
What is Evaporative Cooling and How Does It Work?
Evaporative cooling is renowned for being an energy-efficient and eco-friendly way to cool indoor spaces within Melbourne homes and businesses.
Unlike ducted air conditioners and split systems that use refrigerants, evaporative cooling relies on water and airflow. This solution taps into the natural process of evaporation, which sees warm air drawn from the environment through water-soaked pads, which are often referred to as cooling pads.
As the warm air passes through these pads, the water absorbs the heat, which causes it to evaporate. This process produces cool, fresh air that is then circulated throughout each room of the property to create a comfortable indoor environment.
Given the climate in Melbourne is often defined by hot and dry conditions in the warmer months, evaporative cooling systems can be a very efficient and cost-effective way to stay cool. Low humidity is conducive to quicker evaporation and a more rapid reduction in temperature, which is fabulous when the mercury pushes beyond 90°C.
Evaporative coolers can also improve air quality by introducing fresh, moist air, which can reduce dryness and help filter out dust and allergens. At the same time, they consume less energy and are therefore cheaper to run than refrigerated systems.
They also don’t rely on harmful chemicals, which means it is a very good eco-friendly choice.
Why Choose Evaporative Cooling Over Traditional Air Conditioning?
You may wonder why you should choose an evaporative cooler solution over a more traditional air conditioning system. Well, that is a great question!
There are several reasons why you might want to do this, which can be summarised as follows:
Affordable to Run and Maintain
Perhaps the most compelling reason for many customers to choose an evaporative cooling unit instead of an air conditioner is that it is a much more budget-friendly option.
When you compare the two, the former generates much less in terms of operational and maintenance expenditure, which means you can enjoy all the benefits of cool air inside your property while incurring much lower energy costs.
Environmentally Friendly Cooling Option
If you want to reduce your carbon footprint, an evaporative cooler is a great option to help you do that.
As it relies on water and minimal electricity to function, this type of system consumes significantly less energy than traditional air conditioners. This, subsequently, means that it produces less CO2 emissions, which helps to maintain a much healthier planet.
Provides Fresh, Moisturised Air
For much of the year in Melbourne, the humidity level often tops 60%, occasionally pushing near to 70%.
At these times, systems based around evaporative cooling work much more effectively than refrigerated air conditioning. That is because the former maintains comfortable humidity levels, while the latter often dries out the air in your living and work spaces.


Top Evaporative Cooling Brands We Offer
If you feel stifled by the intense Melbourne heat during the summer months, then you should consider getting our expert technicians to install an evaporative cooler for you.
They are very experienced at fitting systems made by high-quality and trusted brands such as Breezair, which have efficient and natural cooling properties that will be a godsend to you in the summer months.
Evaporative Cooling Installation, Repairs, and Maintenance
During the hottest parts of the year, no one wants warm air in their homes. So, here’s what we do to ensure your evaporative cooling system works as efficiently as possible when you need it most.

Expert Installation for Optimal Performance
Our licenced and experienced technicians are among the best in Melbourne. So, they will ensure your air conditioning system is configured in a way that promotes maximum durability and efficiency while satisfying all the safety protocols demanded by the Victorian government.
Before starting the installation, our team will advise you of what the process involves and what you may be required to do to make sure it runs as smoothly and quickly as possible.
Regular Maintenance for Continued Efficiency
Once the evaporative cooling system has been successfully installed in your home or business, we highly recommend you commit to regularly maintaining it.
This should involve having it professionally serviced by one of our technicians on an annual basis. Additionally, you should make a point of checking the water filters and water-soaked pads and monitoring the air temperature and quality that is produced by the system at least once a month.
If you do this, you’ll go a long way towards prolonging its life span.

Reliable Repairs When You Need Them
If the worst should happen and you find your evaporative air conditioner has broken down, then don’t worry; we’ve got you covered.
All you need to do is phone us on 03 9498 1063.
You can rely on Efficient Pure Plumbing to provide quick and dependable repair services that will resolve any issues you are experiencing and keep your system running smoothly.
Cost of Evaporative Cooling Systems
We understand that for many people, the cost of an evaporative cooling system can be expensive, and that can be a prohibitive factor in having one installed in their Melbourne homes or businesses.
However, air conditioning units should always be seen as a long-term investment that provides immediate benefits. Here are some aspects that affect the cost of a ducted evaporative cooler and how you can reduce its annual running costs.
Installation and Unit Costs
For all our Melbourne customers, the cost of buying and installing an evaporative air conditioner system will differ.
Some of the main factors that will influence this variance include the brand and size of the evaporative cooling units you choose and the configuration and infrastructure of your property.
Generally speaking, some brands are dearer than others, and larger units cost more than smaller ones. Additionally, the longer the network of ducts and vents that need to be installed within your property, the more expensive the project will be.
It follows that smaller properties will also require smaller systems, which are typically cheaper to install. However, other factors will affect the cost of putting in an evaporative cooling unit. These include whether an existing heating and cooling system will need to be replaced and the time of year in which you want the work done.
Our friendly team will provide you with a quote that details a full breakdown of the costs associated with purchasing and installing your ducted cooling unit. There are no hidden fees, so you can expect complete transparency.
Factors Influencing Running Costs
Aside from the installation and unit price, there will be running costs associated with filling your home or business with hot air or fresh, cool air from evaporative coolers. Again, this will vary depending on several factors, most notably the brand, size, and energy efficiency rating of the operating system.
The size of the system you need will depend on the number of rooms you want to cool. However, larger-sized properties will require larger systems, which will naturally cost more to run.
The price of electricity will also impact your running costs, while the degree to which regular upkeep and maintenance are performed on your system will also be a contributing factor. For example, if you don’t get your evaporative cooler serviced by a licenced professional every 12 months, and if you don’t clean your cooling pads or replace them when they become clogged, your evaporative cooling works much harder and, therefore, more expensively.
You should be aware that the external environment can also affect the performance of your evaporative unit. Overall, the system works best in dry and hot conditions, so if Melbourne’s climate is different, it won’t work so well.
Save with Government Rebates on Energy-Efficient Evaporative Air Systems
The state government is currently offering the VEU rebate (Victorian Energy Upgrades) to incentivise Melbourne residents and businesses to reduce their carbon footprint by buying more energy-efficient appliances.
This programme is designed to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by providing individuals and companies with financial inducements to help reduce the initial cost and installation of an evaporative air conditioning system.
Our knowledgeable team can advise you on whether or not you are eligible to receive this concession.

“Terrific experience with Efficient pure plumbing. They did fantastic job to install new evaporative cooling at my house. They finished the job efficiently and effectively. Ben and Altaf were amazing. Ben is very good in his work and had lot of experience and knowledge about products.”
Saniya Saini
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Questions & Answers
How does evaporative air conditioning work?
Evaporative air conditioning cools air through the natural process of evaporation. Hot, dry air from outside is drawn through water-soaked cooling pads. As the air passes through these pads, the water evaporates, absorbing heat and lowering the air temperature. This cooled air is then distributed throughout your home via a network of ducts, providing a refreshing and efficient cooling effect.
Is evaporative air conditioning suitable for humid climates?
Evaporative air conditioning is most effective in hot, dry climates where the air has low humidity. In humid climates, the cooling effect is reduced because the air is already saturated with moisture, making it harder for the evaporation process to occur. Therefore, evaporative coolers are ideal for regions with dry summers, like Melbourne.
What are the maintenance requirements for an evaporative cooler?
Evaporative coolers are relatively easy to maintain. Regular maintenance involves cleaning the cooling pads, checking the water pump, and ensuring that the system is free from debris. It is also important to inspect the unit for any signs of wear and tear, especially before the start of the cooling season, to ensure optimal performance.
How energy-efficient are evaporative air conditioners?
Evaporative air conditioners are significantly more energy-efficient than traditional refrigerated air conditioning systems. They use less electricity because the cooling process relies on water evaporation rather than a refrigeration cycle. This efficiency not only reduces energy bills but also minimizes the environmental impact, making evaporative coolers an eco-friendly cooling solution.
