Many modern Breezair evaporative air conditioners include advanced water management technology that helps maintain cooling performance and reduce maintenance requirements.
One of the most important features is the salinity control system.
While many homeowners have heard of salinity settings, few understand how they affect the operation of their evaporative cooler.
Correct salinity settings can help reduce scale buildup, improve water quality and extend the life of filter pads and internal components.
What Is Salinity?
Salinity refers to the concentration of dissolved minerals within water.
In Perth, tap water naturally contains minerals such as:
• Calcium
• Magnesium
• Salts
• Other dissolved solids
As an evaporative cooler operates, water evaporates through the filter pads but the minerals remain behind.
Over time, the concentration of minerals inside the reservoir increases.
Without proper management, this can lead to:
• Scale buildup
• Dirty filter pads
• Reduced cooling efficiency
• Increased maintenance requirements
How Breezair Monitors Water Quality
Many Breezair models are fitted with a salinity probe.
This probe continuously measures the mineral concentration inside the reservoir.
When mineral levels become too high, the controller automatically triggers a water dump cycle.
Old water is drained and replaced with fresh water.
This process helps maintain water quality throughout the cooling season.
Why High Salinity Causes Problems
As mineral concentrations increase, several issues can develop.
These include:
• Scale buildup on internal components
• Shortened filter pad life
• Reduced water flow
• Poorer cooling performance
• Increased cleaning requirements
Over time, excessive scale can become difficult and costly to remove.
Maintaining lower salinity levels helps reduce these risks.
Understanding Low And High Salinity Settings
Many Breezair systems allow technicians to adjust the salinity setting.
Generally speaking:
Low Salinity Setting
The system drains water sooner.
Benefits include:
• Cleaner water
• Reduced scale buildup
• Longer filter pad life
• Better water quality
• Lower risk of mould and contamination
The trade-off is slightly increased water usage.
High Salinity Setting
The system allows water to remain in the reservoir longer before draining.
Benefits include:
• Reduced water consumption
• Fewer drain cycles
Potential disadvantages include:
• Increased scale buildup
• More contamination
• Faster filter pad deterioration
• Greater cleaning requirements
Which Salinity Setting Is Best?
There is no single setting that suits every installation.
However, from a maintenance perspective, many technicians prefer lower salinity settings.
Lower salinity settings generally:
• Maintain cleaner water
• Protect filter pads
• Reduce internal contamination
• Help keep the system operating efficiently
In Perth’s mineral-rich water conditions, maintaining good water quality is particularly important.
Salinity And Filter Pad Life
Filter pads are one of the most expensive consumable items within an evaporative cooler.
Poor water quality can significantly shorten their lifespan.
When mineral concentrations become excessive:
• Scale accumulates inside the pads
• Airflow becomes restricted
• Cooling efficiency decreases
• Replacement may be required sooner
Maintaining appropriate salinity settings can help maximise filter pad life and improve performance.
Salinity Settings And Drain Settings Work Together
The salinity control system works alongside the Breezair drain settings.
Both systems help manage water quality inside the cooler.
A combination of:
• Appropriate salinity settings
• Regular drain cycles
• Annual servicing
helps keep the system cleaner and more efficient.
This is one reason many technicians recommend shorter drain intervals and lower salinity thresholds where practical.
Signs Water Quality May Be Poor
You may need a service if you notice:
• Excessive scale buildup
• Dirty filter pads
• Reduced cooling performance
• Musty smells
• Increased humidity indoors
• Water quality concerns
These symptoms can sometimes indicate that the salinity control system is not operating optimally.
Why Annual Servicing Matters
During a professional Breezair service, technicians can inspect:
• Salinity probe operation
• Drain valve performance
• Water quality
• Filter pad condition
• Reservoir cleanliness
This helps ensure the water management system is functioning correctly.
Book A Breezair Service In Perth
If you’re unsure whether your Breezair salinity settings are configured correctly, Air Legends can inspect the system and recommend the most suitable settings for your installation.
We service and repair Breezair evaporative air conditioners throughout Perth and can assist with salinity controls, drain settings, filter pad replacement and annual maintenance.
Contact Air Legends today to arrange a professional Breezair service.