Trying to choose between an evaporative cooler and air conditioner for your home? You might think all cooling systems work the same everywhere, but your location matters almost as much as your budget when it comes to making the right decision for air conditioning services.
The team here at Air Conditioning Doctor knows choosing the right system can make a big difference in your home’s cooling efficiency. Let’s break down purchase prices, installation costs, and what you’ll spend to keep them running.
Understanding the systems: evaporative vs split system
Let’s get into how evaporative cooling and split system air conditioning work differently to understand their running costs.
How evaporative cooling works
Evaporative air conditioning systems pull hot outside air through wet pads, and the water evaporates to cool the air. This natural process creates cool, slightly damp air that moves through your home.
These coolers are different from regular air conditioners because you need to keep some windows or doors open as fresh air comes in. The system runs on just a fan and a small water pump, meaning it uses nowhere near as much energy as regular cooling systems.
How split system air conditioning works
Split system air conditioners use a refrigeration cycle with two separate units. You’ll find the evaporator coil in the indoor unit, while the outdoor unit contains the compressor and condenser coil.
Refrigerant absorbs heat from your home and changes from a liquid to a gas. This gas moves to the compressor, where it heats up under high pressure before heading to the condenser. The refrigerant then releases heat outside, cools down, and becomes liquid again.
Which system suits which type of home
Evaporative cooling runs on hot, dry air, meaning they’re great in areas where humidity stays low. You’ll need a house where air can flow through easily since windows stay open while it’s running.
Split systems work well whatever the humidity might be. They’re great choices for coastal areas, apartments, or homes where you’d rather keep windows closed for security. Both systems are good for allergy sufferers but in different ways: evaporative systems bring in fresh air constantly, while quality split systems can clean your air.
Cost comparison
Smart financial decisions about cooling systems go beyond the price tag.
Upfront purchase and installation costs
Evaporative systems are often the more affordable option upfront, particularly ducted models that can cool an entire home at a lower installation cost. Split systems usually have a higher initial price, but they offer both cooling and heating in one unit, making them a versatile year-round solution.
Evaporative cooling vs air conditioning running costs.
Evaporative cooling is generally much cheaper to run than split systems. They run on fans and water pumps, making them more efficient than split systems that rely on refrigerants. While evaporative coolers use less electricity, they do consume a small water, which can affect your utility bills depending on the supply and cost of water in your area. There are ways to reduce running costs for either option through solar panels, but overall evaporative cooling will be the most energy-efficient option.
Maintenance and repair expenses
All air conditioning systems need regular maintenance to keep them operating efficiently and safely. Split systems and evaporative coolers both require annual servicing, although in high-use environments they may need attention more frequently.
In split systems, bacteria, mould and fungi can build up on the indoor coils and blower wheel, so a professional deep clean is recommended every 3–5 years. Evaporative coolers also rely on clean water pads and internal components to prevent microbial growth, and their cooling pads typically need replacing every 3–5 years.
When it comes to repairs, it’s worth noting that split systems can be more expensive to fix due to the complexity of their internal components.
Climate and home suitability
Your local climate and home design will help you decide between cooling systems to maximise your comfort and reduce running costs.
Best climates for evaporative cooling
Evaporative cooling systems rely on a constant supply of fresh air, meaning they work best in hot, dry areas where humidity doesn’t rise too high. It shines in our local Adelaide climate, as well as Perth and some other parts of Western Australia.
When to choose a split system
Split systems work well whatever the temperature or humidity levels are in the outside area. They’re your best bet for humid coastal areas, and homes in Queensland or tropical northern regions need split systems where humidity often rises above 70%.
Ventilation and insulation considerations
Good insulation makes a big difference to both systems’ performance. Evaporative coolers need some windows open for airflow, while split systems work better in closed spaces.
Environmental impact
The environmental costs of cooling systems go way beyond your monthly bills, affecting your long-term finances and the environment over time.
Energy efficiency and carbon footprint
Evaporative coolers use up to 80% less energy than standard air conditioning systems. They don’t use any gases, meaning evaporative cooling creates only about 20% of the carbon emissions that standard refrigerated air conditioning produces.
Is evaporative cooling more eco-friendly?
If eco-friendliness is something you value, evaporative cooling stands out as the clear winner. These systems cool air naturally without using refrigerants that can be harmful to the environment. Water serves as the cooling agent instead of synthetic refrigerants.
Make the Right Choice For Your Home!
While each system has its own pros and cons, the ultimate decision comes down to your local climate and budget priorities. Split systems work well in almost any climate, but evaporative coolers shine in hot, dry areas like Adelaide. They’re an eco-friendly way to cool your home while keeping your air fresh and healthy.
Want to know the best option for your home? Talk to the cooling experts at Air Conditioning Doctor. We’ll give you personalised advice and an accurate cost estimate to help you cool your home and keep running costs down.
Call us today on 1300 723 413 to find out which system is right for your home.
Stephen Maitland is the Director of Air Conditioning Doctor and has over 20 years of experience in the refrigeration and air conditioning industry. He founded the company in 2007 to be Adelaide’s leading air conditioning repair, replacement and installation specialist.
As a certified Refrigeration Mechanic with a full unrestricted ARC license, his technical knowledge and years of experience allow him to diagnose problems quickly and offer practical and efficient solutions for his customers.
