How do the cooling process and air movement differ between evaporative cooling and the available AC types described by primary guidance?
The cooling and delivery paths differ
In direct evaporative cooling, water adds moisture to incoming air. Indirect cooling transfers heat through a heat exchanger without adding moisture. Your cooler’s type is unknown; do not assume either description fits.
Central AC sends cooled air through supply ducts and registers, with a separate return-air path. A ductless mini-split delivers cooling through indoor units rather than central supply ducts. A contractor should size central equipment for the home or area being cooled. These descriptions do not establish old-duct fit.
What does the guidance establish about central ducts versus ductless delivery, and what does it leave unknown about the existing cooler's distribution?
What a home assessment must resolve
HVAC parts interact, so assess the whole home; guidance does not define this conversion. It cannot determine duct or opening fit, needed property work, or whether roof, electrical, or drainage changes are involved. No universal removal sequence is established.
Which conversion-specific property and work-scope questions remain unanswered by this general guidance, without turning them into guessed universal requirements or a generic quote checklist?
Plan the home assessment
List rooms to cool and records available. Ask the assessor to name the proposed system and rooms served, explain how its air path relates to current distribution, and note unresolved scope. Old outlets do not establish duct fit; these sources do not establish that new ducts are required.