Evaporative cooling maintenance tips to improve life & benefits
Evaporative cooling systems are a fantastic way to keep your home cool and comfortable, especially in dry and arid climates. For Australian weather conditions, an evaporation cooling system is one of the best to keep the home cool during hot days. Cleaned cooling ducts are also a must to ensure air hygiene during hayfever season is as effective.
These systems work by drawing warm air through water-saturated pads, cooling it down before circulating it through your living spaces. To ensure your evaporative cooler runs efficiently, you should consider servicing your evaporative cooling system in a timely manner.
Here are the top 10 tips for maintaining your evaporative cooling system.
Evaporative cooling maintenance tips
Regular Cleaning of Water Pads
Should be replaced every 8-10 years
The water pads in your evaporative cooler are at the heart of the cooling process. They should be cleaned and replaced as needed to ensure efficient cooling. Check them at the beginning of the season and regularly during heavy usage.
Check Water Levels
Water distribution to pads is integral to your system working effectively.
Maintaining the correct water level in the cooler is crucial. Ensure the water reservoir is adequately filled to prevent damage to the water pump and maintain the cooling process.
Inspect for Leaks
Check for any water leaks in the system, guttering including the water supply line and the distribution system. Leaks can cause inefficiency and should be fixed promptly to stop wasted costs.
Clean or Replace Water Distribution System
The water distribution system can become clogged with mineral deposits over time. Clean or replace it as necessary to maintain even water distribution to the pads.
Lubricate the Fan Motor
A well-lubricated fan motor operates more efficiently and quietly. Check the manufacturer's guidelines for appropriate lubricants and intervals.
Monitor Belt Tension
If your evaporative cooler has a belt-driven fan, ensure the belt is in good condition and appropriately tensioned. Loose or damaged belts can reduce cooling efficiency.
Clean the Reservoir
You would be horrified if you could see what is in there now!
The water reservoir can accumulate sediment and mineral deposits. Regularly empty and clean it to prevent these deposits from affecting the cooler's performance.
Check for Blockages
Inspect the air intake and exhaust openings for any obstructions. Blockages can hinder airflow and decrease cooling effectiveness.
Inspect the Float Valve
The float valve controls the water level in the reservoir. Ensure it's clean and working correctly to prevent overfilling or low water levels.
Schedule Professional Maintenance
Stops ongoing poor air hygiene - hay fever/eye irritations/breathing issues/general health.
Consider an annual professional inspection and maintenance service. An HVAC technician can thoroughly inspect your evaporative cooler, identify potential issues, and perform any necessary repairs or adjustments.
These maintenance checklists should be managed by qualified professionals. Unitests is a lending heating & cooling service and repair provider in Melbourne. Call us today if you need help.
How to improve your evaporative cooler life
Australia, with its notorious reputation for hot summers, has long been a testing ground for cooling solutions. The evaporative cooling Unit has shown to be the most sustainable and effective solution for battling heat. In this blog, we'll explore strategies to improve the life of your evaporative cooling system and how utilising our licensed plumbers can keep your system in top-notch condition for much longer.
Regular Maintenance
As discussed above, routine maintenance is crucial to keep your evaporative cooling system in good condition. Some essential parts of an evaporative cooler you want to make sure are maintained include:
Internal Pads - Water is delivered to the pads and saturates them. External Warm Air is then sucked through the pads, evaporates the water resulting in a temperature drop.
Fan and Motor Assembly - Used to blow air through the cooler, and considered a vital part to ensure proper circulation. Check capacitors , blades , obstructions for maintenance is a must.
Water distribution System - responsible for evenly supplying water to the pads effectively
Housing of the unit - the exterior of the unit that protects all internal elements and is open to ongoing abuse from the Elements.
A well-maintained system ensures efficient cooling and prevents potential issues that may arise due to neglect.
Unitests provides a Full Service on an Evaporative cooler that includes all of the following steps:
Trained and licensed plumber assesses unit accessibility and current operation.
The entire unit disassembled, establishing a clean worksite.
Solenoid Valve checked for correct operation.
Water Line and Drainpipe tested for drips and leaks.
Serial number and manufacturer's date documented with an image.
Louvres and Filter Pads removed, thoroughly cleaned, and inspected for wear.
Fan blades and housing cleaned.
Weather Seal checked for operational status.
Drain Valve inspected for correct opening and closing, O-ring seal integrity.
Float Valve checked for free movement to ensure water supply shut-off.
Pump reviewed, cleaned of grit and blockages.
Water distribution system unblocked and cleaned for efficient cooling.
Hospital grade Germ sanitisation (kills - SARS - Coronaviruses, Influenza and bacteria)
System recommissioned.
Dated unit Safety Certificate sticker provided.
Quality Water Matters
The quality of water used in your evaporative cooler plays a significant role in its performance. Use clean, filtered water to prevent mineral buildup in the system, which can reduce cooling efficiency and lead to corrosion. Regularly flush the system to remove any sediment that may accumulate over time. To understand the use of this function, you can go to your Evaporative Cooler Brands website for more details, see below some of the brands you might have!
Bonaire, Coolbreeze, Braemar, Seeley, Breezair,
Optimise Airflow
Optimal airflow is crucial for your evaporative cooling system. Clear any obstructions around vents and louvres, and place air filters regularly. Unrestricted airflow guarantees efficient cooling performance.
Evaporative cooling maintenance benefits
Australia, with its diverse and often harsh climate, requires an efficient and cost-effective cooling solution. Enter Evaporative coolers, which have gained popularity for their eco-friendly and budget-friendly cooling capabilities. There are multiple reasons to consider evaporative cooling and here are a few:
Energy Efficiency
Evaporative coolers are renowned for their energy efficiency compared to traditional air conditioning units. They operate on the principle of evaporation, using less electricity to cool the air. As a result, homeowners can enjoy a cooler environment without breaking the bank on energy bills.
Environmentally Friendly
Unlike refrigerated air conditioners, evaporative coolers do not rely on harmful refrigerants. They use water and air to cool the surroundings, making them an environmentally friendly alternative. This eco-conscious approach contributes to reducing your carbon footprint and promoting sustainable living.
Cost-Effective Cooling
Evaporative coolers are not only energy-efficient but also cost-effective in terms of both initial investment and ongoing operational expenses. The units are generally more affordable to purchase, and their energy consumption is significantly lower, leading to substantial savings over time.
Improved Air Quality
One of the lesser-known benefits of evaporative coolers is their ability to improve indoor air quality. As the units pull air through water-saturated pads, they filter out dust, allergens, and other particles, ensuring that the air you breathe is fresher and cleaner.
Expert Help
In the spirit of achieving the best performance, consider talking to the professionals from Unitests. Their specialised services go beyond the routine, offering a comprehensive evaluation and optimization process for your evaporative cooling system.