Evaporative Cooling Strathmore
ExtrordinAir Heating and Cooling has been installing and servicing rooftop evaporative cooling systems throughout Strathmore for over 20 years. Whether you need a new evaporative cooler installed, your existing unit repaired, or you’re considering upgrading to reverse cycle air conditioning, we’re a local business that understands the cooling needs of Melbourne’s north-west.
Licence Details:
ARCTick Licence: AU29403
Victorian Building and Plumbing Commission Licence: 43459
Our Evaporative Cooling Services Across Strathmore
New Evaporative Cooling Installation
Evaporative cooling remains a popular choice for Strathmore homes, particularly the established brick and weatherboard homes common around Napier Street and throughout the tree-lined streets near Napier Park.
These systems work well in Melbourne’s dry summer heat and offer low running costs compared to refrigerated options. We install evaporative air conditioners from trusted Australian brands including Bonaire, Brivis, and Braemar.
What’s included in our installations:
- Site assessment to determine the right unit size for your home
- Professional roof-mounted installation with appropriate flashing
- Ceiling vent placement in rooms you use most
- Controller installation in a convenient location
- Full system testing and handover
- Demonstration of controls and maintenance requirements
Evaporative Cooling Repairs for Strathmore Homes
Strathmore’s evaporative coolers work hard during summer, and most issues we see relate to pump failures, blocked filters, solenoid valves or controller faults. If your unit isn’t cooling properly, makes unusual noises, or won’t start at all, we can diagnose and repair the problem.
Common repairs we carry out in Strathmore include:
- Pump replacement
- Fan motor repairs
- Filter pad changes
- Controller replacement
- Belt tensioning and replacement on older units
- Solenoid valve replacement
We carry common parts on our vans, so many repairs can be completed in a single visit.
Evaporative Cooling Service
Regular servicing keeps your evaporative air conditioning running efficiently and extends its working life. We recommend a pre-summer service each year, ideally in late October or November before you need the system.
Our service includes:
- Cleaning and inspecting filter pads
- Checking pump operation and water flow
- Inspecting fan belts and motor
- Cleaning the water tank and distribution system
- Testing all controls and settings
- Checking roof unit for any weather damage or bird entry
Many Strathmore homes have evaporative coolers that are 15 to 20 years old. A yearly service often keeps these units running reliably.
Evaporative Cooling Replacement in Strathmore
If your evaporative cooler is struggling to keep up or becoming expensive to repair, upgrading to a current model can make a noticeable difference. Modern evaporative coolers from Brivis, Bonaire, and Braemar offer improved cooling performance, quieter operation, and better controls than units from 15 or 20 years ago.
Current models also include features like variable speed fans, humidity management systems, and self cleaning water pumps that older units simply don’t have. We can replace your existing evaporative cooling system and connect it to your current ductwork and vents in most cases, keeping installation straightforward and cost-effective.
Changeover to Reverse Cycle Air Conditioning
Some Strathmore homeowners decide that evaporative cooling no longer suits their needs.
Common reasons include:
- Wanting to cool on humid days when evaporative systems lose effectiveness
- Needing heating and cooling from one system
- Allergies or respiratory conditions aggravated by evaporative cooling
- Preferring to keep windows closed for noise or security
We can remove your evaporative cooler and install air conditioning in your Strathmore home. For established homes near Napier Park, or the family homes common throughout the streets near Strathmore Heights, we’ll recommend the system that best fits your layout and budget.
Evaporative Air Conditioning Brands We Work With
ExtrordinAir installs, services, and repairs all major Australian evaporative cooling brands including Bonaire, Braemar, Breezair, Coolair, Brivis, Celair, Convair, and CoolBreeze. Our technicians carry common parts for most systems and have experience with everything from budget units through to premium installations. If you have an older or less common brand, give us a call – chances are we’ve worked on it before.
Why Choose Evaporative Cooling for Your Strathmore home?
Evaporative cooling suits many Strathmore homes for several reasons:
Lower Running Costs
An evaporative cooler typically costs around $0.15 to $0.50 per hour to run, depending on the unit size and electricity rates. This compares favourably to ducted reverse cycle air conditioners, which can cost $1.50 to $3.00 per hour to run. For households watching their energy bills, this difference adds up over a Melbourne summer.
Fresh Air Circulation
Evaporative coolers work by drawing fresh air through wet filter pads and pushing it through your home. This means you run the system with windows partially open, constantly bringing in fresh air rather than recirculating the same air.
Lower Installation Cost
A new evaporative cooler installation costs less than a ducted reverse cycle system of similar capacity, making it accessible for more households.
Works Well in Strathmore & Surrounding Suburbs of Melbourne
The summer humidity in Strathmore is generally low enough for evaporative cooling to work effectively on most days. The system performs best on hot, dry days and less effectively on humid days.
What to Consider Before Installing an Evaporative Cooling System
We believe in being upfront about what evaporative cooling can and can’t do:
- Humid days: On muggy days, evaporative coolers lose effectiveness because the air is already moisture-laden
- Heating: Evaporative systems provide cooling only. You’ll need a separate heating system for winter
- Windows need to stay open: The system requires airflow through the house, so windows can’t be fully closed. Some newer models (such as the Braemar Evolution LPQI Series) offer venting into the roof space, however, this works best with low fan speeds and multiple vents may be required throughout your home.
- Water usage: Evaporative air conditioning uses water continuously while running, typically 10 to 30 litres per hour For some households, these limitations are manageable. For others, ducted or split system installation is a better fit. We’re happy to discuss both options honestly during a site visit.
Areas We Cover in Strathmore
ExtrordinAir is locally based in nearby Airport West. Our team regularly works throughout Strathmore’s different neighbourhoods. In Strathmore, we service homes from the Pascoe Vale Road side through to Napier Park. This includes the streets around Strathmore railway station and the residential areas near the Moonee Ponds Creek Trail.
Strathmore Heights homes around Boeing Reserve and the quieter streets leading toward Gowanbrae are also in our regular service area. We know these neighbourhoods well, including the mix of established family homes and newer builds throughout the area.
In western Strathmore, we cover homes from Woodland Street through to the areas near Bulla Road. The established brick homes near Lebanon Reserve often have evaporative systems installed, and we’ve serviced many of them over the years.
Take a look at some of our work:
Breezair Evaporative Cooling Service in Strathmore
We cleaned and serviced this Breezair EM145DV rooftop evaporative air conditioner in Napier Road, Strathmore. The unit was overflowing due to a faulty float arm. We adjusted the float arm, tested the fan motor, water levels and ran the system. We suspected this may be an ongoing issue with the float arm and drain valve – providing the customer with a quote to replace these parts, as well as a quote to change over the evaporative cooling system to an updated model with a 7 year warranty.
Brivis Evaporative Cooling Service in Strathmore
We were called to service and maintain this Brivis AD52 model evaporative air conditioner – manufactured in 1995 and still going strong in 2025! This rooftop evaporative cooling system had a leaking float arm which was around $380 to replace at the time. During the service we confirmed there were no leaks, tested water levels, motor operation, cleaned the sump, checked the solenoid and cleaned and tested the drainage system. This home in Carnarvon Road Strathmore continues to enjoy their evaporative cooling system 20 years after manufacture.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does an evaporative cooler installation take?
Most installations in Strathmore are completed in one day. We arrive in the morning, mount the roof unit, install ductwork and vents, and have the system running by the end of the day.
Why is my evaporative cooling system blowing hot air?
The most common cause is dry filter pads, usually because the water pump has failed or the water supply has been turned off. It can also happen with stuck float valves, humid or extreme weather events, leaking water tank, controller faults, or broken belts. We cover all possible reasons why an evaporative cooling system would blow hot air in our blog post.
How much does a new evaporative cooling system cost in Strathmore?
For a typical three-bedroom Strathmore home, expect to pay between $3,500 and $5,500 fully installed, depending on the unit size and number of vents required. We provide written quotes after assessing your home. For more in depth information, we compare Bonaire vs Braemar evaporative cooling here.
Is it worth repairing an old evaporative cooler?
It depends on the repair needed and the unit’s overall condition. We’ll give you an honest assessment. Generally, if repairs exceed half the cost of a new unit, replacement makes more sense.
How often should I service my evaporative cooler?
Your evaporative cooling system should be serviced once a year, ideally before summer. This keeps the unit running efficiently and helps identify potential problems before the hot weather arrives.
Can I run an evaporative cooling system with solar panels?
Evaporative cooling systems run on electricity and pair well together with solar panels. Evaporative coolers have low power consumption, often between 200 and 500 watts, which most residential solar systems can comfortably cover during daylight hours.
Are there any incentives to change to refrigerated air conditioning?
In 2026, there are no rebates available to switch from evaporative air conditioning to refrigerated. If you have gas heating installed alongside your evaporative cooling system, VEU rebates of up to $5,530 are available. Please reach out to us to discuss further.
Is air conditioning better than evaporative cooling?
Deciding between evaporative cooling and air conditioning depends on your priorities. If you want effective cooling on humid days, heating and cooling from one system, or prefer to keep windows closed, refrigerated air conditioning is worth considering. If low running costs and fresh air circulation are your priorities, evaporative cooling may be the better choice.
Get in Touch Today for All Your Evaporative Cooling Needs in Strathmore and Surrounding Suburbs
For evaporative cooling installation, repairs, servicing, or advice on upgrading in Strathmore or Strathmore Heights, contact our team. We provide obligation-free quotes and honest advice on whether evaporative cooling is right for your home.
ExtrordinAir Heating and Cooling – Licensed evaporative cooling specialists serving Strathmore and Melbourne’s north-west for over 20 years.
