Keeping yourself, and your house, cool for the summer is a top priority for many Australians. By far the most cost-effective and budget-friendly option for your cooling needs is an evaporative cooler. 

If you’re looking to beat the summer heat with an evaporative air cooling system then there’s some information that we’ve found to help you choose the best service for your needs. Read on to learn more about evaporative air conditioning services including:

• What is an evaporative air conditioner?
• Benefits of an evaporative air conditioner 
• How much does an evaporative air conditioner cost?
• How do I find an evaporative air conditioning service?
• Getting quotes for evaporative air conditioning services

What is an evaporative air cooler?

An evaporative air cooler is one of the ways that you can keep your house comfortable on hot days. They cool by evaporating water and using the cold vapour to lower the temperature of your home. 

Evaporative cooling as a method has been around since the bronze age and is still used today. Modern evaporative coolers pull warm air from outside and filter it through wet pads in the head unit. The warm air evaporates the water in the pads which cools and humidifies the air before the system circulates the cooled air throughout your house using vents and ducts. 

Benefits of evaporative cooling systems

There’s a reason evaporative air coolers are still in use so long after their invention and that’s because they are still one of the best systems to cool your home. With an evaporative air conditioner comes a slew of benefits including:

Lower energy bills

The biggest benefit of choosing an evaporative air conditioner is its energy efficiency. The electricity cost to run an evaporative air cooling system is significantly less than an air conditioner, saving you up to 80% in electricity costs when you use an evaporative system.

Easy installation

Your tradie will be able to install an evaporative cooling system in only a day or less, so you can immediately enjoy cool fresh air. The systems themselves have fewer working parts and the technology behind evaporative air conditioners is relatively simple as well. All of this means that installation, repair and maintenance are cheaper, easier and quicker to perform than conventional types of air conditioners.

Great for dry climates

Evaporative air conditioning systems are ideal for dry climates. The air in these climates takes in moisture easily making them even more efficient. Unfortunately, the opposite is also true and if you live in a very humid and wet climate, then you may be better off going with an air conditioning unit instead. 

Air filtering benefits

Evaporative air cooling systems do a great job of filtering air compared to air conditioners. The hot dusty air that is collected from outside is cleaned as it passes through the wet cooling pads. The cooling pads in your evaporative cooling system can also trap airborne particles such as pollen, allergens and smoke, allowing only fresh clean air to be pumped into your home. 

This makes the evaporative cooling system ideal for those suffering from asthma and chronic allergies. Cleaner air is a great benefit even if you don’t have allergies and it can be beneficial to your health in general too. 

Eco-friendliness

The combination of energy efficiency and non-polluting technology that evaporative cooling uses also makes it a great eco-friendly option for your home. 

Factors to consider before buying an evaporative system

Though there are many benefits to using evaporative air-conditioning, it’s a good idea to take some factors into account before you make your decision. 

Humidity level in your home

Evaporative air conditioning works best in areas with low humidity. It is the appropriate cooling solution when your outdoor humidity does not exceed about 60% in the hottest part of the day.

Heat load in your home

A qualified tradie should first conduct a detailed heat load survey of your home and calculate its total heat load. From here, your air conditioning supplier can then recommend the appropriate model and number of evaporative air conditioning you will need given the specifications of your home. Some tradies can complete heat load surveys, as well as supplying and installing your evaporative cooling system. 

Open doors and windows

An evaporative air conditioner should not be used in closed rooms or areas without adequate ventilation as the air coming from the cooler is only used once before needing to be pushed out of the room. Failure to exhaust circulated air will result in hot and humid conditions inside your home.

How much does an evaporative air conditioner cost?

Evaporative air conditioning costs will change depending on the type of system, the number of ducts and vents and the heat load of your home. You can expect an evaporative cooling unit to cost anywhere from:

• $50 to $150 for a table-mounted portable evaporative cooler, that can blow cool air onto you directly
• $300 or more for a mains-powered portable evaporative cooler that can cool a small room
• $2,300 to $5,000 for a ducted evaporative cooler, depending on the size/capacity of the unit. Popular brands to look out for include Braemar, BreezeAir and Brevis

Labour costs for the installation of an evaporation system can range from:

• $400 – $1,200 for a window-mounted system
• $600 - $5,000 for a ducted, roof-mounted system, depending on the size and difficulty of the job

If you want more information about the cost of evaporative air conditioners check out our article, How much does evaporative air conditioning cost to install?

How do I find an evaporative air conditioning service?

Before you hire an evaporative air conditioning service, it can be a good idea to ask them some questions, including:

• What services are included in your quote?
• Are you registered or licensed?
• Are you insured?
• Is the work guaranteed?
• Are your installers vetted?
• Can you provide references from past jobs?

Getting quotes for evaporative air conditioning services

At hipages, we always recommend getting at least three quotes before hiring a tradie. The cheapest option may not always be the best one and you may find that there are additional costs down the line that can add up.