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

Cooler pads do the actual cooling. Water runs down through the pad media and air is drawn through it. Worn or scaled pads mean less cooling, less airflow and often a musty smell.

Signs your pads need replacing

• White scale build-up that won’t brush off
• Pads sagging, crumbling or collapsing in the frame
• Dry streaks even when the pump is running
• A musty or swampy smell when the cooler starts
• Noticeably weaker airflow than it used to have

How long pads last depends on water quality and how much the cooler runs. In hard-water areas they wear out faster.

Rigid pads vs loose fibre pads

Most modern Australian rooftop coolers use rigid cellulose pads – sold as Chillcel by Seeley (Breezair, Braemar, Coolair) and as Celdek-type media for Bonaire, Brivis and others. They come in set sizes and thicknesses (commonly 90mm or 120mm), so the size must match your cooler exactly.

How to order the right pads

1. Find your cooler model on the compliance plate inside the cabinet. Our model and part number guide shows where to look.
2. Check the pad set on the product page fitment list (for example Braemar LCS480/LCS580 or Breezair EXS160–EXS220).
3. If in doubt, measure an old pad: height × width × thickness in mm, and note any tapered shape.
4. Order clips or pins if the old ones are brittle. They’re cheap and often break during removal.

Shop pads by brand

• Breezair & Braemar Chillcel pads and clips
• Bonaire filter pads
• Brivis filter pads
• All evaporative cooler filter pads

Tips to make pads last

• Run the pump for a few minutes before the fan so the pads are fully wet.
• Keep the bleed or drain system working so salts don’t build up.
• Never pressure-wash rigid pads. Rinse them gently from the inside out.
• Drain and cover the cooler over winter. See our winter shutdown guide.

This guide is general information only. Always follow your cooler manufacturer’s instructions, and use a licensed electrician for any electrical work.