Evaporative Cooling vs Air Conditioning: Which Is More Energy Efficient?
Choosing between evaporative cooling and air conditioning is one of the most important decisions Melbourne homeowners face. The system you choose will affect your comfort and running costs for years to come.
With over 30 years of experience in evaporative cooling services across Geelong and Western Melbourne, our team at Gas Safe Heating, Cooling and Plumbing has helped thousands of homeowners make this choice. Here's what you need to know.
How Each System Works
Evaporative Cooling
Evaporative cooling uses a natural process. Hot outside air passes through water-soaked cooling pads, where evaporation cools the air before circulating it through your home. The system provides 100% fresh, filtered outside air rather than recirculating stale indoor air.
This method works best in dry climates. Melbourne's average summer afternoon humidity sits between 40 and 50%, making it well suited for evaporative cooling.
Traditional Air Conditioning
Refrigerative air conditioning uses a compressor and refrigerant to remove heat from indoor air. The air is recirculated, cooled, and dehumidified.
These systems work in any climate and offer precise temperature control. Reverse-cycle units can provide both heating and cooling in the one system.
Energy Efficiency and Running Costs
Ducted evaporative cooling has significantly lower annual running costs compared to refrigerative air conditioning.
Annual Running Cost Comparison
System Type
Annual Cost
Ducted Evaporative (Inverter)
$9
Ducted Evaporative (Standard)
$15
Multi-Split AC (High Efficiency)
$40
Multi-Split AC (Standard)
$63
Ducted AC (High Efficiency)
$55
Ducted AC (Standard)
$79
Costs calculated for an average existing (pre-2005) house in a mild climate with average cooling usage. Electricity tariff based on 29.3c/kWh. Evaporative cooler costs exclude water usage.
Energy Efficiency Ratings
Evaporative coolers achieve high Energy Efficiency Ratios (EER):
Standard ducted evaporative: EER of 15
Inverter ducted evaporative: EER of 25
Air conditioners are rated between 1 and 10 stars for cooling performance. A higher star rating means lower running costs.
Which System Suits Melbourne's Climate?
Melbourne's dry summer conditions make it well suited for evaporative cooling. Areas with even lower humidity, like regional Victoria, see even better performance from evaporative systems.
However, evaporative cooling becomes less effective during humid weather. If you need consistent cooling regardless of humidity, or want combined heating and cooling, reverse-cycle air conditioning may be the better choice.
Pros and Cons
Evaporative Cooling
Advantages:
Lowest running costs of any cooling system
Provides 100% fresh, filtered outside air
Natural, affordable, and environmentally friendly
No harmful refrigerants
Considerations:
Less effective in high humidity
Uses both electricity and water
Requires separate heating system
Reverse-Cycle Air Conditioning
Advantages:
Works effectively in any climate
Precise temperature control
Can heat and cool with one unit
Multi-split systems offer room-by-room control
Considerations:
Higher running costs than evaporative cooling
Recirculates indoor air
Uses refrigerants
Which Should You Choose?
Choose evaporative cooling if:
Low running costs are your priority
You want fresh air circulation throughout your home
You live in Geelong, Western Melbourne, or other dry climate areas
You have a separate heating system already
Choose reverse-cycle air conditioning if:
You need combined heating and cooling
You want consistent performance regardless of humidity
Precise temperature control matters to you
You prefer a sealed, climate-controlled environment
Not sure which suits your home? Our team offers assessments across Geelong and Western Melbourne. We'll evaluate your property and recommend the most suitable solution for your situation.
Why Choose Gas Safe?
With over 30 years of experience, our fully licensed and insured technicians specialise in evaporative cooling installation, repairs, and servicing across Geelong and Western Melbourne.
As a family-owned business based in Lara, we're part of your community. We service all major brands including Braemar, CoolAir, BreezeAir, and Brivis, and we carry spare parts for on-site repairs.
We never compromise on quality. If reverse-cycle air conditioning is the better choice for your home, we'll tell you.
Visit our About page to learn more about our team.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is evaporative cooling cheaper to run than air conditioning?
Yes. Ducted evaporative cooling delivers the lowest annual running costs of any cooling system. An inverter ducted evaporative system costs approximately $9 per year to run, while standard ducted evaporative systems cost around $15 annually.
In comparison, refrigerative air conditioning costs significantly more: multi-split systems range from $40 to $63 per year, while ducted systems cost between $55 and $79 annually. This makes evaporative cooling up to 85% cheaper to operate than standard refrigerative air conditioning.
Does evaporative cooling work in Melbourne's climate?
Yes. Melbourne's dry summer conditions are well suited for evaporative cooling. The system works most efficiently on hot, dry days when cooling is needed most.
Can evaporative cooling heat my home?
No. Evaporative coolers provide cooling only. Homes with evaporative cooling need a separate heating system, such as ducted heating, for winter warmth.
Ready to Choose the Right Cooling System?
Evaporative cooling offers the lowest running costs and fresh air circulation for Melbourne and Geelong homes. While reverse-cycle air conditioning provides versatility, evaporative cooling delivers natural, affordable cooling for our dry climate.
Get expert advice from Gas Safe Heating, Cooling and Plumbing.
Call 0459 788 870 or visit our contact page to discuss your cooling needs.