Visit our showroom : 6 Royan Place, Bayswater North, Victoria 3153
Visit our showroom : 6 Royan Place, Bayswater North, Victoria 3153
The summer of 25/26 is quickly approaching, and now is the perfect time to reevaluate your air conditioning set-up. Perhaps the current air con isn’t up to scratch, or maybe you’ve been planning to upgrade for a while. Wherever you stand, there are definitely two standout options for the warmer weather: evaporative cooling and split system air conditioning.
Although electric ducted heating is another strong choice, evaporative coolers and split systems are still a favourite across the city of Melbourne. So, which one is better for hot summers? Let’s take a deep dive!
Step outside or turn on the news and you’re likely to see the everyday effects of climate change. Unfortunately, this is the new reality we’re all facing. As noted by the CSIRO, “extreme heat events are increasing both in Australia and globally.” (Source)
With summers becoming warmer and more unpredictable, it really is a smart idea to get in touch with an HVAC team to explore how you can improve your air conditioning in Melbourne. Beyond the additional comfort, this is also your chance to invest in a system that’s more economical, efficient, effective, and user-friendly.
Evaporative cooling (or “evap cooling”) works on a beautifully simple principle: hot, dry air is pulled from outside, passed through water-soaked pads, and delivered into your home as a cooling breeze. Think of it as harnessing nature’s own method of keeping things comfortable.
Evap coolers are an eco-friendly form of cooling, and many units use far less electricity than refrigeration-based systems. Brands like Brivis and Bonaire, for example, have ducted models designed specifically for Melbourne’s hot, dry conditions, with even airflow across the home. They’re a cost-effective choice, but it’s worth noting that humidity and water usage can be limiting factors.
Given its ability to both heat, cool and find a comfortable medium in between, split system air conditioning is easily one of the most flexible options. This is why you’ll find split systems in so many Melbourne homes and businesses.
Mounted high on the wall with a connected outdoor condenser, newer systems are able to deliver whisper quiet operation, precise temperature control, and cooling that works whether it’s dry or humid.
Leading brands like Daikin and Panasonic, manufacture units that are loaded with smart connectivity, power-saving modes, smart app controls, and advanced air filtration. Unlike evap coolers, they also double as heaters and will seamlessly adapt to your needs.
Both evaporative coolers and split systems come in various different forms. Let’s explore these quickly right now:
Portable Evaporative Coolers: Great for units, apartments or small rooms, they’re very affordable and easy to transport from space to space.
Window-Mounted Units: Compact options fitted to a window frame, and once installed, provide effective cooling for single rooms.
Ducted Evaporative Cooling: A roof-mounted outdoor unit that delivers even airflow through ducts across the home. This is the go-to choice for whole-house evaporative cooling in Melbourne.
Wall-Hung Split Systems: The classic single room option, perfect for bedrooms, living rooms, and offices.
Multi-Split Systems: Multiple indoor units connected to a single outdoor condenser. Ideal for larger homes or multi-room coverage without the need for ductwork.
Reverse Cycle Split Systems: A standard wall unit with heating as well as cooling, providing comfort across all seasons.
The Eco-Friendly Question
Evaporative cooling has long been seen as the greener option, relying on water rather than chemical refrigerants. But the latest split systems are catching up fast. Daikin’s advanced models, for instance, feature low-emission refrigerants, eco-modes, and app-based controls to minimise waste.
In the end, the greener choice depends on your usage. Heavy summer evap cooling equals higher water use. Regular split system use equals higher electricity demand. Balance is the key – and Maroondah Air can help you strike it.
No matter which air conditioning system you choose, energy efficiency should be at the top of your checklist, and this is where Energy Rating Labels come in.
The star rating tells you how efficient a unit is compared to similar models. Most sit between 1 and 6 stars, but the more innovative and advanced systems are even higher. The principle here is fairly simple, more stars = more efficiency.
The label also shows annual energy consumption in kWh, which is your guide to estimating running costs. For example, if your tariff is $0.30 per kWh and the label says 500 kWh per year, you’re looking at about $150 in annual energy costs.
With air conditioners, you’ll often see two sets of ratings; one for heating, and one for cooling. The newer Zoned Energy Rating Label (ZERL) even breaks it down by climate zone, which is ideal when choosing split systems in Melbourne.
Upfront Costs: Evaporative systems are generally cheaper to install, especially ducted models that cover a whole house. Split systems start higher but deliver heating as well as cooling.
Running Costs: Evap coolers are cheaper to run, but water use and seasonal limits need to be considered. Split systems balance higher running costs with smart power-saving features.
Climate Factor: Evap cooling shines on Melbourne’s hot, dry days. Split systems, however, work just as well in humid weather and maintain stable comfort levels.
Comfort & Features: Evap offers fresh, natural airflow, while split systems deliver precision cooling, dehumidification, and advanced features like smart app control.
Whether you’re after evaporation cooling in Hawthorn or split systems in Bayswater, our friendly technicians are more than happy to lend a hand. Reach out to the Maroondah Air team today!
With technology that’s 75% more efficient than other climate systems on the Australian market, Brivis is an excellent choice if you’ve decided to go with evaporative cooling. Their ducted evap cooling systems are locally manufactured, UV-resistant, self-cleaning, and available in a wide range of colours.
Here are two of the most popular models available:
Made for large homes, the Advance™ moves serious volumes of air while letting you fine-tune comfort with adjustable fan speeds. The sloping water trough keeps it efficient, and the UV-protected casing holds up against tough summers. With built-in drainage, a winter seal, and colour options, it’s reliable without being fussy.
Compact but capable, the Contour™ uses thick cooling pads and a smart pre-wet cycle to deliver a steady stream of fresh air. Its low-set design sits quietly on the roof rather than dominating it. What you get is practical cooling in a unit that’s easy on the eye.
Convinced? Give us a call and get a quote for Brivis evaporative cooling in Melbourne.
In the world of split system air conditioning, Daikin is synonymous with quality. Today, their reputation continues to be as strong as ever, and there are a fantastic range of units available.
Two standouts are the Alira X and Zena series. Let’s take a quick look:
The Alira X series is a step ahead of the rest. Once installed, it delivers the perfect fusion of whisper quiet comfort, industry leading energy efficiency, and indoor Coanda airflow technology.
This series was specifically designed with energy efficiency in mind, all without compromising on aesthetic appeal and a sleek, compact form. Plus, you also get built-in WiFi connectivity, creating the ability to regulate temperature from a smartphone (no matter where you are).
At Maroondah Air, we’ve been cooling and heating Melbourne homes for over 25 years. Whether you’re interested in Brivis evap coolers, Daikin split systems, or multi-split systems in Box Hill, our team can guide you to the perfect solution.
We provide free in-home quotes, installations that meet all OHS requirements, as well as a 6-year certificate of compliance for your peace of mind.
Don’t sweat through another summer! Get in touch with Maroondah Air, your go-to experts for evaporative cooling and split systems in Melbourne. Call 03 9738 2000 or request a quote online.
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