If your evaporative cooler is ageing, struggling on hot days, or just needs replacing, you have two options. Replace it with a new evaporative system, or use the opportunity to upgrade to refrigerated reverse cycle air conditioning that heats and cools all year round.

Here’s what each option involves and what it costs.

Option 1: Replace Like for Like: New Evaporative System

If you want a straightforward swap, old evaporative out, new evaporative in, we can do that from $4,400 with a new evaporative system.

The old unit is removed from the roof and the new unit goes in. If the existing ductwork is in good condition it may be reusable, which keeps the cost down.

No VEU rebate applies for a like-for-like evaporative replacement, evaporative is already an electric system so there’s no gas appliance being removed.

This option suits:

• Homes in drier areas where evaporative performs well
• Homeowners who want a simple, cost-effective replacement
• Situations where the existing ductwork is in good condition

Worth knowing before you commit: Evaporative cooling requires windows and doors to be left open to work — it relies on drawing outside air through the home. On Melbourne’s increasingly humid summer days it can struggle to maintain comfortable temperatures. It also provides no heating in winter, so you’ll still need a separate heating system. If that’s already frustrating you, Option 2 may be worth considering.

Option 2: Upgrade to Refrigerated Reverse Cycle Ducted

If you’re ready to move on from evaporative altogether, replacing it with a reverse cycle ducted system gives you proper cooling on Melbourne’s humid days, heating through winter, and full control with windows closed — all from one system.

This is a bigger job than a like-for-like swap. Evaporative ductwork can’t be reused for a refrigerated system , it’s larger, uninsulated, and the wrong configuration. So the changeover involves:

• Removing the evaporative unit from the roof and patching where it sat ($480, you supply matching tiles)
• Removing the existing evaporative ductwork
• Installing new insulated ductwork designed for refrigerated systems
• Installing the new reverse cycle outdoor and indoor units

The result is a completely new system — not a patch job on the old one.

Do You Also Have Gas Ducted Heating?

If your home runs gas ducted heating in winter and evaporative cooling in summer — this is important.

Replacing both at the same time with a single reverse cycle ducted system means you qualify for the Victorian government’s VEU rebate. The rebate is applied upfront to your installation cost — no forms, no waiting, no cashback. We handle the paperwork.

This is the most cost-effective way to go all-electric in one job. You remove two ageing systems, install one new system that does both, and the government rebate reduces what you pay on the day.

Pricing

System Size	Up to	All-in price (incl. ducting & GST)
12.5KW	6 outlets	From $6,300
16–17KW	10 outlets	From $7,300

👉Read more about the VEU rebate already deducted on our gas to electric replacement page.

NOTE****If there’s no gas appliance being removed, the rebate doesn’t apply — but the refrigerated changeover pricing above still stands.

Which Option Is Right for You?

	New Evaporative	Refrigerated Reverse Cycle
Upfront cost	From $4,400	From $6,300
Cools on humid days	No	Yes
Heats in winter	No	Yes
Windows need to be open	Yes	No
VEU rebate available	No	Only if gas also removed
Ductwork reused	Possibly	No — always replaced

If you’re in a consistently dry climate and happy with evaporative, Option 1 is a solid, cost-effective choice. If Melbourne’s unpredictable summers and the need for winter heating are frustrating you, Option 2 solves both problems in one installation.

Why Melbourne Homeowners Are Moving Away From Evaporative

Melbourne’s climate has changed. Summers are more humid than they used to be, and evaporative cooling, which was designed for dry heat, struggles on those days when you need it most.

There’s also the open windows issue. In areas near main roads, during bushfire season, or simply for security reasons, having to leave windows open to run your cooling isn’t ideal for many households.

The other factor is gas. Most Melbourne homes that have evaporative cooling also have gas ducted heating. With gas prices rising and the Victorian government actively incentivising the switch to electric, many homeowners are using the evaporative replacement as the moment to go all-electric and get both heating and cooling sorted at once.

According to Victorian government figures, the average existing Melbourne home switching to all-electric can save around $1,900 per year without solar, or $2,230 per year with solar panels.

Get a Free Quote

Every home is different — roof type, duct condition, number of rooms, ceiling or underfloor configuration. We do free in-home assessments across Melbourne’s north and northeast so you get a fixed price based on your actual home.

📞 Call 1800 239 663

Or fill out the quote form and we’ll be in touch.

We are located in three locations across Melbourne
Melbourne, Craigieburn, Fawkner

Frequently Asked Questions

Why Can’t I Reuse My Evaporative Ducts for a Refrigerated System?

Evaporative ducts are larger and uninsulated — they’re designed to move high volumes of air at low pressure. Refrigerated systems require smaller, insulated ductwork to maintain temperature as cool air travels through the roof. Using old evaporative ducts would result in poor performance and significant energy loss.

What Happens to the Hole in the Roof When the Evaporative Unit Is Removed?

We patch it as part of the installation for $480. The roof opening is closed and made weatherproof. You’ll need to supply matching roof tiles — we’ll advise on what’s needed when we assess your home. The new refrigerated system’s outdoor unit is installed at ground level or on a wall bracket, not on the roof.

Does the New Refrigerated System Heat as Well as Cool?

Yes — that’s one of the main reasons Melbourne homeowners make this switch. A reverse cycle ducted system heats and cools from the same vents, all year round. If you currently run gas heating in winter and evaporative in summer, the new system replaces both.

Do I Qualify for the VEU Rebate If I’m Replacing Evaporative Only?

No — the VEU rebate applies specifically to the removal of gas heating appliances. A like-for-like evaporative replacement doesn’t qualify. If your home also has gas ducted heating and you remove both at the same time, the rebate applies to the refrigerated reverse cycle installation.

How Long Does the Installation Take?

A like-for-like evaporative replacement typically takes one day. A full changeover to refrigerated reverse cycle also takes one day in most cases, occasionally two for larger homes. We’ll confirm the timeline when we assess your home.

Will Refrigerated Air Conditioning Work on Humid Melbourne Days When My Evaporative Struggled?

Yes. Refrigerated air conditioning removes heat from the air inside your home regardless of outside humidity. It’s actually more effective on humid days than dry ones — the opposite of evaporative cooling.

I Have Solar Panels — Will That Help With Running Costs?

Significantly. Summer is when solar panels generate the most power, which is also when you’re running the cooling hardest. Running your air conditioning on solar during the day dramatically reduces running costs. Mention your solar setup when you get a quote and we can talk through zoning to maximise the benefit.