Why Evaporative Air Conditioner Maintenance Matters: A Guide for Perth Hills Homes
Cool Summers Start With Smart Maintenance
Evaporative air conditioning is a popular cooling option across Perth and especially in the Perth Hills, thanks to its energy efficiency and ability to handle dry heat. But like any hardworking system, your evap unit needs regular servicing to stay effective.
When neglected, an evaporative cooler can waste energy, deliver poor airflow, grow harmful bacteria, and break down during the hottest weeks of the year. In this guide, the team at Jarrah Group explains why routine maintenance and professional servicing is essential — and how a local Perth Hills handyman can help keep your system running smoothly.
What Is an Evaporative Air Conditioner?
Also known as a swamp cooler, an evaporative system cools air by drawing it through water-soaked pads and blowing it into your home. These systems rely on the natural cooling effect of water evaporation.
Basic parts include:
Roof-mounted cooler box with a fan and water pump
Water reservoir and float valve
Filter pads (usually cellulose or aspen)
Ducting that delivers cooled air into rooms
Evap systems are ideal for Perth's hot, dry summers — but their performance depends on how clean, balanced, and well-maintained they are.
Why Regular Servicing Is So Important
Here’s what can go wrong if your evap aircon isn’t properly maintained:
1. Reduced Cooling Performance
Clogged pads restrict airflow
Dirty fan blades reduce speed
Blocked filters strain the system
2. Higher Water and Energy Use
Malfunctioning float valves cause overflows
Leaks go unnoticed, especially in roof cavities
Scale build-up clogs pipes and fittings
3. Health Risks From Mould and Bacteria
Stagnant water can breed harmful bacteria (e.g., Legionella)
Poorly cleaned systems can push mould spores into the air
4. Costly Repairs From System Failure
Burnt-out motors and pumps
Cracked water trays or clogged distribution pipes
Shortened lifespan of core components
Routine checks and cleans prevent all of these issues — and extend the life of your investment.
How Often Should You Service an Evaporative Air Conditioner?
We recommend:
Full annual servicing before the summer season begins
End-of-season drain and clean in autumn to prevent stagnation
Mid-season check-ups if the system runs daily in high heat
Our Mundaring handyman team can handle scheduled seasonal maintenance or attend to urgent repair calls.
What’s Included in a Professional Evap Aircon Service?
When you book a Jarrah Group handyman in Perth, a full evap maintenance service typically includes:
Inspection of all major components
Check the fan, motor, pump, float valve, and housingCleaning of water reservoir and pads
Remove debris, scale, algae and slime from base and padsTest and adjust water flow
Ensure distribution over pads is even; no flooding or dry patchesCheck ducting and outlets
Inspect ceiling vents, filters, and back-draught dampersFlush and disinfect the system
Eliminate bacteria using approved treatmentsTest operation
Power up, check airflow, noise, and performance
We’ll also offer a summary of condition and any repair recommendations.
Common Evap Aircon Problems We Fix
No airflow or reduced flow: Often caused by a broken fan belt, clogged pads, or burnt-out motor
Strange smells: Typically caused by stagnant water or mould inside the reservoir
Leaking from roof unit: Could be a failed float valve, blocked drain, or cracked tray
Unusual noises: Faulty bearings, debris in the fan, or misaligned motor
Our Perth Hills handyman team will pinpoint the fault, repair or replace parts, and get you cool again quickly.
DIY Maintenance Tips Between Services
Homeowners can help extend system life by:
Running the fan-only mode for 15 minutes after use to dry out pads
Turning the system off completely when not in use
Checking ceiling vents for dust buildup
Visually inspecting for leaks from the roof unit
Avoid climbing on your roof or opening panels unless trained and confident — leave the technical work to a professional.
Evap vs Reverse Cycle: Why Maintenance Still Matters
Even though evaporative systems are simpler than reverse cycle air conditioners, they still require care. Here’s why:
Outdoor exposure: Units are subject to leaves, dust, insects, birds, and Perth’s strong UV
Water-based system: Anything involving water can stagnate, corrode or grow bacteria
Affordable doesn’t mean maintenance-free: Small parts like float valves and filters fail just as easily
Staying ahead with maintenance prevents your affordable cooling solution from becoming a money pit.
Servicing Older Units vs Newer Models
Have a system older than 10–12 years? You may notice:
Louder operation
Water leaks or overflow
Less effective cooling
We can help you:
Compare repair costs vs replacement
Upgrade to a newer model with better energy and water ratings
Improve ducting for more even airflow
We work with most major evap brands including Breezair, Coolair, Braemar, Bonaire and Bona Breeze.
What Makes Jarrah Group Different?
Based locally in Glen Forrest — fast response and flexible scheduling
Respectful, honest service — we show up on time and clean up after the job
Multi-skilled handyman team — we fix aircon units, patch roof leaks, repair ducting, and more
Transparent pricing — no hidden fees or surprise costs
We care about your comfort — and we want your system to work when you need it most.
Areas We Service
We provide evaporative aircon maintenance across:
Mundaring
Darlington
Helena Valley
Parkerville
Mahogany Creek
Mt Helena
Chidlow
Glen Forrest
Wooroloo
Gidgegannup
Wherever you are in the Perth Hills or eastern suburbs, we’re your local evap aircon specialists.
Final Thoughts: Don’t Wait for the Heatwave
The best time to service your evap aircon is before the summer rush. Early-season maintenance means better performance, fewer breakdowns, and peace of mind all summer long.
Let Jarrah Group take care of it — from full servicing to emergency repairs, we’re here to help.
Jarrah Group — Your Trusted Perth Hills Handyman for Cool, Clean, Efficient Evap Systems.
