Is Your Bonaire Evaporative Cooler Leaking? Here’s How Repairs Can Help
December 15th, 2024
Tired Woman Resting, Leaking Cooler

Is your Bonaire evaporative cooler leaking? Don’t stress; there are many reasons why this could be happening, and most importantly, there are ways to get it fixed and back on track! Whether you own a portable model or ducted evaporative cooling, we’re here to provide a little insight into this issue.

As we approach another scorching Australian summer, there’s no better time than now to keep your air conditioning system in perfect working order. With that in mind, let’s get to the bottom of why your Bonaire cooler is leaking and how you can react. 

How Evaporative Cooling Systems Work 

In order to identify the cause of the leak, it’s important to understand how evaporation coolers work on a basic level. 

Evaporative cooling systems use fans, water pumps, and cooling pads to transform warmer outdoor air into a cool and refreshing flow of air indoors. Initially, the air drawn from outside is passed over water-soaked pads, which cools the air naturally through the process of evaporation. From here, a refreshing breeze is then sent through the evaporative cooling ducts. The windows and doors remain open because evaporative coolers constantly cycle new air throughout your home.

Whether you own a portable unit or a ducted system, leaks are one sign that something has gone awry, and repairs are required.

Why Might Leaks Occur? 

Leaks could be occurring for a variety of reasons. For example, clogged distribution pipes may cause water overflow, cracked reservoirs can result in leaking, and worn-out pump seals can allow water to escape. Hard water buildup is another common issue, as mineral deposits can obstruct water flow and damage components over time.

Thankfully, a little maintenance can help you to counteract these issues. Some of the measures you can take are cleaning the pads, inspecting the water lines, and removing mineral deposits. By addressing these issues early, you can save water, reduce repair costs, and extend the life of your Bonaire cooler.

Portable Bonaire Coolers

Whether you own Duet, Profile, Diet, Durango, Crown or an older portable Bonaire model, leaks in these units are often caused by basic maintenance issues, such as overfilled tanks, cracked water trays, or improperly secured connections.

The water tank is one of the most common culprits. If it’s overfilled or not positioned correctly, water can spill out and cause a mess. Additionally, the seals around the tank and the tubing that delivers water to the pads can degrade over time, leading to leaks. Dirt and debris accumulating in the filters or pump can also result in improper water flow and overflow.

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To prevent leaks, it’s essential to regularly clean the water tank, inspect the seals for wear, and ensure that all connections are secure. A good habit is to empty and clean the unit at the end of each season to remove any mineral deposits or debris that could lead to future problems.

Ducted Bonaire Coolers

From the Integra to the Silhouette, Summer or BBM, the cause of a leak in ducted coolers will often stem from installation issues, wear and tear, or inadequate maintenance.

One of the most common causes of leaks is a blocked or damaged water distribution system. Over time, debris or mineral buildup can clog the distribution pipes. This then prevents water from flowing evenly across the pads. As a result, there may be water pooling and leaking from the unit. Cracked water trays are another common culprit, as they fail to contain the water circulating through the system.

Improper drainage is another factor to be aware of. If the drainage system isn’t set up correctly, excess water may not exit the system as it should, leading to leaks. 

Tips on How to Handle the Leak 

Switch It Off


The first step to to manage a leaking evaporative cooler is to turn it off immediately. Allowing the unit to operate while leaking can cause excess water wastage and potentially lead to internal damage. Switching it off prevents the problem from escalating any further, protects critical components, and gives you time to properly inspect the issue. 

This is also a good time to clean up any water that’s already leaked and prevent any future damage from occurring. After you’ve switched it off, carefully observe the system for visible signs of damage, such as cracked parts or misaligned fittings, and proceed with troubleshooting steps or repairs as needed.

Check the Manual


Your Bonaire cooler’s user manual is an invaluable resource, particularly if and when something goes wrong. Here, you’ll be able to find tailored instructions for addressing common problems based on your specific model. For example, the manual can guide you on inspecting the water tank, seals, and distribution system for potential issues. 

Chances are the manual will also include diagrams, which makes it easier to identify components and their proper alignment. If you’ve misplaced your manual, Bonaire often offers digital versions online, so feel free to search these up whenever you need extra info or guidance. 

Taking a moment to review this document can save time and may resolve the issue without requiring professional help.

Check the Warranty


Before seeking repairs, review your cooler’s warranty documents. Bonaire warranties typically cover manufacturing defects or faulty parts for a set period. If your unit is still under warranty, you could avoid repair costs by contacting Bonaire or the retailer where you purchased the cooler. 

The Bonaire Silhouette ® Ultimate, for example, now comes with a standard 7-year warranty. Both the cabinet and parts are also covered by these extensive warranties. 

Keep in mind that warranties often require repairs to be performed by authorised technicians to remain valid. Be sure to document any issues and provide proof of purchase to expedite the process. Addressing the leak under warranty is not only cost-effective but ensures that certified parts and methods are used.

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Get a Professional Opinion


If you’re unable to pinpoint the cause of the leak, don’t hesitate to consult a licensed technician. Professionals have the expertise and tools to diagnose the issue accurately, whether it’s a damaged water tray, clogged distribution system, or failing pump. They can also recommend the best course of action, such as replacing worn parts or performing a comprehensive service. 

Seeking a professional opinion early can save you money by preventing further damage and extending the life of your cooling system. Choose a technician familiar with Bonaire models for optimal results.

Arrange for Repairs


Once you’ve identified the issue, arrange for repairs promptly. Whether it’s fixing a minor component like a seal or addressing more significant damage like a cracked water tray, quick action prevents the problem from getting any worse.

Always use Bonaire-authorised service providers for guaranteed quality and compatibility with your unit. Professional repairs restore the system’s efficiency, improve cooling performance, and save water, and can ensure your home stays comfortable throughout the summer.

Replace It with a Newer Model


As a global supplier of evaporative coolers, Bonaire has been providing homes with clean, fresh, and natural air conditioning for over 60 years. These days, they’ve continued to build and expand on their reputation with a number of great innovations.

If your current Bonaire cooler has seen better days, replacing it with a newer model may be the most practical solution. Some of the newer Bonaire systems, such as the Integra or Durango ranges, are user-friendly, efficient, and highly durable. 

Buying one of their newer units is a great way to stop recurring issues, including leaks and ineffective cooling. While there will be an upfront cost, the long-term benefits—such as lower maintenance costs and improved reliability—make it well worth the investment..

Australian Climate Systems: Evaporative Cooling Service & Repair Experts in Melbourne

According to recent modelling from the Bureau of Meteorology, Australia is in for one of the hottest summers on record. And here in Melbourne, we’ve already experienced wild swings from strong winds to heavy rainfall and scorching temperatures. 

This all goes to say that owning a reliable cooling system can be a lifesaver, especially once we hit the depths of January, February and March. So, if you’ve frequently been seeking relief and noticed that your evaporation cooler is suddenly leaking, follow the recommendations above or contact us directly to speak with an expert!

You can trust our Australian Climate Systems for all your evaporative cooling repairs and maintenance works. For over 25 years, our team has been offering the best evaporative cooling services in Melbourne, developing a strong understanding of what each system requires.

At ACS, you’re getting:

  • > Extensive Bonaire Expertise
  • > 6 Years Workmanship Guarantee
  • > 25+ Years in Business
  • > Fully Qualified & Trained Technicians
  • > 5 Star Service
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