Evaporative Cooler - Replace Unit, Pads or Go Split Systems

yikes914 on 20/02/2025 - 13:31

Hi all,

Our old evaporative coolers' filters got damaged and caused a leak that collapsed a section of the ceiling when we ran it unknowingly. Thinking that it was overdue for a service, I got a guy to come out and service only to be told that the filters need to be replaced but recommended against it due to the age of the unit (15-20 years, they think). He recommended getting the unit replaced and was preparing a quote for a similar equivalent, estimated at 4-5k.

The house was built in the 1980s and is in ok shape but would be looking to knockdown rebuild in the next 10-15 years.

With that in mind, I've considered a couple of options and want to know what would be the best option in your opinion.

  1. Replace existing unit (4.5k)
  2. Install new pads ($900)
  3. Install 2 new splits in the living areas and have the air through to the bedrooms ($4-5k+)

Location is in Melbourne and we were happy with the performance of the unit on most days, struggled on humid days.

Home & Garden Evaporative Cooler

Comments

  • Protractor on 20/02/2025 - 13:57
    +2

    Despite the majority view support of RC AC, if there's limited humid days where you live I'd stick with EC and go new.But shop around for the best bang for buck,better brand. The flexibility of flushing the entire house, windows open etc on the worst hot days is a more natural way to cool big areas (and ppl) quickly.Running costs cheaper.It will certainly last till the rebuild and save $$ on energy
    I know,I know everyone says solar +RC, but each to their own.

  • AustriaBargain on 20/02/2025 - 15:22

    If it collapsed your roof once why would you want to keep using it? Especially if two new splits would cost about the same as replacing existing unit.

    • yikes914 on 20/02/2025 - 15:29

      The unit leaked water through the damaged filters into the ceiling which caused it to collapse, we have not used it since. The only downside to splits I'm seeing is the lack of airflow into the bedrooms.

      • AustriaBargain on 20/02/2025 - 15:38

        You could have the splits pointed at the doors of the rooms. Close the doors to keep the heat/cold inside, or point the blades at the ceiling so it stays in the room more if you want that.

        I know someone that bought an apartment and paid thousands to move the split that was there down the wall it was on four meters so it would point down the hall.

      • ESEMCE on 20/02/2025 - 17:15
        +1

        the unit leaked water through the damaged filters into the ceiling which caused it to collapse

        This doesn't make sense to me.
        The pads are above the roof, any water leak from pads is going into the sump or onto the roof and into the gutters unless the roof is damaged?

        • yikes914 on 20/02/2025 - 18:15

          That's what the technician mentioned. There was a small drip a couple of hours before the ceiling collapsed. He recommended replacing the unit due to the age and any more parts failures.

          • ESEMCE on 21/02/2025 - 08:50
            +1

            @yikes914: Was there any other reason given for replacement aside from "it's old"?
            Assuming there's no roof leak and/or a more fundamental leak in the structure of the Evap Cooler, I'd probably just replace the pads.

            Evap Coolers are super basic.
            * Water pump to pump the water to the top of the pads,
            * float valve and
            * a big (and power hungry) fan.

            New ones are significantly more water efficient (cause they have a more complex and maintenance intensive water bleed system) otherwise the technology is the same.

            Replacing pads is an easy job to DIY if you're confident being on the roof. Just power off the Evap Cooler power circuit at the circuit breaker before you start work.

    • Protractor on 20/02/2025 - 16:29

      Why? Different beasts ,cheaper running costs and a new one isn't likely to have the same "corrodable" components.
      And OP is rebuilding eventually.If he does it properly (solar passive) AC is a secondary issue.

      • AustriaBargain on 20/02/2025 - 16:36

        How could he sleep at night though without in the back of his mind the filters might be failing again.

        • Protractor on 20/02/2025 - 16:49
          +2

          Good point. ppl who get a tyre blow out, clearly never drive again.
          /s

        • Ozbar Gain on 20/02/2025 - 17:57

          lol seriously

  • tightwaldo on 20/02/2025 - 15:45

    which brand / model is the machine?

    • AustriaBargain on 20/02/2025 - 16:51
      +2

      Seld M Break.

    • yikes914 on 20/02/2025 - 18:16

      It is a Brivis unit, unable to find the model number in any of the documents.

      • Protractor on 20/02/2025 - 19:36

        Breezair and Bonaire are OK brands.Used to e Baremar too, I think, The newer ones have way better tech in them

        • yikes914 on 21/02/2025 - 19:09

          Thanks, found the model number from the technician to be AD42 from Brivis.

  • kmwa on 20/02/2025 - 17:21
    +4

    Experience from my last house, which had a 25-30 year old evaporative system…
    1. The replacement cost for the unit looks OK. I was quoted $4,285 for a new Breezair EXQ190 in 2016, but kept the old unit running till I sold the house in 2023. If you do repairs yourself, you can keep these simple evaporative units running forever. I've replaced bearings once and float valves twice. And had a tradie replace a burnt out motor.
    2. The replacement cost for two pads looks very high. I've replaced 4 large pads in our Breezair EA 100 on two occasions. In 2019, the cost for all 4 pads (ASPEN PAD SET) was $139. I replaced them all myself, single handed. If you're comfortable going up on your roof, it's easy.
    Have you ever replace the pads? I suspect these are the original pads! They consist of straw with wire binding, and the straw could have rotted or the wire could have corroded, leading to them collapsing. You are supposed to change them every ~5 years to prevent mould buildup and legionnaire's disease. If you change them out now, there's no reason why you can't keep your existing system going until you rebuild.

    • yikes914 on 20/02/2025 - 18:37

      Thank you for your insight, in the last 10 years, the pads were never replaced. I am leaning more towards the evaporative options as the split systems will not be suitable for my application, without going fully ducted which is not worth the investment as of now.

      • Protractor on 20/02/2025 - 19:38

        Even if its low risk where you are, get the ember proof mesh panels that protect the system from external sparks etc.

        • yikes914 on 21/02/2025 - 19:08

          Thanks, will have a look. The model number of the unit is Brivis AD42 and pads can be found for $300-$400.

          • Protractor on 21/02/2025 - 19:10

            @yikes914: Between now and the rebuild bone up on building solar passive.It's a no brainer, and nothing complex at all.
            Comfort all year round, low energy bills. Win win.
            CSIRO book called Warm House Cool House is a good starting point

            EDIT maybe the pads are a generic size and format and can be had cheaper? Keep digging!
            EDI@ Cheaper again>
            https://www.evapad.com.au/collections/cooler-pads/products/b…

  • TEER3X on 20/02/2025 - 18:50

    Are you eligible for veu rebates?

    You can get a Chinese brand (what isn't Chinese these days?) rcac for 5.5-6k after rebate, with a 7 year warranty.

  • simplystu on 20/02/2025 - 21:15

    personally - would go with split systems.

    considering unit was 15-20 years old …
    a.) may find that if were to replace EVAP unit on roof … will need to do ducting too.
    b.) you talk about roof issues … so again ducting need to be replaced.

    c.i.) when my EVAP unit died - around 2018 … (1998 build) … I was quoted $6000-$7000 (including redoing ducting in roof - but NOT removal of old system - that was EXTRA).
    c.ii.) to remove OLD EVAP system/ducts - was quoted $1400-$2000.

    if do go with splits … can basically leave EVAP unit on roof (make sure drain + turn off water/electricity connected to it) - but at some stage will need it removed.
    After weighing up everything - that's what I went with in the end.

    Hence have gone with 2x splits +++ left EVAP unit on roof for time being.

    [EDIT #1] … and 2x split systems for $4000-$5000 ???
    unless multi-headed units?

    whats wrong with acouple of small units for bedrooms (buy/install for $800/each) + 1x powerful split for main living area (buy/install for $1400).

    IMO that's how I'd do it … but that's just me.

    [EDIT #2] …
    if looking to knock down in 10 or so years == 100% go for single headed split systems.
    can easily be removed + repurposed in another home - not so with other options.

    As my GF did roughly 1 year ago - when previous house was demolished.

    • yikes914 on 21/02/2025 - 19:18

      Thanks for your insight.

      I don't think the ducting needs to be replaced, and from my brief research, I think only the refrigerated units need that done as the units require smaller ducts to run. The roof isn't in bad condition, I think it is just the leak from the evap unit that caused the ceiling to collapse.

      Th $4-5K for the splits was consideration for 2 single head 5kw-7.1kw cooling in the $1.5-2k range from a well known brand+installation.

      I'd love to find a unit+install for $800 for the bedrooms, if you can link, it would be great.

      I have considered that and have weighed against it as if I was to rebuild, I'd go for a all out and go for a ducted refrigerated system.

      • simplystu on 21/02/2025 - 20:01

        look out for sales/deals.

        but 5kw-7.1kw for a single bedroom == extreme (eg. 7.1kw == upto 65 square metres space cooling).
        also check out your square metre space - you intend to cool - will help plan what intend to purchase.

        2x … 2.7kw-3.2kw should be more than enough for a standard bedroom size.
        then 1x … 5.1kw+++ for main living area.

        but then … all upto your room square metre size that trying to cool.
        so - do your measurements first - then can purchase air-con that is right for your needs.

        • simplystu on 21/02/2025 - 20:14

          just to add …
          this is from good guys website - so as a "general guide" …

          room 10m2 to 20m2, a 2.6kW unit should cool the room.
          room 20m2 to 30m2, a 3.5kW unit should cool the room.
          room 30m2 to 45m2, a 5-6kW unit should cool the room.
          room 45m2 to 65m2, a 7-8kW unit should cool the room.

  • 1989jdm on 21/02/2025 - 17:52
    +1

    If you appreciate proper cooling, 100% go a split system.
    I couldn’t fathom spending $5k on a evaporative cooler. Doesn’t work on humid days. Doesn’t work on super hot days. 10deg reduction of temp is about the best you can hope for. You have to run it all day as they have no chance of cooling a house once the day is hot. Ridiculous.

    Imagine a heater that doesn’t work on really cold days. What a joke.

    I suffered the last 3 years with a evaporative cooler in my house, finally had a split system installed and my quality of life has improved significantly. I am definitely a fan of powerful cooling.

    • yikes914 on 21/02/2025 - 19:37

      I do appreciate proper cooling but I don't think split systems will be properly functional in my layout without going for multiple systems.

      I'm leaning more towards replacing the pads and installing a split system in the main living to get the best of both worlds for now. When I rebuild, I'll most likely go for a ducted refrigerated system.

      • 1989jdm on 21/02/2025 - 21:10
        +1

        Multiple splits is the way to go over ducted. Even in a new build. Far more economical and simple.

        Just go a split in your main living area so you can cool down on those crazy hot days, and run a $10 Bunnings fan in your bedrooms. The fan is pretty much on par with evaporative.

        If evaporative cooling cost $100-150 I’d understand, or if our city only got to 28-30 degrees in summer I’d also understand, but $5000 for the ridiculously poor performance they provide is a joke.

        • yikes914 on 22/02/2025 - 00:10

          Yeah understandable. I haven't really done much research for the new build but ducted seemed to be the more popular option in terms of aesthetics.

          I've already got a DC fans in the bedrooms to circulate the air, which helped the evap feel cooler.

    • Protractor on 21/02/2025 - 21:24
      -1

      "Doesn’t work on super hot days" Rubbish. Efficient ECs do it easily and a full house breeze to boot.

      • 1989jdm on 21/02/2025 - 21:37

        Pffft. Been in many houses with evaporative over hot Christmas lunches and people always complain how hot and uncomfortable it is.

  • outlander on 21/02/2025 - 20:21
    +1

    You can buy replacement pads for like $400. Even that is overpriced IMO

    I was on the "Aircon is the best! Evap the worst!" bandwagon, until I tried sleeping in a room that had it. That alone makes it worth it to me. You get such a good sleep from evaporative, while aircon leaves you thirsty and with a dry nose.

    • simplystu on 21/02/2025 - 20:29
      +1

      Depending on which state live in … (think OP said MELB).

      But EVAP really doesn't work with WA's climate these days.
      Even my sister (who lives in MELB) - says it doesn't cope well with the really hot days.

      I'd rather have aircon that cools the house/etc.
      Atleast with splits - you can position the direction of airflow.

      So not blowing air directly on your face when sleep - can't do that with ducting (well you can - but slightly off-topic).

      • 1989jdm on 21/02/2025 - 21:19
        +1

        I’m in Melbourne and I can confirm evaporative simply cannot keep up with our climate now.

        The luxury of not having to run a POS evaporative system all day for only slightly lower than ambient temps, and just click a button and have my split cool down the living area on a 40deg day in 15mins is so good.

        I found if I was outside mowing the lawn on a warm day for example and came in to cool down, evaporative never actually cooled me down. I’d have to have a cold shower to cool down. A split system actually cools me down. Powerful cold air is such a comfort IMHO.

        • Protractor on 21/02/2025 - 21:27
          -2

          That's a serious techno grudge bruh. What year/model was this life destroying EC you had?

          • 1989jdm on 21/02/2025 - 21:34

            @Protractor: It’s a 15yo braemar. Well serviced, no issues.

            It’s a personal preference, but for me, evaporative doesn’t come close to cutting the mustard.

            • Protractor on 21/02/2025 - 21:36
              -1

              @1989jdm: Sounds like you had a shit one.

              • 1989jdm on 21/02/2025 - 21:39

                @Protractor: Yes and no. I still have it, it works fine. EC is inherently shit as you put it though.

                • Protractor on 21/02/2025 - 21:58
                  -1

                  @1989jdm: See there you go.One minute personal preference, nekk minute, all EC is inherently shit. Bye bye.

    • Protractor on 21/02/2025 - 21:26

      Good to hear some alt non fanboy facts.

      • outlander on 21/02/2025 - 23:03

        People get a bit fanatical with their heirarchies, but what I've learned over the decades is that every technology has it's place.

        I personally think it would be better suited as a cheap window box, but we don't have those here for some reason.

    • yikes914 on 22/02/2025 - 00:13

      We normally don't run the coolers overnight as I've never felt the need to.

      It's more to cool down a space quickly when hot/humid outside. Refrigerated AC will definitely do a better job in cooling down the space but will also dry the air, which evap won't do.

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