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  • maroondah heating & cooling Blog Getting Your Evaporative Cooler Ready Before Summer

Getting Your Evaporative Cooler Ready Before Summer

Sep 04th, 2026
Evaporative cooling installation

The Bureau of Meteorology has officially forecast another El Niño, and this means “warmer daytime temperatures across southern Australia through winter, spring and summer.” (Source: ABC News). When this warmer weather hits, you’ll certainly want your cooling systems to be in tip top shape.

So, if you own an evaporative cooler and make sure you’re properly prepared, we’re here to help. In this article, we’ll provide some expert advice, guidance, and tips to help you get ready for the summer heat.

Evaporative Cooling Maintenance Checklist

From Bonaire to Breezeair and Braemar, there are a range of great evaporative cooling brands on the market. However, even the best system needs to be properly maintained and prepared for the summer months. 

Below, we’ve compiled a quick checklist of things to check:

1. Overall Functionality

Don’t wait for the first hot day of summer to find out your evaporative cooler isn’t working properly. It’s best to turn it on before the weather heats up and check that everything is operating as expected.

Look out for:

  • Unusual noises from the fan or motor
  • Weak or inconsistent airflow
  • Air that doesn’t feel cool
  • Problems with the controls
  • Water leaks or other obvious issues

For a ducted system, check several rooms to make sure cool air is reaching the areas you use most. With a portable unit, check the fan, pump and water tank.

If something doesn’t seem right, it’s better to have it checked now rather than the middle of January or February. 

2. Cooling Pads

Cooling pads are fundamental to the way evaporative coolers work. Over time, the pads can collect dust, dirt and mineral deposits. If the pads become dirty or clogged, this can affect airflow and cooling performance.

For a portable cooler, check the pads and clean or replace them according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Ducted systems can be more difficult to access, particularly when the unit is installed on the roof, so professional servicing is often the better option.

3. Location and Ventilation

Evaporative cooling needs a good flow of outdoor air to work properly. Unlike refrigerated air conditioning, it isn’t designed to operate with the entire home sealed up.

For portable evaporative coolers:

  • Keep the unit’s air intake and outlet clear.
  • Follow the manufacturer’s recommendations for open windows or doors.
  • Don’t place the cooler somewhere that restricts airflow.

For ducted systems, check that windows, doors or other designated openings can provide the airflow the system needs.

4. The Water System

Your evaporative cooler relies on water, so the water supply needs to be working properly before summer.

For portable systems, clean the tank, use fresh water and check that the pump is operating correctly.

Ducted systems have additional components, including the water supply, pump, float valve and water distribution system. Look for leaks, blockages or signs of mineral build-up.

5. Booking an Evaporative Cooling Service

Maroondah Heating & Cooling recommends having an evaporative cooling system serviced after its first year and then annually. Regular servicing can identify problems before they become more expensive repairs and help keep the system operating properly through summer.

A professional service can include checking and cleaning key components such as:

  • Cooling pads
  • Water systems
  • Pumps
  • Fans and motors
  • Electrical components
  • Controls
  • Ductwork and vents

Portable vs Ducted Evaporative Cooling

The basic maintenance principles are similar, but portable and ducted evaporative coolers have different requirements.

Portable Evaporative Coolers

Portable units are relatively simple to prepare for summer. Before using yours, give it a thorough clean and check that the main components are working.

A quick pre-summer check should include:

  • Cleaning the water tank
  • Checking the cooling pads
  • Testing the water pump
  • Checking for leaks
  • Cleaning dust from air intake areas
  • Testing the fan and controls
  • Checking that airflow isn’t restricted

Always refer to the manufacturer’s instructions for cleaning and maintenance.

Ducted Evaporative Coolers

Ducted systems are more complex and usually have a roof-mounted unit connected to ductwork throughout the home.

Before summer, check that:

  • Cool air is reaching different rooms.
  • The controls are working properly.
  • There are no unusual noises.
  • There are no visible water leaks.
  • The cooling pads are in good condition.
  • The water supply is operating correctly.
  • Vents and ductwork aren’t obviously damaged.

Because many of the components are located on the roof, it’s best to have a qualified technician carry out servicing and repairs rather than attempting to access the unit yourself.

How Often Should I Book an Evaporating Cooling Service?

Cleaning out your evaporative cooling system is an important measure that should be completed at least once a year. One of the most important parts of your evaporative cooling unit that should be cleaned regularly is the swamp cooler pads. Chat to our Maroondah Heating and Cooling team today to find out more. 

Is it Worth Upgrading to a Split System?

Yes. If your evaporative cooler isn’t providing the level of cooling you want, replacing it with a split system is one option.

Evaporative cooling works particularly well in Melbourne’s hot, dry weather, but its performance can be affected by humidity. A reverse-cycle split system can provide more consistent cooling and can also be used for heating during winter.

Newer split systems are quiet, efficient, versatile, and cost-effective in the long run. There’s also a great range of brands to choose from, including Daikin, Hisense, Panasonic and Fujitsu. 

A heating and cooling specialist can assess your existing system and explain which options make sense for your home.

Are There Rebates Available for Upgrading My Cooling?

As a homeowner in Victoria, you may be eligible for discounts through the Victorian Energy Upgrades (VEU) program, especially if you’re replacing an existing cooling system with an eligible high-efficiency reverse-cycle air conditioner.

Eligibility depends on factors including the existing system, the current VEU requirements, and whether or not you’re electrifying the household and going gas free.

If you’re considering replacing your evaporative cooler, ask your heating and cooling provider whether your proposed system may qualify for a current discount before you proceed.

Maroondah Air
Maroondah Air

Melbourne’s Experts in Evaporative Cooling: Get a Quote Today

As a leading heating and cooling company, we’ve installed and serviced evaporative coolers for countless decades. If you want a natural cooling system for your home, Maroondah Air is the go-to team for evaporative cooling in Bayswater, Camberwell, Glen Waverley, Lilydale, and various other areas of Melbourne.

  • Free In-Home Quotations
  • 25+ Years of Experience
  • 6 Year Certificate Of Compliance
  • Adherence To All OH+S Requirements
  • Licensed, Insured And Reliable Team
  • No Deposit Interest Free Payment Options

Our services are backed by workmanship guarantees, transparent pricing and access to leading industry brands. Get in touch with us today and stay ahead of the curve!

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