which can sometimes create an uncomfortably cold and dry atmosphere inside. When an evaporative cooling air conditioner runs, it imparts a pleasingly cool, slightly moist air that can be perceived as more comfortable in hot, dry weather.

By maintaining an optimal indoor humidity level, evaporative cooling systems can also help fend off ailments associated with dry air, such as dry skin, throat irritation, allergies, and breathing difficulties.

Inconveniences with Evaporative Cooling

While evaporative cooling is a popular and energy-efficient choice for cooling homes in hot and dry climates, there are also several disadvantages associated with it. Here are some of the drawbacks of using evaporative cooling to consider:

• Limited cooling capacity – One of the significant drawbacks of evaporative cooling systems is their limited cooling capacity, especially in comparison to traditional air conditioning systems. Evaporative cooling works by using the process of evaporating water to lower the air temperature and create cool air. However, this cooling effect is less effective at higher humidity levels or during periods of high heat loads, like heat waves.
• Limited cooling zones – Ducted evaporative cooling systems have limited options for creating different cooling zones within the home. This means that users may not be able to cool specific rooms or spaces, particularly those that are not connected to the main ducted evaporative system.
• Ineffectiveness in high humidity – Evaporative coolers and evaporative cooling systems rely on dry air to work efficiently. In areas with higher humidity, evaporative cooling may not provide enough cooling power to keep the indoor air temperature comfortable, leaving occupants feeling warm and sticky. People living in more humid areas may need to invest in a refrigerated air conditioning system to achieve the desired level of cooling.
• Open windows and doors – For optimal performance, evaporative cooling systems require a constant supply of fresh air to pass through the home. This means that windows and doors need to be open to allow the indoor air to be replaced with cooler outdoor air. This might not always be ideal, particularly in residential areas where noise, security concerns, or allergies are an issue.
• Water consumption – Evaporative coolers and ducted evaporative cooling systems consume a significant amount of water to cool the air. This can have an impact on water usage and the user’s water costs, especially in areas where water is scarce or expensive.
• Frequent maintenance – Evaporative coolers and evaporative cooling systems often require more frequent maintenance than traditional air conditioners. The cooling pads need to be cleaned or replaced regularly, the water pump checked, and the filter pads replaced to ensure optimal performance. Additionally, the water level in the cooling unit needs to be monitored, and the outdoor air should be filtered to prolong the life of the evaporative cooling system. This can result in higher running costs for homeowners.
• Energy efficiency – While evaporative cooling is generally more energy efficient than traditional air conditioning systems, it still uses a significant amount of electricity. How cost-effective an evaporative cooling system is will rely on the electricity tariff, running costs, and energy efficiency of the cooling system. Additionally, on very hot days, the cooling effect of the evaporative cooling systems may not be as significant, ultimately increasing the energy consumption to maintain a comfortable temperature inside the home.

It is essential to weigh up the benefits and drawbacks of evaporative cooling before deciding if it is the right choice for your home.

While evaporative cooling can be an energy-efficient and cost-effective option in hot and dry climates, there are disadvantages in terms of cooling capacity, maintenance, water consumption, and effectiveness in higher humidity conditions that need to be considered.

The Importance of Professional Guidance

Though the concept of evaporative cooling may seem simple, installing and maintaining an evaporative cooling system is a task best left to professionals.

Whether it’s ensuring the optimal installation position at the roof ridgeline or careful calibration to match the heat load, professional expertise is key in experiencing the full benefits of evaporative cooling and ensuring the longevity of your system.

Apart from installation, regular maintenance of your evaporative cooler, such as changing the cooling pads, cleaning and adjusting the water pump and more, is recommended for optimal performance. This is where regular professional servicing becomes essential.

1. Skill and experience: Professionals in evaporative cooling are well-equipped with the necessary knowledge and hands-on experience in installation, servicing, and repair tasks. Their proficiency can ensure your evaporative cooler is set up accurately and functions efficiently, providing the optimal cooling effect and energy efficiency.
2. Spotting and fixing issues promptly: With regular maintenance by professionals, potential issues can be detected and rectified before they evolve into serious problems. Such preventative maintenance can prolong the cooling unit’s lifespan and ensure you receive cool fresh air uninterrupted during scorching summer days.
3. Proper configuration: Correct installation and configuration are crucial for the optimal performance of evaporative cooling systems. Professionals can customise settings to suit your home’s specific cooling needs and match the local climate, enabling your system to deliver smooth, optimal cooling.
4. Safety assurance: An improperly installed or serviced cooling system might pose a risk to your home and its occupants. By assigning these tasks to professionals, you ensure all safety precautions are enacted, and potential hazards are skirted.
5. Time and cost efficiency: While DIY installation and servicing may seem to save costs initially, improper set-up or unnoticed flaws could lead to energy inefficiencies or subsequent, more expensive repairs. Hiring a professional can potentially save you significant time and money in the long run.
6. Guidance and advice: Beyond installation and maintenance, professionals can offer valuable advice and tips to help you maximise the benefits of your cooling system. Whether it’s ideas for improving energy efficiency or guidance on handling minor issues, this expert advice can prove immensely beneficial.
7. Peace of mind: Above all, hiring professionals for your evaporative cooler installation and upkeep gifts you peace of mind. Knowing experts have your back lets you enjoy the fresh cool air with ease and assurance, devoid of worries or uncertainties.

To summarise, the significance of hiring professionals for the installation, service, and maintenance of your ducted evaporative cooler can’t be overstated. The expertise and knowledge they bring to the table make them invaluable companions in your journey towards a cooler, fresher, and more comfortable home.

Is Evaporative Air Conditioning Worth It?

In answering whether evaporative coolers are worth it, it’s clear that these devices present a viable, energy-efficient alternative to traditional air conditioning systems. Most notably, they boast lower operating costs, improved indoor air quality, and the added benefit of a more comfortable humidity level in dry climates.

That said, also keep in mind the minor drawbacks of evaporative cooling systems, which include regular maintenance and the unit’s ability to function in high-humidity locations.

Ultimately, if you dwell in a hot, dry climate and wish to enjoy fresh and cooled air with fewer strains on your wallet and the environment, an evaporative air conditioner may indeed be a splendid pick. However, it’s paramount to seek professional advice tailored to your unique circumstances to genuinely benefit from this delightful breath of fresh air.

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.