Hi Wayne

The difference between Evapoative and Refrigerated A/C is:

1) Evap A/C adds moisture to the air.(making the air muggy but cool), Less mechanical parts to ware out, but will require more maintenance (cleaning of the water resevior and pump) and will require water (like a toilet cistern) it adds water when level drops, they can be noisey (To neighbours)and usually is ducted throughout house (more instal costs) They are mounted on the roof of the house and will require tiles to be removed (possible water leaks from rain) and

2) Refrigerated takes moisture from the air. (making the air dry) Has more mechanical parts but with technology today are quite reliable and are super quiet. They can be ducted throughout but are generally Split Systems which has less install costs as they are hung on a wall with a hole drilled through the wall for the conecting pipes, drain and wiring, with the outdoor unit mounted on the ground.

With both systems you might require the services of an electrician as well if the A/C company do not have a qualified electrician. Check their quote to be sure.

Hope this is of some help.

Regrow