Refrigerated or Evaporative: Which Cooling Do I Need?

Choosing cooling shouldn’t be complicated. Here’s the simple way to pick what works for your space – without the jargon.

The 10-second answer

Choose Refrigerated (standard air conditioner) if your area is mostly closed (doors/windows shut).

Choose Evaporative if your area is open or breezy (roller doors up, marquee, outdoor-adjacent) and the air is dry.

Not sure? Call 1300 447 247 and we’ll match it in a minute.

How they feel in real life

Refrigerated Air Conditioning

Evaporative Cooling

Common scenarios

Open warehouse with roller doors up: Evaporative (huge, cool airflow across work zones).
Closed office or meeting room: Refrigerated (quiet, steady comfort).
IT/server corner: Refrigerated (reliable cooling).
Marquee/event space with lots of fresh air: Evaporative (cool breeze where people gather).

Cost & practicality

Power: Evaporative usually uses less electricity.
Water: Evaporative needs water (tank refills or hose).
All-weather reliability: Refrigerated wins when it’s humid or conditions change through the day.

What setup looks like

Refrigerated: We roll it in, place it neatly and run hot air out a window/ceiling gap. You keep doors/windows closed.
Evaporative: We roll it in, connect/fill water and aim the cool air where you need it. Keep doors/windows open so air can move through.

Hire it with CRS

Refrigerated: Portable air conditioners suitable for offices
Evaporative: Industrial coolers for warehouses, workshops and events.
Fast delivery, set-up, and support across QLD (incl. Townsville, Mackay, Cairns), VIC, NSW and more.

Still deciding?

Tell us: room size, how open it is and how humid it gets. We’ll recommend the right unit and get it to you fast.

📞 1300 447 247 | 🌐 www.climaterentals.com.au
Climate Rental Solutions — simple, smart cooling when and where you need it.