Evaporative Cooling Vs. Air Conditioning for your office; which is better?

Evaporative coolers have been around for a long time and there are some very good reasons why. Evaporative coolers are economical to run and install; they’re energy efficient; they circulate fresh and clean air; they require minimal maintenance; they have very low CO2 emissions and they’re blissfully quiet.

Despite all those positives there is a negative and it may mean that some office environments will have to survive with air conditioning. Evaporative coolers are at their best in hot, dry climates. Because evaporative coolers work by circulating water into the atmosphere, they are not always ideal for indoor use in humid conditions. Because of the significant amount of moisture that is already in the air you will need to do so with an open window or door to avoid excessive moisture building up. There are also other considerations when it comes to too much moisture in an office or retail space. Moisture in the air could do damage to computer equipment, machinery or a retailer’s stock in trade. It doesn’t mean that an evaporative cooler is entirely unsuitable, it just means that there may be some difficulties in that type of environment or application.

So if you are in a closed office or retail environment then you should certainly consider whether or not you can still operate an evaporative cooler. When you consider the cost of running an evaporative cooling system compared to an air conditioning unit, the savings are so compelling that it may be possible to make some contingencies. You could use a portable air cooler and locate it near an open area so the moisture is able to be dispersed. Before you make a decision you should consult your Climate Australia cooling expert. They will advise you on the efficiency and suitability of any type of system.

Having said that, industrial evaporative cooling systems can be a very effective indoor / outdoor cooling solution for warehouses, festivals, loading docks or garages. Because the space is open, you don’t have the problem of moisture build up. Evaporative cooling in more open spaces like warehouses or loading docks actually maximises the benefits of evaporative cooling because it turns the moisture into cool air. Where you place your unit will determine the size and power of the cooler you choose.

It’s actually great that evaporative coolers retain the moisture in the air. If you have ever worked in air conditioning you will know that the recycled dry air affects your skin and eyes. Because evaporative coolers naturally humidify the air, you won’t suffer from dry air symptoms like itchy eyes and throat and skin conditions. Dry air can also aggravate allergies and asthma, especially in children and the elderly, so the added moisture from an evaporative cooler can help.

When you weigh up an evaporative cooler against an air conditioning unit, then the benefits of an evaporative cooler are clear and hard to dispute. In every measurable way, an evaporative cooler is far more cost and energy efficient. The only difference being their application. Air conditioners are safe and effective as cooling units in all indoor spaces, humid or otherwise. They circulate air and neutralise the humidity, unfortunately the air is recycled air unlike the fresh air circulated by evaporative coolers.

If you are looking for a cooling solution in your office you should contact your Climate Australia cooling specialist for advice on which type of cooling solution is most appropriate to your needs. We are the evaporative cooler experts for all applications, spaces and environments.