Refrigerated or Evaporative: Which Cooling Do I Need?

Choosing the right cooling system shouldn’t be complicated. Whether you’re fitting out an office, warehouse, or event space, here’s how to pick the perfect solution 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.

Need help choosing? Call 1300 447 247 and we’ll match the right cooling system in a minute.

 

How they feel in real life

Refrigerated Air Conditioning

• Feels cool and dry.
• Works in any weather.
• Best for: offices, meeting rooms, retail, IT rooms, aged care.
• Explore our range of portable refrigerated cooling hire solutions 

 

Evaporative Cooling

• Feels like a fresh, cool breeze.
• Loves dry heat, needs airflow (doors/windows open).
• Best for: warehouses, workshops, event spaces, big open areas.
• Explore our range of evaporative cooling hire solutions 

 

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.