Evaporative cooling is a highly popular, alternative way to cool your home. One that is especially favoured in regions with hot and dry climates.

Instead of relying on refrigerant gases, evaporative coolers condition the air by drawing warm air through water-soaked pads. This causes the water to evaporate and lower the temperature. The natural process of evaporation doesn’t just cool the air; it also introduces fresh, filtered air into your home.

But while evaporative cooling offers several benefits, it’s not without its drawbacks, and will not be the perfect cooling solution for every home. So let’s take a look at the pros and cons of evaporative cooling so you can decide whether it’s the right choice for your cooling needs.

How Evaporative Cooling Differs From Traditional Air Conditioning

Before we explore the good and not-so-good points about evaporative cooling, let’s see just how it differs from your traditional air conditioning system. And, trust me when I say, they work in completely different ways.

As we know, evaporative coolers use the natural process of water evaporation to cool the air. They draw warm air from the outdoors, pass it through water-soaked pads, and circulate the cooled air into your home. Then we have traditional air conditioners which use refrigerant gases to absorb and remove heat from the air. They rely on closed systems to cool and recirculate the air within a room.

With these brief explanations in mind, let’s now look closer at some of the key benefits and drawbacks of the evaporative cooling system.

Pro No. 1: They Offer High Energy Efficiency

One of the biggest benefits of evaporative cooling is its energy efficiency. Unlike traditional air conditioners that use a large amount of electricity to power compressors and refrigerants, evaporative coolers simply rely on a fan and water pump to cool your home. This typically translates to lower energy use and therefore lower electricity bills. Many homeowners find that evaporative cooling uses a mere fraction of the energy required by traditional aircon systems, making it a highly eco-friendly cooling option as well.

For those keen to lower their carbon footprint, the evaporative coolers provide more than just financial advantages. They also boast a smaller impact on the environment than more energy-intensive cooling appliances.

Pro #2: Natural and Fresh Air

Evaporative cooling offers a significant advantage over other HVAC systems by distributing natural and fresh air throughout your home.

Compared to traditional heating and cooling systems that recirculate the same air within a room or home, evaporative coolers constantly draw in fresh outdoor air. The air gets filtered as it passes through water-soaked cooling pads, before entering your home dust and allergen-free. This builds a perpetual flow of clean, cool air, making it ideal for people who suffer from allergies or respiratory issues.

It’s also worth noting that the evaporative cooling process does not dry out the air, so it feels more comfortable and refreshing. If you value clean, fresh air and a more natural cooling experience, evaporative cooling can be a great choice for your home.

Pro #3: Cost-Effective Installation and Maintenance

In many cases, evaporative cooling systems are more affordable to install and maintain than conventional air conditioners.

Simpler technology and less complex installation processes mean that the initial purchase and set-up costs are often lower for an evaporative cooler. As for their maintenance and servicing, evaporative coolers are relatively easy to look after. Routine tasks include:

• Cleaning or replacing cooling pads
• Inspecting the water pump
• Checking the water levels
• Cleaning the water tank
• Checking for blockages.
• Inspecting fan belts
• Cleaning the unit exterior

You may want a licensed HVAC technician to manage many of these, particularly as they involve getting up on the roof. Speaking of technicians, since evaporative coolers contain fewer mechanical parts, there’s less chance of costly repairs.

We’ve looked at some of the biggest advantages of installing evaporative cooling, but it’s worth bearing in mind that it’s not a viable cooling solution for everyone. Here are some of the potential drawbacks for some homeowners.

Con #1: Limited Effectiveness in Humid Climates

The evaporative cooling process is most effective in hot, dry climates, with low humidity in the air. However, that effectiveness reduces drastically in high-humidity regions.

Given that the system relies on the evaporation of water to cool the air, it struggles to work properly in an already moisture-saturated atmosphere. In humid conditions, the cooling effect is much less noticeable, and the air can feel damp or muggy instead of refreshing. This limitation makes evaporative cooling unsuitable for regions that experience a lot of moisture in the air. If you live in a coastal or tropical area, you’ll likely get more benefits from a traditional air conditioning system that uses refrigerant gases instead of evaporation.

Con #2: Higher Water Consumption

A major downside of evaporative cooling is its higher water consumption. These systems need an ongoing water supply to function effectively, as the cooling process depends on water evaporation.

In regions where water is scarce or expensive, this can become a significant concern. Evaporative coolers use up to 25 litres of water an hour, depending on the system size and the climate conditions. Over time, this can add up, leading to increased water bills and potential strain on local water resources.

For homeowners living in areas with frequent water restrictions or are constantly in drought, the high water usage could outweigh the benefits, making it a less feasible cooling solution than other alternatives.

Con #3: Not as Powerful as Traditional AC

When it comes to cooling performance, evaporative coolers are generally less powerful than traditional air conditioners. Though they can certainly offer relief in moderately hot conditions, that comfort becomes harder to achieve in extremely high temperatures or large rooms.

Traditional air con systems can cool rooms quickly and maintain a set temperature no matter how high the mercury rises outside. Evaporative coolers actually rely on the outdoor air, though, so they can’t lower the temperature as effectively.

Evaporative coolers also work best with open windows or doors. Unfortunately, this can allow heat to enter, which further diminishes their effectiveness. So if you need strong, consistent cooling in very hot climates, a traditional air conditioner might be a better option for your home.

Make the Right Cooling Choice

When you’re weighing up the benefits and drawbacks of evaporative cooling and traditional air conditioning, it’s important to consider your specific needs and climate.

Evaporative coolers offer numerous worthy advantages, including impressive energy savings, fresher air, and lower maintenance costs. It can make them a highly appealing eco-friendly cooling solution for homeowners in dry climates. However, their limitations in humid environments, elevated water consumption, and reduced cooling power mean they might not be suitable for everyone.

For homeowners in dry-heat, low-humidity areas who are seeking a cost-effective cooling solution for their homes, evaporative cooling will almost certainly tick the necessary boxes. But for those people, in areas that require a more consistent cooling method with greater power, consider a traditional air conditioner for your home.