Cooling Guides

Evaporative Cooler Pads: When to Replace Them and How to Find the Right Size

Posted on by hot_just_water
Breezair Evaporative Cooler Filter Pads - Large ( Set of 4pcs)
23
Sep

Evaporative cooler pads do the actual cooling: water soaks through them, hot air passes over them and comes out cooler. When pads get old, blocked or crusted with minerals, your cooler moves less air, cools poorly and can start to smell musty. This guide covers how to tell when your pads need replacing, how long different pad types last, and how to find the right pads for Breezair, Braemar, Coolair, Brivis, Bonaire and Celair coolers.

Signs your evaporative cooler pads need replacing

  • Weaker airflow or less cooling than in previous summers, even on the highest fan speed.
  • White or brown crust (scale) on the pad surface, especially in hard-water areas.
  • Musty or swampy smell when the cooler starts up.
  • Dry streaks or patches on the pads while the pump is running, which means water is no longer spreading evenly.
  • Sagging, crumbling or torn pads, or pad material blowing into the ducts.
  • Algae or green staining on the pad face.

If you notice two or more of these at the start of summer, it is usually worth replacing the full set rather than one pad at a time, so all sides of the cooler wet and cool evenly.

How long do evaporative cooler pads last?

Pad life depends mostly on the pad type, your water quality and how many hours the cooler runs each season.

  • Rigid cellulose pads (such as Chillcel and Celdek-style pads used in many Breezair, Braemar, Coolair, Brivis and Bonaire coolers) typically last several seasons when the cooler’s water management is working properly.
  • Wood-wool (aspen) pads, used mainly in older or budget coolers, are cheaper but usually need replacing every one to two seasons.

Hard or salty water shortens pad life noticeably. A working drain or dump valve, which regularly flushes mineral-heavy water out of the tank, is one of the best ways to make pads last longer.

How to find the right pads for your cooler

Pads are sized to the cooler’s cabinet, so the most reliable way to get the right set is by your cooler’s model number:

  1. Look for the compliance or rating label on the cooler cabinet (usually on a side panel or near the control box). It shows the brand and model, for example EXQ170, Contour L40 or Profiler P53.
  2. If you can’t get up on the roof safely, check your installation paperwork or original quote, or look up the model on the wall controller’s service or information screen if it has one.
  3. Match the model to the pad listing below, or send us the model number and we’ll confirm the correct pads before you order.

Evaporative cooler pads by brand

Breezair, Braemar and Coolair pads

Breezair, Braemar and Coolair coolers are all made by Seeley International and share many parts. Browse the full range in Braemar / Breezair / Coolair filter pads, including:

When replacing pads on these models, it’s worth also replacing worn or missing fittings: Breezair/Braemar/Coolair Evaporative Cooler Pads Pins & Washer Set – 16pcs, and Breezair Clip Corner Pad Frame – Set of 8.

Brivis pads (Contour, Profiler, Promina and AD series)

Brivis pads are sold as packs of four, matched to the Contour, Profiler/Promina and older AD ranges. See all sizes in Brivis cooling filter pads. Popular sets include:

Bonaire and Celair pads

For Bonaire and Celair evaporative coolers, see Bonaire / Celair filter pads, including Bonaire Evaporative Cooler Filter Pads Celdek VSM45 VSM52 VSM57 – #6011308SP.

Tips for replacing evaporative cooler pads

  • Turn the cooler off at the isolator on the roof and at the wall controller before opening any panels.
  • Note the pad direction before removing the old pads. Rigid cellulose pads have angled flutes and must go back in the same way so water runs down and air flows through correctly.
  • Clean the tank and water distribution while the pads are out: flush out sludge, and check the water distribution channels or spreaders are clear.
  • Check the pump, float valve and drain valve while you’re up there. New pads won’t cool properly if water isn’t reaching them evenly.
  • Run the cooler on “water only” or pre-wet mode for a few minutes after fitting new pads so they soak through before the fan starts.

Roof work carries a fall risk. If you’re not comfortable working on your roof, have a qualified technician fit the pads.

How to make new pads last longer

  • Make sure the drain / dump valve is working so salty, mineral-heavy water is flushed regularly.
  • Service the cooler at the start of each summer: clean the tank, check pads, pump and water distribution.
  • At the end of summer, drain the tank and let the pads dry out fully before winter to reduce algae and odour.

Frequently asked questions

Can I replace just one evaporative cooler pad?

You can, but it’s usually better to replace the whole set. Old and new pads absorb and hold water differently, so mixing them can give uneven cooling.

Do all Breezair pads fit all Breezair coolers?

No. Pad size depends on the cabinet size and model series. Always match pads to your model number, or contact us with the model and we’ll check it for you.

Why does my cooler still smell after replacing the pads?

The smell usually comes from stagnant water or sludge in the tank. Clean and flush the tank, check the drain valve is working, and make sure the pads can dry out between uses.

How often should I clean evaporative cooler pads?

Check them at the start of each summer and hose off loose dirt gently if needed. Heavily scaled or damaged pads should be replaced rather than cleaned.

Not sure which pads you need? Browse all evaporative cooler spare parts, or contact HotnCool with your cooler’s brand and model number and we’ll confirm the right pads before you order.

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