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💧 Natural, Energy-Efficient Cooling

Evaporative Cooling Installation, Service & Repair

Harness the natural power of water evaporation to cool your home — fresher air, lower running costs, and a smaller environmental footprint for hot, dry Australian climates.

Whole-Home Coverage Continuous Fresh Air Lower Running Costs No Refrigerant Used All Brands Serviced Free Quotes
Overview

What Is Evaporative Cooling?

Evaporative cooling is a natural air cooling technology that uses the physical process of water evaporation to reduce the temperature of the air flowing through your home. Unlike refrigerated air conditioning — which uses a compressor and refrigerant gas to mechanically transfer heat — an evaporative cooler draws hot, dry outside air through water-saturated cooling pads. As the air passes through, the water evaporates and absorbs heat from the air, lowering its temperature before it is distributed into your living spaces.

The result is a continuous supply of fresh, cool, and slightly humidified air — not recirculated indoor air, but genuine fresh air drawn from outside. This is one of the defining advantages of evaporative cooling, and a key reason why many people find it more comfortable and healthier than refrigerated air conditioning.

Evaporative cooling is most effective in hot, dry climates with low relative humidity — making it ideally suited to inland Victoria, South Australia, Western Australia, and inland New South Wales, where summer days are intensely hot but the air is dry rather than humid.

At a Glance
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Best For

Hot, dry climates — inland Victoria, SA, WA, inland NSW. Not suitable for humid coastal areas.

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Fresh Air

Delivers real fresh outside air — not recirculated indoor air like refrigerated systems

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How It Cools

Water evaporation absorbs heat from the air — no compressor, no refrigerant gas needed

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Windows Open

Requires windows or doors slightly open — allows warm air to escape and be replaced

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Eco-Friendly

No refrigerant gases — cools using water and uses substantially less electricity

The Science

How Does Evaporative Cooling Work?

The same refreshing sensation you feel stepping out of a swimming pool on a hot, windy day — replicated at scale throughout your home.

01

Drawing in Outside Air

A powerful fan draws hot, dry outside air into the evaporative cooler unit, which is mounted on the roof of the property.

02

Through the Wet Cooling Pads

The hot air is forced through large, highly absorbent cooling pads continuously wetted by a water distribution pump. Water evaporates rapidly as hot dry air passes through, absorbing heat from the air stream.

03

Temperature Reduction

Evaporation removes a significant amount of heat from the air and reduces its temperature substantially before it enters the duct system. The air also gains a small amount of moisture — making it feel fresher and more comfortable.

04

Distributed Through the Home

Cooled fresh air is delivered through insulated ducts and ceiling vents into every room of the property — consistent, comfortable coverage throughout the whole home.

05

Continuous Fresh Air Flush

Windows or doors are kept slightly open so the warm, stale indoor air can escape and be continuously replaced by the cooled fresh air from the system — creating a gentle, natural airflow throughout the home.

💧 The Water System: A float valve connected to the mains water supply maintains the reservoir level automatically. A pump circulates water over the cooling pads continuously. Modern coolers include automatic bleed-off systems that flush mineral deposits from the water — preventing scale build-up on the pads and distribution components.
System Types

Types of Evaporative Cooling Systems

Understanding the different types of evaporative cooling systems helps you choose the right solution for your property, climate, and budget.

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Direct Ducted Evaporative

Delivers air from the cooler directly into the duct network — no zone dampers. Simple, reliable, and cost-effective for standard residential applications where whole-home coverage without zone control is the requirement.

Simple & Reliable
🎛️

Zoned Ducted Evaporative

A more sophisticated ducted system with motorised zone dampers allowing different areas to be opened or closed independently. Direct cooled airflow only to occupied areas — particularly useful in larger homes where some areas are unoccupied during the day.

Zone Control
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Portable Evaporative Coolers

Freestanding self-contained units requiring no installation — move from room to room as needed. Suitable for individual rooms, home offices, garages, or outdoor entertaining areas. Require a water connection or manual refilling.

No Installation

Add-On Evaporative Cooling

An evaporative unit added to an existing ducted gas heating system, using the same duct network for heating in winter and cooling in summer. A cost-effective way to add summer cooling capability without installing a completely separate duct network.

Cost-Effective Upgrade
Why Choose It

Benefits of Evaporative Cooling

For households in hot, dry climates, evaporative cooling offers a unique combination of natural comfort, low running costs, and environmental responsibility.

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Significantly Lower Running Costs

Evaporative coolers use only the energy needed to run the fan and water pump — no compressor required. Running costs are substantially lower than a refrigerated system of equivalent capacity, particularly during long, hot summers.

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Continuous Fresh Air

Delivers a constant supply of fresh outside air — not recirculated indoor air. This reduces stuffiness, dilutes airborne allergens and pollutants, and creates a more natural, comfortable indoor environment.

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Natural, Comfortable Humidity

Adds a small amount of moisture to the air — beneficial in very dry inland climates. Prevents the dry throat, dry eyes, and dry skin that some people experience with refrigerated air conditioning.

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Environmentally Friendly

No refrigerant gases used — cools using water, a natural resource. Substantially lower electricity consumption means a meaningfully smaller carbon footprint. One of the greenest ways to stay cool.

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Lower Installation Cost

Ducted evaporative systems are generally less expensive to purchase and install than equivalent ducted refrigerated systems — attractive for budget-conscious homeowners and new builds in suitable climate zones.

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Whole-Home Coverage

Delivers cooled fresh air to every room through ceiling vents — whole-home coverage comparable to ducted refrigerated air conditioning, with all equipment on the roof and only vents visible inside.

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Open-Door Living

Evaporative cooling encourages a more open, ventilated style of living. You can keep windows and doors slightly open without losing your cooling — creating a natural, breezy feeling throughout the home.

Our Process

Evaporative Cooling Installation

Our installation service covers the complete process — from initial consultation and system selection through to installation, commissioning, and full handover.

01

Site Assessment

We assess your property size, layout, roof type, and local climate to recommend the right system capacity and duct layout for effective whole-home coverage.

02

Capacity Calculation

Appropriate cooler capacity calculated based on total air volume, number of rooms, ceiling heights, and typical summer conditions in your area.

03

Roof Installation

Cooler unit securely mounted on the roof in the optimal position. All roof penetrations properly sealed and weatherproofed to prevent leaks.

04

Ductwork

Insulated ducts run from the cooler through the roof cavity to ceiling vents in each room — sized and laid out for balanced airflow throughout the home.

05

Water Connection

Cooler connected to mains water supply with dedicated supply line, float valve for automatic water level control, and bleed-off line to manage mineral deposits.

06

Electrical Connection

Cooler and all controls connected by our licensed electrician. Smart controllers configured for Wi-Fi and app control where applicable.

07

Commission & Test

System tested at all fan speeds and modes, water distribution checked across all pads, airflow verified from all ceiling vents, all controls confirmed operational.

08

Full Handover

System operation, seasonal startup and shutdown procedures, pad and filter maintenance requirements explained — with all documentation provided.

Evaporative Cooling Brands We Install, Service & Repair

Braemar Brivis Bonaire Coolair Seeley Convair All Brands
Annual Maintenance

Service & Maintenance

Unlike refrigerated air conditioners — where neglect mainly reduces efficiency — a neglected evaporative cooler can develop hygiene issues as scale, algae, and bacteria accumulate in the water system and on the pads. Annual servicing before each season ensures clean, fresh, healthy air from day one.

  • Full cooler unit and component inspection
  • Cooling pad removal, inspection and replacement where required
  • Water distribution system clean — pipes, tubes, nozzles
  • Water reservoir and tray clean and descale
  • Water pump inspection, clean or replacement
  • Float valve check and adjustment
  • Fan motor and bearing inspection and lubrication
  • Belt inspection, adjustment or replacement
  • Fan blades and housing clean
  • Electrical connections inspection and tighten
  • Bleed-off system check for correct operation
  • All ceiling vents and duct outlets cleaned
  • Full performance test at all fan speeds
  • Written service report provided on completion
🍂 End-of-season shutdown service also available — draining the water system, cleaning pads and reservoir, and protecting the unit for winter to prevent off-season deterioration.

Common Faults We Repair

System not cooling — reduced temperature drop
Evaporative cooler not turning on
Fan not running or running at reduced speed
Water not flowing to cooling pads — dry pads
Water pump failure — not circulating water
Float valve fault — overfilling or not filling
Water leaking onto roof or ceiling
Bleed-off line blocked or not operating
Scale build-up on pads blocking airflow
Mould or algae growth — unpleasant smell
Motor or belt failure — noisy or failed fan
Duct damage — reduced airflow to rooms
Control fault — not responding to controls
Electrical fault — tripping circuit breaker
Honest Comparison

Evaporative Cooling vs Refrigerated Air Conditioning

The right choice depends entirely on where you live and what you need. Here is an honest side-by-side to help you decide.

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Evaporative Cooling

Substantially lower running costs
Continuous fresh outside air — not recirculated
No refrigerant — uses water only
Lower purchase and installation cost
More comfortable humidity in dry climates
Less effective on high-humidity days
Cannot provide heating in winter
⚠️Requires windows or doors slightly open
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Refrigerated Air Conditioning

Effective in all weather — including humid days
Can cool and heat from a single system
Consistent performance regardless of humidity
Works with all windows and doors sealed
Higher running costs — compressor required
Recirculates indoor air — can feel dry
Higher purchase and installation cost
Uses refrigerant gas — higher emissions
💡 Our honest advice: If you live in a hot, dry inland climate, evaporative cooling is an excellent and cost-effective choice. If you live on the humid coast or need year-round heating and cooling from a single system, a reverse cycle refrigerated system will suit you better. We always give you impartial advice — no pressure, no obligation.
Watch For These

Signs Your Evaporative Cooler Needs Attention

01

Not as Cool as It Used to Be

Reduced cooling often means worn or clogged pads no longer absorbing water effectively, a blocked water distribution system, or scale restricting airflow through the pads.

02

Unpleasant Smell When Running

A musty, earthy, or stale smell indicates mould, algae, or bacterial growth in the water system or pads — a hygiene issue that requires prompt attention.

03

Unusual Noises from the Unit

Rattling, squealing, or grinding from the cooler indicates a mechanical fault — typically a worn belt, failing fan motor bearing, or loose components.

04

Water Leaking from the Unit

Water dripping onto the roof or ceiling indicates a water system fault — most commonly a float valve not shutting off correctly, blocked bleed-off line, or cracked reservoir.

05

Reduced Airflow from Vents

Noticeably reduced airflow may indicate a clogged pad blocking fan output, a disconnected duct, or an underperforming fan motor.

06

Not Serviced This Season

Even if everything seems normal, a cooler not serviced since last season may have scale and biological growth in the water system. Running it distributes contaminated air through your home.

Why Choose Us

Evaporative Cooling Experts You Can Trust

Licensed & Insured

All technicians hold current licences and are trained specifically in evaporative cooling installation, servicing, and repair — not just general air conditioning work.

Free Consultation

Free in-home assessment and system recommendation — no commitment required. We design the right system for your property before you spend a cent.

Priority Seasonal Booking

Maintenance agreement members receive priority scheduling at the start of each cooling season — so your system is ready before the first hot day, not after it.

Same-Day Repairs

Same-day evaporative cooling repair available in most service areas. We carry replacement parts for all major brands to complete most repairs in a single visit.

Workmanship Guarantee

Every installation and repair backed by our guarantee. If our work is at fault, we return and fix it — no arguments, no conditions, no additional charge.

Locally Owned

A locally owned and operated business. We genuinely care about the customers we serve and treat every job — large or small — with the same level of care and professionalism.

Common Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

Honest answers to the most common questions about evaporative cooling — how it works, when it works best, and how to maintain it.

Does evaporative cooling work on humid days?

Evaporative cooling performance is directly affected by outside humidity. On low-humidity days it works very effectively. Above approximately 50 to 60 percent relative humidity, the cooling effect reduces — the air cannot absorb as much water vapour. On very humid days, a refrigerated air conditioner will provide more consistent comfort.

How often should I replace the cooling pads?

It depends on local water quality and usage. In areas with hard water, pads may need replacing annually due to scale. With softer water and regular maintenance, pads may last two to three seasons. Your technician will inspect them during the annual service and advise on replacement.

Can evaporative cooling work with doors and windows closed?

No — evaporative cooling requires windows or doors to be slightly open so warm indoor air can escape. If the home is sealed, the cooled air has nowhere to go and the system quickly loses effectiveness. A small gap of 5 to 10 centimetres is usually sufficient.

Can I use evaporative and refrigerated cooling together?

Generally not recommended simultaneously. Evaporative cooling adds moisture to the air while refrigerated cooling removes it — running both at once creates conflicting conditions and causes both systems to work harder for reduced results. Use whichever best suits the current outside conditions.

Does evaporative cooling increase my water bill?

Yes — evaporative cooling uses water to cool the air. However, the increase in water costs is typically offset by the reduction in electricity costs compared to refrigerated air conditioning. In most cases the overall running cost of an evaporative system remains lower than a refrigerated equivalent.

Can an evaporative cooler be installed on any roof?

Evaporative coolers can be installed on most standard roof types — tiled, corrugated iron, Colorbond, and flat roofs. The installation method varies by roof type. Our technicians assess the roof during the consultation and advise on the most appropriate method for your property.

Book Your Evaporative Cooling Service Today

Free consultations. All brands. Seasonal servicing. Same-day repairs. Licensed technicians. Workmanship guarantee on every job.