As Perth begins to warm up, many homeowners start thinking about turning their evaporative air conditioner back on after months of sitting idle through winter.
While it can be tempting to simply switch the unit on and hope for the best, a little preparation can help prevent breakdowns, improve cooling performance, and ensure your evaporative cooler is ready for the summer ahead.
At Air Legends, September and October are some of our busiest months because many homeowners discover problems when they first start their evaporative cooling systems after winter.
Here’s what you should have checked before summer arrives.
Spring Is The Best Time To Have Your Evaporative Cooler Checked
During winter, your evaporative air conditioner sits exposed to months of rain, wind, dust, and debris.
Even if a winter cover has been installed, components still require inspection before the cooling season begins.
A spring inspection helps identify:
• Worn filter pads
• Blocked water distribution systems
• Damaged pumps
• Electrical faults
• Water leaks
• Poor airflow issues
Finding these problems early can help avoid breakdowns during Perth’s first hot days.
Step 1 – Remove The Winter Cover
If a winter cover has been installed, it should be removed before operating the system.
Running an evaporative cooler with a cover fitted can restrict airflow and potentially damage the unit.
Inspect the cover while removing it and store it in a dry location ready for next winter.
Step 2 – Check The Filter Pads
Filter pads are one of the most important components in an evaporative air conditioner.
Over time they can become:
• Blocked with dust
• Damaged by weather
• Affected by mould
• Worn through normal operation
If the pads appear brittle, damaged, or heavily stained, replacement may be recommended.
Fresh filter pads help maximise cooling efficiency and airflow throughout the home.
Step 3 – Check For Water Distribution Issues
When the system is switched on, water should distribute evenly across all filter pads.
If water is not flowing correctly, cooling performance can suffer.
Common issues include:
• Blocked distribution lines
• Worn pumps
• Scale build-up
These problems are often discovered during a spring service.
Step 4 – Inspect For Leaks
Water leaks are one of the most common evaporative cooler faults identified at the start of summer.
Look for:
• Water overflowing from the unit
• Excessive water around the base
• Signs of rust or deterioration
• Drain valve issues
Leaks should be addressed early to avoid damage to the unit and roof area.
Step 5 – Test The Fan And Controls
After months of inactivity, electrical components should be tested before the hot weather arrives.
Check:
• Fan operation
• Controller functions
• Thermostats
• Speed settings
• Safety devices
Any unusual noises, vibration, or poor performance should be investigated.
Common Problems Found After Winter
At Air Legends, some of the most common issues we find during spring start-up inspections include:
Worn Filter Pads
Old pads reduce cooling performance and airflow.
Water Distribution Problems
Uneven water flow can leave parts of the home feeling warmer than others.
Failed Pumps
Pumps occasionally fail after sitting unused through winter.
Blocked Components
Dust, insects, and debris can accumulate while the system is not operating.
General Lack Of Maintenance
Many systems simply need a thorough clean and inspection before summer begins.
Why A Spring Service Is Worthwhile
Booking a service before summer arrives can help:
✔ Improve cooling performance
✔ Extend equipment life
✔ Reduce the risk of breakdowns
✔ Improve energy efficiency
✔ Identify worn components early
✔ Ensure reliable summer operation
It’s far easier to address issues during spring than during Perth’s first heatwave when service demand is at its peak.
When Should You Book A Service?
For most Perth homeowners, September and October are the ideal months to prepare an evaporative air conditioner for summer.
This allows time to identify any issues before temperatures begin climbing.
Waiting until the first hot week of the season often results in longer booking delays and unnecessary discomfort.
Need Help Getting Your Evaporative Cooler Ready For Summer?
Air Legends provides professional evaporative air conditioning servicing throughout Perth.
Our spring start-up services include system inspection, cleaning, testing, fault diagnosis, and recommendations to help keep your home cool throughout summer.
Stay Scam Safe
Always use a licensed and insured contractor when servicing roof-mounted evaporative cooling systems. If in doubt, ask for licence details and proof of insurance before any work begins.
Contact Air Legends today to book your spring evaporative air conditioning service.