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Evaporative Cooler Air Conditioning: What It Does

Evaporative air conditioning cools incoming air through water evaporation and needs an exhaust path. Its suitability depends strongly on outdoor humidity and the building layout.

Evaporative cooler air conditioning describes a system that uses the evaporation of water to lower incoming air temperature. In a direct system, the supply air gains moisture as it passes through wet pads, so the system is generally better suited to dry climates than humid coastal weather. The building also needs a path for air to exit.

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Air Conditioning vs Swamp Cooler: Which Fits Your Climate?

A swamp cooler is evaporative cooling that needs dry air and exhaust; refrigerated air conditioning is less dependent on outdoor humidity.

Common questions

Questions before you buy

How does evaporative cooler air conditioning work?

A fan draws air across water-wetted media. Evaporation takes heat from the airflow, while the resulting supply air carries additional moisture.

Does evaporative air conditioning work in humid weather?

It becomes less effective as humidity rises, because the air has less capacity to take up additional water. Check local conditions before choosing this system.

Should windows be open when evaporative cooling is running?

The system needs an exhaust route to let humid air leave. Queensland Government guidance advises keeping suitable windows or doors open and adjusting openings for wind direction.

Is evaporative air conditioning the same as refrigerated air conditioning?

No. Evaporative systems use water evaporation and ventilation; refrigerated air conditioning uses a refrigeration cycle and can remove moisture from indoor air.