Filter pads are one of the most important maintenance items in any Braemar evaporative air conditioner.
They play a critical role in the cooling process and have a direct impact on airflow, efficiency and comfort throughout your home.
Over time, filter pads become contaminated with scale, dirt and mineral deposits, eventually requiring replacement.
If your Braemar cooler is not cooling as effectively as it once did, worn filter pads may be the cause.
What Do Braemar Filter Pads Do?
Braemar evaporative coolers operate by drawing warm outside air through wet filter pads.
As the air passes through the pads:
• Heat is absorbed
• Air temperature drops
• Fresh cooled air enters the home
The filter pads act as the primary cooling surface within the system.
For maximum performance, they need to remain clean and in good condition.
How Braemar Filter Pads Are Removed
Most Braemar units use side-mounted filter pads.
Unlike some other brands, many Braemar models use a lever-style release mechanism to help remove the pads from the cabinet.
During servicing, technicians typically:
• Release the retaining mechanism
• Remove the filter pads
• Inspect their condition
• Assess scale buildup and wear
• Determine whether replacement is required
This design generally makes pad inspection and replacement relatively straightforward.
Why Filter Pads Need Replacing
Over time, Perth’s mineral-rich water causes deposits to accumulate within the pads.
The pads can gradually collect:
• Scale
• Dirt
• Dust
• Organic debris
• Sludge
As contamination increases:
• Airflow becomes restricted
• Cooling efficiency declines
• Water distribution becomes less effective
• Odours may develop
Eventually replacement becomes more economical than continued cleaning.
Signs Your Braemar Filter Pads Need Replacing
Common warning signs include:
• Reduced cooling performance
• Increased humidity indoors
• Poor airflow
• Fishy smells
• Visible scale buildup
• Damaged pad material
• Uneven cooling throughout the home
Many of these symptoms develop gradually over time.
A professional inspection can confirm whether the pads are still serviceable.
Fishy Smells And Filter Pads
One of the more unique symptoms associated with ageing Braemar systems is a fishy smell.
This often occurs when:
• Scale buildup becomes excessive
• Organic material accumulates
• Water quality deteriorates
• Filter pads become heavily contaminated
In many cases, replacing the pads and cleaning the system resolves the odour problem.
Can Dirty Filter Pads Cause Humidity?
Yes.
When filter pads become blocked with sludge and scale, airflow through the cooler can become restricted.
The system may still introduce moisture into the home but struggle to cool effectively.
This can create an uncomfortable humid or sticky feeling indoors.
Replacing worn pads often improves both cooling performance and comfort.
Why Annual Servicing Helps
Regular servicing helps maximise the lifespan of Braemar filter pads.
During a service, technicians inspect:
• Pad condition
• Water distribution
• Scale buildup
• Reservoir cleanliness
• General system performance
Early intervention can sometimes extend pad life and improve efficiency.
Should Pads Be Cleaned Or Replaced?
The answer depends on their condition.
Minor contamination may be manageable through routine cleaning.
However, heavily scaled or deteriorated pads generally require replacement.
A technician can assess:
• Airflow restriction
• Structural condition
• Water absorption
• Overall performance
before recommending the most appropriate option.
Benefits Of New Filter Pads
Replacing worn filter pads can often improve:
• Cooling performance
• Airflow
• Comfort levels
• Water distribution
• Indoor air quality
Many homeowners notice a significant improvement after installing new pads.
Book A Braemar Filter Pad Inspection In Perth
If your Braemar evaporative cooler isn’t cooling as well as it used to, worn filter pads may be contributing to the problem.
Air Legends services and repairs Braemar evaporative cooling systems throughout Perth and can inspect, clean or replace filter pads where required.
Contact Air Legends today to arrange a professional inspection and keep your Braemar system operating efficiently.