Many Perth homeowners are surprised to discover that their evaporative air conditioner may be contributing to heat loss during winter.
After all, the unit is switched off, so how could it affect the temperature inside the home?
The answer often comes down to cold draughts entering through the evaporative cooler during the colder months.
At Air Legends, we regularly visit homes where customers complain about cold bedrooms, chilly living areas, and rising heating costs during winter. In many cases, the evaporative cooling system is part of the problem.
How Cold Air Enters Through An Evaporative Cooler
Evaporative air conditioners are installed on the roof and connect directly to the home through a network of ducts and ceiling vents.
While some newer systems are fitted with effective backdraught shutters, many older units are not.
During winter, cold air can enter through the roof-mounted cooler and travel down through the ductwork into the home.
This is particularly noticeable during:
- Strong winter storms
- Windy evenings
- Cold mornings
- Overnight temperature drops
Even small amounts of cold air entering the home can make heating systems work harder.
Why This Matters In Perth
Perth winters are generally mild compared to other parts of Australia, but overnight temperatures can still become quite cold.
Many homeowners use:
- Reverse cycle air conditioning
- Gas heaters
- Wood fires
- Electric heating
to keep their homes comfortable.
When cold air is constantly entering through an evaporative cooler, the heating system must work harder to maintain the desired temperature.
This can lead to:
- Increased energy use
- Higher power bills
- Reduced comfort
- Cold draughts throughout the home
Signs Your Evaporative Cooler May Be Causing Heat Loss
Some common signs include:
Cold Air Around Ceiling Vents
Stand beneath your evaporative cooling vents on a cold morning.
If you can feel cold air movement, your system may be allowing outside air into the home.
Rooms That Never Feel Warm
Some homeowners notice that certain rooms remain cold despite running heaters for long periods.
Higher Winter Heating Costs
Unexpectedly high heating bills can sometimes indicate unwanted air movement through the evaporative cooling system.
Increased Draughts During Storms
Windy winter weather often makes the problem more noticeable.
How Winter Covers Help
One of the simplest ways to reduce heat loss is by installing a winter cover.
A winter cover fits over the evaporative cooler and helps:
- Reduce cold draughts
- Protect the unit from rain
- Improve indoor comfort
- Reduce weather exposure
- Extend the life of filter pads
Many Perth homeowners find their homes feel noticeably warmer once a winter cover is installed.
What About Backdraught Shutters?
Some evaporative air conditioning systems are fitted with backdraught shutters.
These are designed to reduce unwanted airflow when the system is not operating.
However, not all systems have them, and some older shutters may not close effectively.
In these situations, a winter cover can provide additional protection.
Winter Covers Also Protect Your Cooler
Heat loss isn’t the only reason homeowners install winter covers.
Perth’s winter weather can expose evaporative coolers to months of rain, moisture, and wind.
Winter covers help protect:
- Filter pads
- External cabinet surfaces
- Internal components
- Water distribution systems
Reducing moisture exposure can help extend the life of the system and reduce maintenance requirements.
When Should A Winter Cover Be Installed?
Most Perth homeowners install winter covers during May after the cooling season ends.
The cover is then removed in spring, usually around October, when the evaporative air conditioner is prepared for summer operation.
This timing provides protection throughout the entire winter period.
Should You Install A Winter Cover?
If your evaporative cooling system allows cold air into the home during winter, a winter cover is often a simple and cost-effective solution.
Benefits include:
✔️ Reduced heat loss
✔️ Improved indoor comfort
✔️ Protection from rain and storms
✔️ Extended filter pad life
✔️ Better winter energy efficiency
Need Advice On Winter Covers?
Air Legends supplies and installs evaporative cooler winter covers throughout Perth for both single and double storey homes.
We can also inspect your evaporative cooling system and recommend the most suitable winter protection option for your property.
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 any work begins.
If you’re concerned about winter heat loss or would like a quote for a winter cover, contact Air Legends today.