Ducted Air Conditioning vs Evaporative Cooling

As we transition out of winter and into the warmer months of the year, many of us may be thinking about our current home cooling solutions and whether they’re getting the job done.

With so many types of air conditioning systems on the market, it’s easy to become overwhelmed by choice when deciding on the perfect fit for your home. One particular showdown that many homeowners grapple with is ducted air conditioning vs evaporative cooling.

To help simplify the decision-making process, we’ve broken down the pros and cons between the two cooling titans to help you make the most informed choice possible. So are you team evaporative cooling system or team ducted reverse cycle air conditioning? Keep reading to find out where your allegiances lie!

How Ducted Air Conditioning Works

Ducted reverse cycle air conditioning systems offer year-round climate control by cooling your home in summer and heating it in winter. They use refrigerants to cool hot external air or warm it, depending on the season, and then circulate the conditioned air throughout your home.

Ducted heating and cooling boasts a wealth of benefits that make it an attractive solution to keep your home air-conditioned:

• Ducts are discreet and installed seamlessly
• One unit for both your heating and cooling needs
• Filters the air
• Works well in all weather conditions
• More energy efficient
• More environmentally friendly
• Modern ducted air cons use safe refrigerants

Ducted air conditioning systems have evolved over the years to introduce zoning capabilities to their list of useful features. Zoning allows the user to control which rooms in a home receive conditioned air. This has vastly improved the efficiency of ducted systems, as they no longer need to work hard to cool an entire home unnecessarily.

The Potential Drawbacks of Ducted Air Conditioning Systems

Despite these benefits, there are a few possible negatives that may make ducted reverse cycle air conditioning not a feasible option for some homeowners. The purchase cost of ducted air conditioning installation, as well as the ongoing cost, can be higher than other comparable air conditioners.

For a ducted air conditioner to work efficiently, all your doors and windows must also be shut. If this isn’t the case, your ducted air con will need to work harder, and possibly waste your money, to efficiently heat or cool your home.

The Benefits of Ducted Air Conditioning

When it comes to keeping your home comfortable, ducted air conditioning is a game-changer. This cooling system offers several benefits that can make your life much more pleasant during the hot summer months.

• Even temperature distribution: Unlike traditional AC units that might have hot spots and cold spots, ducted systems evenly distribute cool air, ensuring every room stays comfortable.
• Quiet operation: Ducted air conditioning units are designed to run quietly, so you won’t be disturbed by noisy fans or compressors.
• Aesthetic appeal: Ducted systems are discreet, with vents installed flush with the ceiling. This keeps your interior design intact and avoids bulky window units that obstruct views or take up space.
• Energy efficiency: Many ducted air conditioners are energy-efficient. Programmable thermostats allow you to set specific temperatures for different times of the day, which further reduces energy consumption.
• Heating and cooling: If you’re using a reverse cycle system you can enjoy warm air in the winter and cooled air in the summer, giving you complete temperature control.
• Increased property value: Installing a ducted air conditioning system can increase your home’s resale value by adding convenience and comfort, making it more appealing to potential buyers.

All in all, ducted air conditioners offer a host of benefits, from even temperature distribution to energy efficiency and improved aesthetics. This kind of refrigerated air conditioning is a smart investment in your home’s comfort and value.

Refrigerants in Ducted Air Conditioning

As we explore the evaporative cooling vs ducted air con debate, it’s worth noting that some older ducted heating and cooling systems use potentially dangerous refrigerants.

Some older ducted heating and cooling systems use potentially harmful refrigerants, such as hydrochlorofluorocarbons (HCFCs), which Australia began phasing out in 1996 under the Ozone Protection and Synthetic Greenhouse Gas Management Act 1989. These refrigerants have a high global warming potential and require specialist handling by licensed technicians. Bulk imports of HCFCs will be banned by 2030, and servicing existing systems will rely on reclaimed stocks.

Hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs), the most common alternative to HCFCs, also have a high global warming potential, leading to their phasedown which commenced in 2018. Newer refrigerants with little to no global warming potential, such as hydrofluoroolefins (HFOs) and natural refrigerants, are gradually replacing HFCs in modern air conditioning systems.

How Evaporative Cooling Systems Work

An evaporative cooling system works differently from ducted cooling. These cooling units are installed on the roof of a home for optimal airflow exposure. Evaporative systems draw in the hot, dry outdoor air through a vent and pass it through cooling pads.

The pads in an evaporative cooler are soaked with water from an internal cooling tank. As the hot air passes through the pads, the water is evaporated into a cool vapour. An internal fan then pumps the now cool air throughout the home via ductwork.

Why Evaporative Systems are So Popular

Evaporative cooling has been a popular choice for Australian homes for a variety of reasons:

• Cheaper to install than ducted air conditioning
• Running cost is more affordable
• Easy to maintain
• Only uses fresh air
• Eco-friendly

It’s worth noting that, while an evaporative air conditioner has a more affordable installation and running cost than refrigerated cooling systems, it can only be used to cool your home. If you desire any heating, you’ll need to install a second system specifically for heating.

Also Worth Noting …

Evaporative coolers rely on the air outside being less humid than the air inside. This makes them most effective in drier climates such as Adelaide and Perth.

For locations with greater humidity, such as in Queensland, an evaporative cooling system won’t be as effective.

Furthermore, an evaporative cooling unit has less temperature control than ducted air conditioning and also runs the risk of a water leak.

Benefits of an Evaporative Cooling Unit

When it comes to beating the heat, evaporative cooling has its own set of unique advantages. Here’s why it’s such a popular choice for many homeowners.

• Cost-efficiency: Evaporative coolers use significantly less electricity than traditional air conditioners, providing energy-efficient cooling and substantial savings on your bills.
• Environmentally friendly: Evaporative cooling is eco-friendly. It relies on water instead of harmful refrigerants, so it’s a greener choice for reducing your carbon footprint.
• Fresh air supply: Evaporative coolers improve indoor air quality by introducing fresh indoor air to expel stale air and odours. Unlike air conditioners, they don’t recirculate indoor air.
• Low maintenance: Evaporative coolers have fewer moving parts, reducing the risk of breakdowns. It’ll likely just need regular cleaning and pad replacement.
• Effective in dry climates: Evaporative coolers excel in dry, arid climates. They add cool, moist air to your home, making them ideal for hot, dry regions.
• Simple installation: Installing an evaporative cooler is less complex and more affordable than a ducted air conditioning system. This makes it a budget-friendly cooling solution.

In summary, evaporative systems offer cost-efficiency, environmental friendliness, and a supply of fresh, cool air. It’s an excellent choice for those living in dry climates and seeking a straightforward, low-maintenance cooling solution.

Takeaway – What is the Best Choice?

When choosing whether a ducted air conditioner or an evaporative cooler will best suit your home, there is a range of things to consider:

• Installation cost
• Running cost
• Maintenance
• Climate
• Environmental impact
• Temperature control

If you live in an especially humid climate, it’s likely that evaporative cooling will not suit your home. Likewise, if you want one unit to both heat and cool your home, an evaporative system won’t be the solution for you. Ducted reverse cycle heating and cooling is an effective solution for most homes but will set you back more upfront.

Choosing the right air conditioner for your home can be a major decision and a big financial commitment. If you’re unsure what type will suit your home, contact Metropolitan Air Conditioning and we can help you in this process.

Please note: Thanks for reading our blog “Ducted Air Conditioning vs. Evaporative Cooling”. This information is provided for advice purposes only. Regulations differ from state to state, so please consult your local authorities or an industry professional before proceeding with any work. See our Terms & Conditions here.