Evaporative air coolers

Information for Queensland public housing tenants

If you have an evaporative air cooler (or air conditioner) in your public housing property, it’s essential to know how to use and maintain it.

If you use the system incorrectly, mould could grow in your home. Mould spores can damage your 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-conditioners: 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 conditioning is typically found in inland areas at least 200km from the coast.

These 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

• 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 and open those on the downwind side.
• 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 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

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 property. 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.