Evaporative cooling systems deliver remarkable energy efficiency and use less than half the electricity of comparable air conditioning systems. However, you need to consider several significant factors before choosing this eco-friendly cooling solution for your home.
The benefits might seem attractive, but evaporative air conditioning installation will not work well in every environment. Summer humidity often reaches 60 to 70% in areas like the Mornington Peninsula, where these systems struggle to perform at their best. You will see minimal benefit when using an evaporative cooler on a muggy day, which feels similar to wearing a raincoat in the shower.
This complete guide will help you make informed decisions before booking your installation. Your evaporative cooling project needs proper planning to succeed. The installation usually takes one to two days, and this guide walks you through all the essential preparation steps.
Understanding the Evaporative Cooling Installation Process
Your evaporative cooling system installation starts well before any equipment reaches your home. A clear understanding of each stage will help your installation run smoothly.
Original consultation and home assessment
A full picture of your property kicks off the experience. Professional installers will assess your home's layout, size and airflow needs. This helps them find the best locations and capacity for your cooling system. They will talk about your specific cooling needs and identify zones that need cooling the most. They will also check for nearby sources of smoke, dust or fumes that could affect air quality. Your evaporative coolers should only draw in clean outside air.
Your installers need to check distances from sanitary vents (minimum 5 m radius, 6 m in Western Australia), gas flue terminals (1.5 m radius) and wood stove flue terminals (3 m horizontal radius). A detailed quote for the installation comes after this assessment.
Selecting the right evaporative cooling system
After the assessment, your installer will guide you in choosing a system that fits your needs. Here is what you need to think about:
- Cooling capacity (measured in cubic metres per hour)
- Energy efficiency ratings
- Brand reliability and warranty options
System sizing plays a crucial role in performance. Professionals will calculate your indoor design temperature, air change rate and cooling load requirements. Most homes need at least 20 air changes per hour, with a maximum of around 40 ACH.
Roof unit and ductwork installation
The installation team will mount your cooling unit securely on the roof. They will ensure easy access for setup and future maintenance. A float valve connects the unit to your water supply and controls water levels automatically.
Next comes the ductwork installation. The team designs pathways to achieve even airflow throughout your home. Your ductwork needs proper insulation and might need fire rating in some areas. The team carefully flashes and seals all ductwork, electrical cables and water pipes to keep water out of your building.
Control system setup and testing
The control system marks the final stage. Your installer mounts the controller on an internal wall, about 1.5 metres above floor level. These controls work best away from heat sources, cold draughts and areas with poor circulation to ensure accurate temperature readings.
The system goes through detailed testing after everything connects. You will receive a full walkthrough of the controls and maintenance tips before the team leaves.
Key Factors That Influence Installation Success
You need to assess several vital factors before starting your evaporative cooling installation project. A good understanding of these elements will ensure perfect system performance and help avoid costly modifications down the line.
Home size and layout
Your property's physical dimensions directly affect how well the cooling works. The cooling units need strategic positioning relative to your home's layout to achieve proper air circulation. Expert recommendations suggest 1 CFM (cubic feet per minute) of airflow per square foot of space for the best cooling results. Air change needs vary based on usage:
- Residential spaces: 20 to 40 air changes per hour
- Factories: 10 to 20 air changes per hour
- Greenhouses: 20 to 40 air changes per hour
Single-storey homes make installation easier with simpler airflow patterns. Multi-level dwellings require more complex duct arrangements.
Roof type and structural condition
Your roof must support the cooler's weight, as larger units can weigh up to 110 kg during operation. Tiled roofs tend to be more expensive during installation compared to metal roofing. The cooler's location plays a vital role and should have plenty of fresh air while avoiding recesses where air may become restricted or contaminated.
Water supply and plumbing access
A permanent water connection is essential and must follow local plumbing regulations. The system works with water supply pressures between 100 kPa (15 psi) minimum and 800 kPa (115 psi) maximum. In spite of this, your installer must fit a pressure reducing valve if your water pressure exceeds these specifications. These evaporative systems typically use between 3 to 7 gallons of water per hour while running.
Energy efficiency and system capacity
The right size matters for both performance and energy use. The cooling load calculation should factor in outdoor design conditions, required indoor temperatures and heat gains from both external and internal sources. The evaporative coolers should match 100 per cent of the calculated sensible load. A well-sized and well-installed system can cut energy bills by up to 85 per cent compared to regular air conditioning.
How to Prepare Your Home Before Installation
A smooth evaporative cooling installation requires proper preparation. Your installation team will work more effectively and your home remains protected when you take a few simple steps beforehand.
Clear access to roof and indoor areas
Your installation team needs clear pathways to your roof, attic and all installation areas. Move furniture and obstacles from these routes before the team arrives. Ensure ladders have a firm, stable base and keep overhead areas clear of electrical supply cables. This prevents delays and keeps the installation team safe.
Discuss duct locations with your installer
Discuss duct placement throughout your home before installation day. This helps you move furniture or valuables out of the way and protect them during the work. You will also get a better understanding of how the finished system will look and perform.
Check roof condition and fix any issues
Have your roof checked before booking the installation. Look for leaks, weak spots or other problems that could complicate the process. Your roof must support both the cooler's weight and service technicians. Fixing these problems early helps avoid costly complications.
Ensure water connection is available
Your evaporative cooling system needs a permanent water supply connection. Check if you have an available supply point with pressure between 100 kPa (15 psi) minimum and 800 kPa (115 psi) maximum. You will need a pressure reducing valve if your water pressure exceeds the maximum specification.
Plan for installation noise and disruptions
The installation involves drilling, roof work and other noisy activities. Plan ahead if you work from home or have young children. You may wish to make other arrangements during the installation, which usually takes one full day.
Post-Installation Tips for Long-Term Performance
Your evaporative cooling system will last longer with proper maintenance throughout its lifecycle. These care routines help you achieve the best performance and avoid problems.
Clean filters and cooling pads regularly
Clean cooling pads help prevent mould and bacteria. A 50 to 50 mix of water and vinegar works well to disinfect pads and remove mineral deposits. You should replace cooling pads yearly, especially when you notice white mineral build-up.
Inspect water pump and bleed-off system
A well-maintained water system prevents mineral deposits that can damage components. Every cooler needs some bleed-off to stop minerals from building up. An average household uses around 4 kilolitres of scheme water each year for evaporative cooling, which accounts for about 4 per cent of total water consumption. The dump-style drain valve's cycle times should match your area's water conditions.
Schedule annual servicing before summer
Professional maintenance should take place once a year, ideally before summer starts. This yearly service prevents mould and bacteria and ensures cleaner, healthier air. A technician checks for leaks, cleans salt deposits, adjusts bleed-off rates and maintains filter pads.
Cover vents and shut down system in winter
Drain all water from your system for winter. Add a damper to stop cold draughts from entering your home. A protective cover or tarp over the unit keeps dust away and helps the evaporative media last longer.
Conclusion
You must consider several factors before selecting your cooling solution. Evaporative cooling saves energy, but humidity levels play a vital role in how well it works. These systems perform best in dry areas, so they are far less effective in places like the Mornington Peninsula where summer humidity reaches 60 to 70 per cent.
Setting up the system is straightforward with proper planning. The installation team should carry out a full assessment to ensure correct sizing and placement. Your home needs preparation too. Clear access areas, check the roof condition and confirm water connections to avoid issues.
Your home's features directly influence how well the system performs. The floor area, layout, roof type and water supply all need careful consideration. Getting the right size can cut your energy bills by up to 85 per cent compared to regular air conditioning, which makes correct sizing essential.
The system needs regular maintenance to keep it running well over the long term. You should clean filters, check water components, schedule yearly servicing and winterise the unit properly. This helps it last longer and cool more effectively.
Evaporative cooling can be a great investment if your home and climate are right for it. Understanding these vital factors now helps you avoid future problems and ensures your new cooling system performs as expected.
