Suburb + FAQ

Some issues can be resolved with simple checks.

Before booking a repair, try the following:

• Confirm power is ON and the circuit breaker hasn’t tripped
• Ensure the water supply to the unit is turned ON
• Allow up to 10 minutes for the cooler to fill the tank and pre‑wet pads
• Check that the pump/cool mode is selected on the wall controller
• Check that the fan operates and air is coming from vents
• Open enough doors and windows to maintain airflow
• If the weather is humid, turn the pump OFF and run the fan only
• Position vents so air flows along the ceiling rather than blowing down to the floor.

If the system still isn’t functioning as it should, a professional diagnosis is the next step.

Every evaporative cooler has a standard start‑up routine. If the system is functioning correctly, the process is steady and predictable, and cool air usually begins reaching the vents after the pads have been fully soaked — typically within 5–10 minutes.

This is what you should expect during a normal start‑up:

1. Controller Displays “Pre‑Wetting Filters” - The wall controller activates the cooler and begins the programmed start‑up cycle.
2. Solenoid Valve Opens - The solenoid releases water into the cooler, allowing the tank (sump) to begin filling.
3. Water Level Detected - Water probes inside the sump confirm that the tank has reached the correct level. (Not every model)
4. Pump Starts - The pump switches on and begins circulating water through the distribution channels to wet the filter pads.
5. Pads Fully Saturate (After a Short Delay) - Water spreads evenly through all pads, preparing the system to deliver cool air.
6. Fan Starts and Ramps Up - Once the pads are properly soaked, the fan begins turning and gradually increases to full operating speed.
7. Cool Air Reaches the Outlets (5–10 Minutes) - After the pads are saturated and the fan is running, cool air begins flowing through the vents.

A 5–10 minute delay is completely normal for evaporative cooling systems.

When the Sequence Isn’t Normal:

If your evaporative cooler:

• Takes longer than 10 minutes to finish the start‑up
• Continuously leaks water outside
• Starts the fan but only delivers warm air
• Makes noise but produces no airflow from the vents

…these symptoms usually indicate a fault that requires professional inspection.

We carry common spare parts for Brivis, Braemar, Bonaire, Breezair, Coolair, Celair and other major brands, allowing us to complete most repairs on the same day.

If any of the problems below sound familiar, it’s time to have your cooler checked by a technician.

Power & Start‑Up Issues

• My evaporative cooler won’t turn on
• Cooler is not turning on at all
• Blank screen on the wall controller/keypad
• Cooler tripping the power, safety switch, or fuse

Cooling & Airflow Problems

• Cooler blowing warm air
• Not cooling / no cool air
• Fan not working
• Fan not blowing air / no airflow
• Cooler makes noise but no air comes out of the vents

Water Leak Issues

• Cooler leaking water continuously
• Water running down the roof
• Water leaking through the ceiling from the cooler

Smells, Noise & Safety Concerns

• Burning smell coming out of the vents
• Musty or unpleasant smell from the cooler
• Evaporative cooling is very noisy
• Cooler making strange or unusual noises

Most evaporative coolers can be repaired — and we’ll find the cause.

Whatever symptoms your cooler is showing, our licensed technicians can pinpoint the fault and explain what’s gone wrong.

Because we carry spare parts for Brivis, Braemar, Bonaire, Breezair, Coolair, Celair and other major brands from the early 2000s — along with some older units — we can usually repair your cooler during the first visit.

Every evaporative cooling service begins with a thorough, organised evaluation. We focus on pinpointing the source of the problem quickly so we can recommend the most practical and budget‑friendly fix. This first stage gives us a clear picture of how your cooler is functioning and highlights any components that need attention.

1. Fault Diagnosis & System Assessment

We perform a quick, structured diagnostic to pinpoint the exact fault. Our checks cover:

• Mechanical: Fan motor, Water pump, Fan impeller
• Electrical: PCB/control board, Sensors, Solenoid and drain valve, Power supply
• Water Management: Float valve, Water distribution, Filter pads
• Airflow & Installation: Ductwork, Airflow, Unit installation, Roof flashing

This quick but thorough review allows us to identify precisely what’s affecting your cooler’s performance.

2. Clear Repair Options & Upfront Pricing

Once we identify the fault, you receive:

• A clear, easy‑to‑understand explanation of the issue
• Practical repair options suited to your cooler and situation
• Transparent, upfront pricing with no hidden costs
• Confirmation of genuine replacement parts availability

We make sure you know exactly what’s wrong and the most cost‑effective way to get your evaporative cooler running properly again.

3. Repairs Completed on the First Visit

We keep essential evaporative cooler parts on hand, allowing us to finish most repairs straight away.

4. Final Safety & Performance Check

After every evaporative cooler repair, we run essential safety checks across three areas:

• Unit Operation Checks: Cabinet secured, Full operating sequence tested, Airflow confirmed
• Water Integrity: Check for leaks, Water level and distribution
• Roof & Installation check: Roof flashing inspected, Surrounding roof tiles checked

Your cooler is only approved once it passes all safety and operational tests.

5. Final Report & Warranty

After the work is completed, you receive a clear written summary outlining what was repaired, supported by before‑and‑after photos. All replacement parts come with a 12‑month warranty.

Our pricing is straightforward, fair and transparent, and we never add a call‑out fee.

What’s Covered in Your Service Appointment

Your service call is a thorough professional assessment, never just a "quick look". It includes:

• Complete evaporative cooling system check
• Accurate fault diagnosis
• Minor repairs completed within the first hour
• Expert advice on repair options
• On‑hand cooler parts to support same‑day repairs

This ensures your cooling system is assessed thoroughly, safely, and efficiently by a licensed technician.

Total Cost

For minor issues that can be fixed within the first hour and don’t require parts, your cooler will be restored and fully checked for just $280 incl. GST (***Special rate for single‑storey homes this Spring/Autumn).

Replacement Parts & Extra Labour Charges

When your cooler needs replacement parts or extra labour past the first hour, we’ll walk you through the fault and provide a transparent written quote before moving ahead.

Repairs completed the same day

We arrive equipped with essential evaporative cooler parts for all major brands, so most repairs can be completed on the spot.

Why are bird feathers coming out of my vents?

Bird feathers or debris coming from vents may indicate that birds have nested inside the evaporative cooler. This often occurs during spring and can quickly escalate into a serious problem. Nesting can cause water leaks into ceiling plaster, burn out the fan motor, or damage electrical components. Regular inspections minimise these risks and help prevent costly repairs.

Why is water running on the roof but no air coming from the vents?

If air isn’t flowing from the vents while water continues running on the roof during startup, a component in the cooler’s water management system has likely failed. The unit won’t operate normally until the issue is resolved, and in some cases it can lead to roof leaks, so it’s important to have it checked as soon as possible.

Why is my evaporative cooler blowing hot air?

If your evaporative cooler is blowing hot air, it usually means the filter pads aren’t getting wet. The cooler can only produce cool air when those pads are fully soaked, so dry pads point to a problem in the water management system. This is often caused by a faulty pump, valve, or water distribution part. Once the water flow is restored, the cooler will start delivering proper cooling again.

Why is a service icon or error code showing on my controller?

When a service icon or error code appears on the controller, it means the cooler has detected a fault during startup. This usually happens when one of the components isn’t working properly. The unit won’t run until the issue is repaired or replaced, so the service alert is simply letting you know something needs attention before the cooler can start.

Why does my cooler smell bad or have a burning odour?

A burning or unpleasant smell from an evaporative cooler can be worrying. If the unit is brand new, a mild odour during the first few start‑ups is normal and usually disappears after a couple of water‑change cycles. In older coolers, however, bad smells are often caused by dirt or mould buildup, or sometimes by failing electrical components such as the motor or control board.

Why is my cooler making loud noise or vibrating?

Loud noise, excessive vibration, or a tripped safety switch generally indicates a fault in one of the cooler’s moving components, such as the fan motor or water pump. These parts can become unbalanced, obstructed, or mechanically seized, and in some cases may short‑circuit due to electrical overload. When this occurs, the safety switch activates to prevent further damage. A technical inspection is required to identify the failing component and restore safe operation..

Why is there no airflow, or airflow only in some rooms?

If your cooler seems to be running but the airflow is weak or not reaching certain rooms, it’s usually a problem somewhere in the air‑delivery system. Flexible ducts might have come loose or collapsed, the fan impeller could be damaged, or the winter seal may be stuck shut. Any of these issues can block airflow even though the cooler itself looks like it’s working.

Why is my wall controller blank?

A blank controller display usually means there’s a problem with the power supply or the data cable. Sometimes it’s something simple, like a loose or unplugged power lead that can be reconnected. Other times, a faulty component inside the cooler may have blown a fuse, which will stop the controller from turning on until the issue is repaired.

Why is my home excessively humid when the cooler is running?

If your home feels too humid, a few things could be causing it. Sometimes the outside humidity is already high—around 57% or more—which makes it harder for the cooler to evaporate water properly. In that case, switching to fan‑only mode can help reduce the moisture. More often, though, excess humidity happens when there isn’t enough airflow through the house. Opening more doors and windows and making sure the filter pads are clean will help the air move freely and clear out the extra moisture.

Why is my cooler not as cold as expected?

If your cooler isn’t cooling as well as you’d expect, it’s often just down to how it’s being used. Make sure you switch it on early before the day really heats up, avoid using auto mode, and keep plenty of doors and windows open so the air can move through the house. It also helps to check that the filter pads are clean, because dirty pads can make the cooler work much less effectively.