A well-maintained evaporative air conditioner in Adelaide can maintain healthy air quality throughout your home, but neglected evaporative cooler pads can become the perfect breeding ground for mould, bacteria, and algae.
Cleaning evaporative cooler pads might look like a chore, but the process is actually fairly simple. Taking the time to do some regular maintenance prevents pricey repairs down the road.
As the cooling system experts, our team here at Air Conditioning Doctor will walk you through the process to clean your cooler pads. You’ll learn when to ask for professional help and get practical advice specifically for Adelaide’s climate. Let’s get your evaporative cooler back to peak performance!
Why Clean Your Evaporative Cooler Pads?
Clean evaporative cooler pads don’t just make your unit last longer – they create a healthier and more comfortable home.
Improves air quality
Your evaporative cooler pulls fresh air from outside through water-soaked pads before sending it into your home. These pads work as natural air filters that catch dust, pollen, and other particles.
Cleaner pads filter incoming air well, but dirty pads can release trapped contaminants back into your home’s air. If your family suffers from allergies or breathing problems, it’s even more important to stay on top of your cooler pad maintenance.
Helps your cooler run more efficiently
Dirty and clogged cooling pads make your evaporative cooling system work harder than it should. Debris buildup restricts airflow, and your unit has to work overtime to cool your home. It also causes:
- Higher power bills as your system struggles with maintaining temperatures
- Less cooling power during the hottest days
- More wear on mechanical parts that could break down sooner
Regular cleaning gets rid of buildup that slows your system down to keep it working at its best.
Prevents mould and musty smells
The most obvious sign of neglected cooler pads is bad smells. Your cooler’s damp environment creates perfect conditions for mould and bacteria to grow, which can trigger allergies and make your house smell musty. Regular cleaning gets rid of what causes these smells and keeps your indoor air fresh and healthy.
Step-by-Step: How to Clean Evaporative Cooler Pads
Cleaning your evaporative cooler pads is easier than you might expect, and all you need are a few basic household items.
Turn off power and water supply
Your safety matters most when cleaning cooler pads. Head to your main power switchboard or isolator and disconnect the electricity, and shut off the water supply to the cooler at the tap or valve connected to your system.
Remove the pads carefully
After everything is off, you can access the cooling pads. The pads are quite fragile, so handle them with care.
Rinse with low-pressure water
Inspect your pads for damage or wear. If they look good, wash them with low-pressure water, like a garden hose with a regular attachment. Avoid high-pressure water that can damage the pads. You’ll get better results if you rinse from the opposite side of normal airflow to push out debris.
When and How Often Should You Clean the Pads?
Your evaporative cooler’s performance depends on how well and how often you clean its pads. A regular maintenance schedule will give your cooler the best possible performance when you need it most.
Best times to clean
Spring gives you the perfect chance to get your evaporative cooler ready for the hot weather ahead. Dust and debris build up on inactive pads during cold months, so servicing your unit in springtime (September to November) will prepare it for Adelaide’s summer heat.
The end of summer (March to May) is the right time for another full cleaning to prevent mould and remove mineral deposits that build up during heavy use.
Signs your pads need cleaning
These warning signs tell you it’s time to clean your pads:
- Your system’s cooling power or airflow drops
- The system gives off musty or damp smells
- You can see dirt, mould, or mineral deposits on pads
- Your system is leaking water onto the roof
- The unit makes unusual noises
How often to clean in Adelaide’s climate
Adelaide’s climate needs specific maintenance schedules. We suggest cleaning your evaporative cooler pads every few months, but people living in dustier areas should clean more often. You should organise a professional service once a year, ideally before summer starts, to keep it running at its best.
DIY vs Professional Cleaning
If you’re a handy person, you can take care of some DIY maintenance yourself, but there comes a point where it’s safer to let the professionals handle it.
What you can safely do at home
You can handle simple pad cleaning as described in the previous steps. You can also wipe down the exterior of the unit, clearing any debris from roof vents or external duct outlets.
When to call a professional
You should get professional help if you notice:
- Persistent smells that remain after cleaning
- Visible mould growth that returns quickly
- Heavy mineral buildup that doesn’t wash away
- Damaged or deteriorated pads needing replacement
- Water leaks or electrical issues
Benefits of expert evaporative cooler cleaning
Expert servicing gives you several advantages. Our team of professionals inspects all components thoroughly, not just the pads. We’ll spot potential problems early, balance water distribution systems, and ensure optimal airflow. Regular professional maintenance extends your system’s lifespan and gives you peace of mind.
Let Us Take Care of Your Evaporative Cooler Maintenance
Clean evaporative cooler pads make a huge difference to your home’s comfort and air quality, and you can take care of it yourself by following these simple steps. But nothing beats a professional service, and Air Conditioning Doctor is ready to keep your system running at its best.
We’ll look after your cooling pads to make sure they look after you through many Adelaide summers to come. Give us a call on 1300 723 413 for some more cleaning tips, or book your service today.
Stephen Maitland is the Director of Air Conditioning Doctor and has over 20 years of experience in the refrigeration and air conditioning industry. He founded the company in 2007 to be Adelaide’s leading air conditioning repair, replacement and installation specialist.
As a certified Refrigeration Mechanic with a full unrestricted ARC license, his technical knowledge and years of experience allow him to diagnose problems quickly and offer practical and efficient solutions for his customers.
