As well as ensuring your system is operating at peak efficiency, it also follows advice from the Metropolitan Fire Service that all electrical cooling equipment should be professionally serviced before peak season use.

After attending an Adelaide house fire last January, sparked by a faulty air-conditioning unit, the MFS revealed SA’s urban and rural firefighters had attended 112 flare-ups, involving all types of cooling systems, since 2012.

Adelaide’s low-humidity climate has made evaporative air coolers a popular choice.

These pump-and-fan systems require regular lubrication, adjustment and checking for electrical safety. As well filters and pads need to be cleaned or replaced and the water reservoir flushed and refilled.

Another important consideration is ensuring water and air flow rates are within the manufacturer’s specification.

Sharpe Group technicians will open up and test that your evaporative cooler is safe and running at best efficiency. They also provide a shut-down service at the end of summer.

The advice from the MFS is quite simple: “If electrical cooling equipment, such as air conditioners, evaporative coolers and fans, is poorly maintained and used continuously for long periods during heatwave events there is a danger of the equipment overheating and causing a fire.”

“All electrical cooling equipment should be regularly serviced by a licensed tradesperson according to the manufacturer’s specifications.”