Evaporative Cooler

Frequently Asked Questions About Evaporative Cooling

How does evaporative cooling work?

Evaporative cooling pulls fresh, dry air from outside through water-saturated cooling pads. As the air passes through the wet pads, the water evaporates, naturally dropping the air temperature and circulating refreshing, cool air through your home's ductwork without recirculating stale indoor air.

Why is my evaporative cooler blowing warm air?

Warm airflow typically happens when the water pump fails, the water supply is blocked, or the pads aren't getting wet. Check that your external water tap is turned on; if the pump or water distribution header is faulty, you will need a professional evaporative cooling repair.

Why is my evaporative cooler leaking water on the roof?

Roof leaks are usually caused by a faulty or stuck float valve overfilling the basin, a cracked water reservoir, or a blocked overflow pipe. Fixing this quickly prevents structural water damage to your roof—consider booking an emergency repair if the leak is severe.

How do I clean evaporative cooling pads?

Safely disconnect power and water, remove the exterior panels, and gently wash away mineral scale and debris from the aspen or cellulose pads using a soft brush and low-pressure hose. Regular cleaning maintains airflow efficiency and prevents musty odours.

Why does my evaporative cooler smell funny?

Unpleasant odours are normally caused by stagnant water sitting in the basin, mould or bacteria growth on damp pads, or blocked drain lines. Flushing the system, cleaning the basin, and scheduling annual pre-summer maintenance will clear out trapped organic buildup.

How much water does evaporative cooling use per day?

On average, a residential evaporative cooler consumes between 15 and 35 litres of water per hour depending on ambient temperatures, humidity, and fan speed—equalling roughly 150 to 350 litres over a standard 10-hour operating day, making it significantly more water-efficient than traditional garden watering systems.

How do I shut down evaporative cooling for winter?

To protect your system from freezing temperatures and winter storms, turn off the water supply, completely drain the water basin, clean out any sediment, switch off the power at the isolator switch, and install a fitted weatherproof winter cover over the unit.

Selecting the right partner for your climate control needs comes down to experience, safety, and long-term reliability. Dunaus Heating & Cooling (operating alongside Conway Heating & Cooling) brings over 60 years of technical expertise to residential and commercial properties across Victoria.

1. Decades of Industry Expertise

• Proven Track Record: Supported by decades of hands-on operation and thousands of successful installs across Melbourne metro areas.

• Qualified Trades: Work is handled by fully licensed and registered plumbers, electricians, and refrigeration technicians.

2. Premium Quality & Reliable Brands

• No Inferior Products: Prioritizes trusted, top-tier systems (such as Fujitsu, Panasonic, Mitsubishi, Toshiba, and Haier) to avoid frequent repairs and premature replacement costs.

• End-to-End Solutions: Comprehensive service coverage spanning split systems, ducted refrigerated cooling, gas heating, heat pumps, and evaporative cooling units.

3. Victorian Energy Upgrades (VEU) Accredited

• Upfront Rebates: As an official Accredited Provider under the VEU program, Dunaus helps homeowners and businesses access maximum upfront savings on energy-efficient upgrades.

• Hassle-Free Processing: All compliance paperwork, pre-installation checks, and audits are managed directly so rebate savings are applied straight to your quote.

4. End-to-End Service & Showroom Support

• Full-Cycle Care: From initial measure and transparent quoting to custom design, professional installation, safety testing, and ongoing seasonal servicing.

• Interactive Showroom: Features working display models so you can test options in person before committing to an installation.

Evaporative cooling is one of the most energy-efficient, natural, and cost-effective ways to cool your home through dry summer heatwaves.

• Low Running Costs: Uses up to 80% to 90% less electricity than standard reverse-cycle air conditioning, leading to significantly lower power bills.

• 100% Fresh, Clean Air: Continuously draws outdoor air through water-saturated pads rather than recirculating stale, dry indoor air.

• Eco-Friendly: Uses a natural process of water evaporation and standard refrigerants are not required, producing lower greenhouse gas emissions.

• Doors & Windows Can Stay Open: Operates at peak performance with open doors and windows, making it ideal for active families and outdoor entertaining.

• Gentle on Eyes & Skin: Adds natural moisture to the air instead of drying it out, helping prevent dry skin, chapped lips, and irritated eyes.

• Affordable Installation & Maintenance: Lower initial equipment costs and straightforward ongoing servicing compared to complex refrigerated systems.

• Allergy-Friendly Filtering: The wet cooling pads trap dust, pollen, and airborne particles before fresh air enters your living space.