When it comes to industrial cooling systems, there are many different types that have been around for a long time which can be difficult to differentiate. There are different terms for the way cooling systems are installed as well as the way that they work.
To help decide which one would be best for your facility, EcoCooling are here to help by comparing the main factors businesses take into consideration when choosing the best cooling solution for their facility.
What is Ducted Cooling?
Ducted cooling refers to the way the cooling system is installed. It uses one central unit and a system of air ducts to distribute the air into different spaces. The main unit is usually concealed in the roof or outside the property, but the vents are visible inside the rooms or zones that need to be temperature controlled.
This term is often used to describe traditional refrigerant cooling, however evaporative cooling can also be installed as part of a ducted system. Throughout this article, ‘ducted cooling’ will solely refer to refrigeration.
How Evaporative Cooling Vs Ducted Cooling Work
Evaporative cooling draws warm air through a vent and a motor-driven fan pushes it through wetted filter pads kept moist with a water pump. When the water naturally evaporates, it takes the heat required to evaporate with it leaving a cool vapour. An internal fan then pumps the cool air through a series of outlets, ducts or the cooler itself.
Ducted cooling draws warm air through the indoor unit using a fan and pushes it through the cold evaporator coil of refrigerant pipes to cool the air down. This is then recirculated through the room through ducts where it mixes with the ambient air and reduces the temperature and humidity.
Due to the way ducted cooling works, it’s important for the doors and windows to always be closed. This is because the cooled air can escape and warm air will enter meaning the system will have to work harder than it should and inefficiently to cool this again. However, there is no need to worry about leaving the doors and windows open with evaporative cooling as it does not recirculate the air, it continues to use the fresh air.
Evaporative Cooling & Ducted Cooling Carbon Footprints
Evaporative cooling is a free, fresh air cooling solution that works together with a balanced ventilation system, using water to cool and introducing fresh indoor air into large spaces. Compared to ducted cooling which uses harmful refrigerants, this is a much more environmentally friendly way that exhausts dirty air and improves your air quality as well as cools it.
The refrigerants used in ducted cooling, such as hydrochlorofluorocarbons (HCFCs), contribute to global warming. However, alternatives have now been introduced since the phasedown of HCFCs commenced in 2018 and bulk imports being banned by 2030. Hydrofluoroolefins (HFOs) and natural refrigerants are starting to be used in modern duct cooling systems to offer a greener choice for cooling. Evaporative cooling still surpasses duct cooling for reducing carbon footprints though.
Evaporative Cooling Vs Ducted Cooling Costs
Evaporative cooling is much more cost-effective that ducted cooling as it uses less electricity and has fewer moving parts; this means you save more on energy, maintenance and repair costs. With less risk of breakdowns and only requiring regular cleaning and pad replacements, it is an affordable solution.
Ducted cooling has higher purchase, installation and ongoing maintenance costs, plus it also uses more energy, especially when the doors and windows are open as mentioned above. By removing the hot air, replacing it with cold and recirculating it, it increases its energy consumption so has an impact on energy costs.
Did you know that evaporative cooling running costs are typically just 10% of refrigerant-based air conditioning and less than 50% of the capital spend? If you’re looking for a greener, cheaper and much more efficient cooling solution for your large space, EcoCooling can help.
Take a look at our case studies to see how our systems have helped many facilities keep their premises cool and temperature controlled or get in touch with us today to discuss your requirements.
- Published January 27, 2025
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Emma Beresford
Director at EcoCooling.
Driving the development of sustainable cooling solutions.
An experienced sales and marketing manager, working with SMEs to successfully develop and execute growth strategies. Key achievements have been in the identification and entry strategy for new markets via alignment and reapplication of existing IP/technology to new products and services.
