evaporative cooler winter cover perth

Should You Cover Your Evaporative Air Conditioner During Winter?

After another long Perth summer, many homeowners switch off their evaporative air conditioner and focus on keeping their homes warm during the colder months.

One question we are frequently asked at Air Legends is:

“Should I put a winter cover on my evaporative cooler?”

For many Perth homes, the answer is yes.


Why Do Evaporative Coolers Need Winter Covers?

While some modern evaporative air conditioners are fitted with backdraught shutters, many systems still allow cold air to enter the home through the roof-mounted unit.

As winter storms arrive and overnight temperatures drop, cold draughts can find their way into the home through the evaporative cooler.

This becomes particularly noticeable when homeowners are using:

  • Gas heaters
  • Wood fires
  • Reverse cycle air conditioning
  • Electric heaters

Without a winter cover, valuable heat can escape while cold air enters through the cooler, making it harder and more expensive to keep the house comfortable.


Protection From Perth’s Winter Weather

A winter cover does more than simply keep your home warmer.

Between May and October, Perth experiences months of rain, wind, and cold weather. During this time, your evaporative cooler sits unused on the roof and remains exposed to the elements.

Installing a winter cover helps protect:

  • Filter pads
  • Cooler cabinet components
  • Water distribution systems
  • Internal cooling components

Reducing exposure to rain can also help extend the life of your filter pads and reduce the risk of mould growth caused by prolonged moisture exposure.


When Should A Winter Cover Be Installed?

For most Perth homeowners, winter covers are installed during May once the evaporative cooler is no longer required.

The cover then remains in place throughout winter before being removed in spring, usually around October, when the cooling season begins again.

This timing provides protection during the coldest months while ensuring the unit is ready for summer preparation.


Single Storey And Double Storey Homes

At Air Legends, we regularly install winter covers on both:

  • Single storey homes
  • Double storey homes

Working safely at height is essential, particularly on two-storey properties where access can be more challenging.

Our team can supply and professionally install covers to ensure they are secured correctly and provide maximum protection throughout winter.


How Much Does A Winter Cover Cost?

Most evaporative cooler winter covers typically cost between:

$100 – $150

depending on the make and model of the evaporative air conditioner.

The cover itself is generally a one-off purchase that can be reused year after year.

Installation and removal can then be completed as required each season.


Why Spring Is The Perfect Time For A Service

When winter covers are removed in spring, it creates the ideal opportunity to service your evaporative air conditioner before the first hot days arrive.

During a seasonal service we can:

  • Inspect filter pads
  • Clean the unit
  • Check water distribution
  • Test operation
  • Identify worn components
  • Recommend filter pad replacement if required

This helps ensure your system is ready to perform efficiently throughout summer.


Benefits Of Installing A Winter Cover

Many Perth homeowners choose to install winter covers because they help:

✔️ Reduce cold draughts

✔️ Improve indoor comfort

✔️ Protect filter pads

✔️ Reduce exposure to rain and storms

✔️ Extend the life of evaporative cooling components

✔️ Improve heating efficiency during winter

For a relatively small investment, a winter cover can help protect your evaporative cooling system while making your home more comfortable throughout the colder months.


Need A Winter Cover Installed?

Air Legends supplies and installs evaporative cooler winter covers throughout Perth for both single and double storey homes.

We can also remove your cover in spring and complete a full evaporative air conditioning service to ensure your system is ready for summer.


Stay Scam Safe

Always use a licensed and insured contractor when working on roof-mounted evaporative cooling systems. If in doubt, ask for licence details and proof of insurance before work begins.

If you’d like advice on winter covers or evaporative air conditioning servicing in Perth, contact Air Legends today.