Have you ever wondered “How does an evaporative cooler work?” We will explain the basics of evaporative cooling, including how they function, and how to choose the right cooler for your home.
Discover how this environmentally friendly and affordable cooling method can keep you comfortable on hot days.
How Does Evaporative Cooling Work – The Basics
So, how does evaporative cooling work?
But before that, what is evaporative cooling? Evaporative cooling is a technique that cools air through evaporation. A rooftop unit draws in outside air and passes through water-soaked pads or quilts. As the air travels through these wet materials, it cools down as water evaporates. This increase in moisture can also be beneficial in dry climates.
This method can be used both indoors and outdoors. Hot outdoor air is drawn in, cooled, and then circulated throughout the building via a duct system. Excess air is expelled through open windows and doors.
Installation of Evaporative Cooling
Evaporative cooling air conditioners can be installed in two ways:
- Direct Cooling: Cool air is directed to a specific area.
- Ducted Systems: Cool air is distributed throughout the building via a network of pipes.
Centralised installations are suitable for smaller homes with open floor plans, while ducted systems are required for larger homes with multiple rooms.
Most evaporative coolers are installed on the roof in a down-flow configuration. However, air conditioner experts often prefer ground-mounted horizontal units due to their easier maintenance and reduced risk of roof leaks.
How Does Evaporative Air Conditioning Work
How does an evaporative cooler work? Most evaporative coolers offer two fan speeds and a vent-only mode. In vent-only mode, the water pump is deactivated, allowing the unit to function as a simple ventilator for mild weather.
You can control room temperature and humidity by opening windows in rooms you want to cool and closing them in unoccupied rooms. Up-ducting can be implemented in areas with safety concerns related to open windows.
Up-ducts vent hot air into the attic while drawing in cooler air. However, up-ducted systems require additional attic ventilation.
For allergy sufferers, filters can remove dust particles from the air. Filters also prevent some coolers from drawing water droplets from the cooling pads onto the fan blades. While some coolers come with filters, they can be added during or after the installation.
Finding the Right Evaporative Cooler
Now that you know how evaporative cooling works, it’s now time to find the right one. Selecting the most suitable evaporative cooling system depends on several factors, including climate, operating costs, system size, and water consumption.
We will explore the ideal conditions for these systems, their running costs, considerations for system size and selection, and the impact of water usage on the decision-making process.
Achieving the Ideal Environment
The efficiency and effectiveness of evaporative cooling systems vary significantly depending on ambient temperature and humidity. Since they rely on water evaporation from a wet filter, they are less effective in humid or extremely hot climates. These systems have limitations in how much they can cool the air.
To understand why, this is how evaporative cooling works.
Hot, dry climates are ideal for their use. However, high humidity levels outside hinder the cooling pads’ evaporation process, reducing the system’s cooling capacity.
Costs of Operation
Evaporative coolers require both electricity and water to operate. The actual running costs will vary depending on the cooling capacity of the unit and the chosen fan speed. Direct comparison of different evaporative cooler models is difficult as they are not typically required to display energy efficiency labels.
Size and Selection Considerations
The airflow capacity of an evaporative cooler is typically measured in cubic feet per minute (CFM). Most standard models have a CFM range between 3,000 and 25,000. Manufacturers generally recommend installing fans capable of achieving 20 to 40 air exchanges per hour, depending on the local climate.
Water Consumption
Both electricity and water is needed for how evaporative coolers work. Water consumption varies depending on factors such as the unit’s size, humidity levels, and fan speed.
Different ducted evaporative cooler models utilise diverse water management systems to ensure continuous fresh water supply and prevent excessive salt buildup.
Before purchasing a ducted evaporative cooler, inquire about its water management system and the local hourly water usage rates. If you have solar panels installed, a refrigeration-based cooling system might be more cost-effective, as the water expenses associated with evaporative cooling could potentially outweigh any energy savings.
Advantages and Disadvantages of Evaporative Coolers
Next, we’ll examine the advantages and disadvantages of evaporative coolers. Whether you’re considering getting one or not, this will give you a fair idea of what they can do! Here we’ll answer questions like “Is evaporative cooling good?” or “Do evaporative coolers work?”, and the like.
Pros: Significantly More Energy Efficient Cooling
If you’re worried about your energy bills skyrocketing with air conditioning, evaporative coolers might be a great fit! They use way less electricity—up to 75% less—than most air conditioners. Even those fancy reverse cycle systems can’t beat them on energy efficiency.
They mainly use electricity for the fan and the water pump. On the other hand, air conditioners need energy to run the compressor, change the air conditioner refrigerant from liquid to gas and back, and a lot more.
Pros: Highly Effective in Hot, Arid Climates
How does evaporative cooling work? Evaporative coolers are a lifesaver on hot, dry summer days! They work by passing warm air over cool water, allowing the air to absorb the moisture and cool down.
Since dry air naturally lacks moisture, evaporative coolers thrive in these conditions. They not only cool you down but also add much-needed humidity to the air, which can be a relief for dry noses and throats.
Australia’s climate is typically hot and dry, not tropical, making evaporative cooling a popular and effective cooling solution for many.
Pros: Eco-Friendly and Healthy
Evaporative coolers are definitely the eco-friendliest choice! They use way less electricity than air conditioners, which means fewer greenhouse gases are released into the atmosphere. Plus, unlike air conditioners that use harmful refrigerants, evaporative coolers simply use water – it doesn’t get more natural than that!
For your health, here’s what an evaporative cooler can do:
- Fresh Air: With open windows and doors, they constantly bring in fresh air from outside, unlike air conditioners that recirculate the same indoor air.
- Moisturising: Air conditioners can dry out your nose and throat, but evaporative coolers add moisture to the air, keeping you more comfortable.
- Cleaner Air: As air passes through the water-soaked pads, it traps dust, pollen, and other airborne particles, giving you cleaner air to breathe.
Pros: Affordable to Buy and Run
Evaporative cooler costs are generally more affordable across the board so you don’t have to worry about how much electricity this air conditioner uses.
- Installation: They usually cost less to install than traditional air conditioning systems, especially fancy ducted ones.
- Running Costs: Low energy consumption translates to lower electricity bills. That 75% electricity savings add up!
- Maintenance: They have fewer complex parts, making maintenance less expensive. Plus, well-maintained coolers tend to have fewer problems than air conditioners.
Of course, proper care and a bit of luck always play a role, but evaporative coolers are definitely more budget-friendly overall!
Con: Can Use Significant Amounts of Water
While evaporative coolers save you on electricity, they use a lot of water. How much water does an evaporative cooler use, you may ask? In humid weather or when the fan is on high, your cooler could use up to 25 litres of water every hour!
Usually, the electricity savings are bigger than the water costs, but don’t be shocked if your water bill goes up a bit during the summer months.
Con: Performance Decreases in High Humidity
Your evaporative cooler might not be as effective on humid days. When the air is already very moist, your cooler can’t cool it down as much. Plus, adding more moisture to the air can make you feel uncomfortable, even if you’re slightly cooler.
While humid days aren’t common everywhere, if this is a major concern for you, you might want to explore other cooling options.
Con: May Not Be Ideal for Those With Respiratory Sensitivities
While evaporative coolers are great for the environment, they might not be the best choice for everyone. One of the disadvantages of evaporative cooling.
For example, if you have asthma, hay fever, or other respiratory issues, keeping doors and windows open can be a problem. Outdoor allergens and irritants can easily enter your home.
Also, the air filters in evaporative coolers are pretty basic compared to modern air conditioners. Many air conditioners have advanced filters that can even remove odours, bacteria, and viruses.
So, if you need the highest level of air filtration and prefer to keep your windows and doors closed, evaporative cooling might not be the best option for you.
Con: Lower Cost Can Sometimes Mean Lower Quality
The old saying ‘you get what you pay for’ applies here. While evaporative coolers are cheaper upfront and to run, they do have some limitations.
- Temperature Control: You can’t set a specific temperature like you can with an air conditioner. They just cool the air down, and you adjust the fan speed to control how much cool air you get. The temperature also depends a lot on how hot it is outside.
- Maintenance Issues: If you don’t keep your cooler clean, you might run into problems like water leaks, mineral buildup, and even pests.
Air conditioners, on the other hand, let you set the exact ideal temperature you want, and they’re less affected by outdoor temperatures. But they usually cost more to buy and run.
Evaporative Vs Refrigerated Cooling Systems
If you’re looking for an eco-friendly and budget-friendly way to cool down while enjoying fresh air, evaporative coolers are a great choice. You can open the windows and doors and still stay comfortable.
Although both types of air conditioners are great, they have differences. Refrigerated systems are better for those who like to close their windows and doors. They offer colder air, precise temperature control, and advanced air filtration.
Both cooling systems have advantages and disadvantages.
Evaporative coolers generally require less maintenance. That’s just how an evaporative cooler works. While air conditioners provide more powerful cooling. Ultimately, the best choice depends on your priorities.
For personalised guidance, contact us. Our experienced AC specialists can help you make an informed decision.
Purchase Costs
The cost of a new air conditioning system, whether an evaporative cooler or a split system, varies depending on factors like its size, cooling capacity, and installation difficulty.
For instance, a typical 2.5kW split system air conditioner, including installation, could cost anywhere from $1600 to $2300. However, to get an accurate price for your specific needs, it’s best to contact us directly.
Running Costs
Evaporative coolers can be a real money-saver! They can cost 10 times less to run than traditional air conditioners. For example, operating a typical evaporative cooler might only cost around 20 cents per hour. This could mean saving up to 80% on your monthly cooling costs!
On the other hand, a 2.5kW split system air conditioner might cost around 20-25 cents per hour to run.
While evaporative coolers are generally more economical, it’s important to remember that well-maintained air conditioners can also be very energy-efficient.
Air Quality
When it comes to fresh air, evaporative coolers definitely win! They pull in hot air from outside, filtering out dust and allergens before cooling it down and blowing it into your home. This makes them a great choice for people with allergies.
On the other hand, air conditioners filter the air that’s already inside your house and then recirculate it. While effectively removing allergens, they can make the indoor air feel stale.
Performance in Varying Weather
Do evaporative coolers work effectively? Yes, but their performance varies depending on the weather. Evaporative coolers add moisture to the air, which cools it down. This makes them perfect for hot, dry climates. However, they won’t be as effective in humid areas because the air is already full of moisture.
On the other hand, traditional air conditioners actually remove moisture from the air, making them suitable for all types of weather.
Temperature Control
While adjustable with fan speed, evaporative coolers are limited by the surrounding climate. Low humidity leads to higher cooling limits, while high humidity reduces effectiveness.
To understand how to use evaporative cooling effectively, it’s crucial to consider the local climate. In dry climates, they can provide significant cooling, while in humid areas, their effectiveness may be limited.
In contrast, air conditioners offer precise temperature control. You can rapidly cool a room by setting a low temperature, like 18 degrees Celsius, and then adjust it as needed. This flexibility makes air conditioning less reliant on external climate conditions.
Environmental Concerns
Evaporative coolers are a significantly more eco-friendly cooling option, potentially reducing CO2 emissions by up to 80%. This makes them ideal for those prioritising a minimal carbon footprint.
While modern air conditioners are more energy-efficient than older models, they still contribute substantially to greenhouse gas emissions. This is largely due to Australia’s heavy reliance on coal for electricity generation.
Why Evaporative Cooling Might Be Right for You
How does evaporative cooling work? Evaporative coolers slightly increase humidity, while high humidity significantly reduces their cooling effectiveness. High humidity also hinders human thermoregulation, increasing the risk of heat-related illnesses.
Despite these considerations, evaporative cooling remains a viable option in many regions, particularly those with hot and dry climates.
Do evaporative coolers work well? Yes, they do! Evaporative coolers are more environmentally friendly than traditional air conditioners. They use water instead of harmful refrigerants and are also energy-efficient, resulting in lower operating costs.
Evaporative coolers constantly influx fresh air, unlike traditional air conditioners that recirculate the same air. While water consumption may increase, overall running costs are typically lower.
Although less effective in high humidity, evaporative coolers can still provide cooling benefits in moderate humidity (40-60%). Even in humid conditions, the fan function can improve air circulation, offering a cooling effect similar to a ceiling fan.
Start Your Cooling Solution Search Now
If you reside in a dry region of Australia, evaporative cooling offers an excellent, eco-friendly, and budget-friendly solution to stay cool during summer. Contrary to popular belief, properly installed and maintained evaporative coolers will not excessively humidify your home or cause mould issues in aircon.
Now that you know how evaporative cooling works, it’s time for you to have one.
As leading experts in heating and cooling, we know how to use evaporative cooling so we have all the knowledge you need if ever you need to install one. Global Cool Air provides comprehensive evaporative cooling services, including air conditioner installation, maintenance, and repairs.
We also specialise in a wide range of cooling solutions, including ducted refrigerated cooling systems and split systems, to ensure we can meet your specific needs.
We proudly serve Perth and surrounding areas, offering expert advice, installation, and air conditioner service for all your cooling needs. Contact us today at 0448 752 327 to discuss your cooling options and find the perfect solution for your home.
