Evaporative air coolers
Information for Queensland public housing tenants
In some locations in Queensland, we have installed evaporative air coolers, also known as evaporative air conditioners.
If you live in a home where an evaporative air cooler is installed it’s essential you know how to use and maintain it.
If evaporative air coolers are used incorrectly, they can encourage mould to grow in the home. Mould spores can damage health.
Read more about preventing and removing mould and damp in your property.
How an evaporative air cooler works
There are 2 types of air coolers: refrigerative and evaporative.
An evaporative air cooler cools air through the evaporation of water.
The air cooler’s effectiveness depends on humidity and temperature. Evaporative coolers are energy-efficient and most effective in hot, dry climates.
In public housing, evaporative air cooling is typically found in inland areas at least 200km from the coast.
Evaporative air coolers become less effective as the humidity increases.
Therefore, you should consider your local conditions when operating an evaporative air cooler.
Operation and maintenance
To effectively operate an evaporative air cooler, you must:
- keep windows and doors open when the system is running. If the wind is blowing, close the windows and doors on the upwind side of the building (the direction from which the wind is coming) and open those on the downwind side (the direction towards which the wind is going).
- turn off the water pump if the weather reports humidity in the region at more than 65% or if it’s raining.
- clean the evaporation tray in the air cooler frequently. (If you have a department-installed evaporative air cooler, we’ll clean its filters for you.)
- don’t close your property up and leave your evaporative air cooler running for an extended period, e.g. over holidays.
Moisture and condensation
If you see moisture or condensation while the evaporative air cooler is operating, the building isn’t ventilated well enough.
Make sure the windows and doors on the downwind side of the property are opened. Also, turn off the water pump until you stop seeing moisture or condensation.
Instructions for your brand
Each brand of evaporative air cooler has specific operating instructions and requirements.
For operating instructions specific to your brand of air cooler, visit the manufacturer’s website.
Your responsibilities
You are responsible for maintaining the condition of your home.
When you move out, you must leave the property in the same condition as when you moved in.
If the property needs cleaning to remove mould, we charge the costs to your account.
If you have further questions, contact your nearest Housing Service Centre.