Frequently Asked Questions
Evaporative Cooling / Air Conditioning FAQs
Purchasing An Evaporative Cooler
• Evaporative air coolers are excellent for health
• They provide basic moisture that the human body needs
• They remove unhealthy pollution from your indoor environment
• They supply 100% fresh, filtered air into your building that is NEVER recirculated
• They remove static electricity; they can assist in reducing the effects of illnesses such as asthma.
Yes, evaporative coolers are the same as evaporative air conditioners. The words have the same meaning with regards to types of air conditioning.
The following words also have the same meaning; Evaporative Coolers, Evaporative Air Coolers, Evaporative Air Cooler, Evaporative Cooler, Evaporative Cooling, Evaporative Air Conditioners, Ducted Evaporative Cooling and Evaporative Air Conditioning.
Evaporative air conditioning prices vary depending on the size of building, location and requirements. You need to speak with an authorised dealer to get an accurate price for evaporative cooling.
Click here to contact us with your requirements and for relevant price details.
Ever wondered why you feel cooler by the ocean or a river? You feel cooler because as hot air blows across the water, it causes some of the water to evaporate and absorb the heat. The air is cooled by this evaporation process and so becomes a “sea” breeze.
Our evaporative air conditioners work the same way. Hot air enters the cooling unit on your roof where it is filtered and cooled as it passes through specially designed moistened Chillcel® pads. A fan then blows this beautifully cooled air throughout your home. Hot air in the house is forced out through open windows and doors providing your entire home with a complete change of air at least every two minutes.
How it works
Yes, you can change the cooling in different areas of the house by changing where you have open windows and outside doors. Evaporative air conditioning works because the cool air from the outlets takes the path of least resistance to the outside air (pushing the hot air out on the way). So, if you close a window in a room and open the internal door, the cool air will move into other areas, where there is an external opening. We recommend that you experiment so you can get the best out of your air conditioner – but remember that there has to be an exhaust opening to the outside of the house for the cooling to work properly.
Evaporative air conditioners with MagIQtouch® controllers have a program mode feature that you can set to start before you come home. Remember, though, that you must leave a window or outside door open if you are going to have the air conditioner on. If you don’t open a window or door, you may find the house quite humid when you get home. This humidity will clear once you open the windows.
Yes, you can use your evaporative air cooler to remove unpleasant smells from your house. The best method to achieve this is to open the windows up a little more than usual and then start the evaporative air cooler in ‘ventilation’ mode on one of the higher fan speeds. This will exhaust the smells out of the building.
For an evaporative air conditioner to work effectively, some windows or outside doors must be open, or some other form of ventilation provided. This is to allow the hot air to escape from the building. The best approach is to open the windows or outside doors that are the furthest away from the evaporative air conditioning vents or ducts. In the rooms with air conditioning vents, try to have an exhaust area of an open window (or door) that is about twice the size of the vent opening. Note: when it’s humid and the air is very moist, evaporation levels are lower. This means that the cooling effect is reduced. In some situations, it may help to switch the air conditioner to “ventilation” mode increase exhaust area and run the fan on a high speed.
No, an alternative to opening a window or outside door is to install security vents, or up ducts, that exhaust the air from the building. Contact your dealer or installer for information about security vents.
The Chillcel® filter material works well and lasts longer than other types of filters…but it is a bit smelly when you first turn the evaporative air conditioner on! The good news is the smell doesn’t last for long. If your air conditioner has a MagIQtouch® controller you can reduce the odour by using the ‘Pad Flush’ function in the SETTINGS menu of your controller.
It is fresh air being circulated through your home, it is not recirculated. Hot and dry outside air is drawn through water-soaked pads. As the air passes through the pads, the water is evaporated and the heat in the air is absorbed, which lowers the air temperature. For best results, partially open windows or outside doors that are the furthest away from the air conditioning vents or ducts. In the rooms with air conditioning vents, try to have an exhaust area of the open window (or outside door) that is about twice the size of the vent opening. If there are very hot winds, you can reduce openings on the windward side of the house (where the wind is coming from) and increase the openings on the opposite side of the house.
No, the evaporative air cooler will not increase the humidity – provided that the design is based on a balanced ventilation scheme. Keeping doors and windows open, or using an exhaust fan will let any humid air out, avoiding condensation.
No a high water temperature does not have a marked effect on the supply temperature of an evaporative cooler.
The discharge water will contain high levels of mineral salts and you should check with a garden centre before you put this water on your plants. Water from constant bleed systems can be run onto lawns. Please note that all drainage must meet local regulations and standards.
If you have a constant bleed system, you can reduce the flow rate – refer to your Owner’s Manual for information. With water management or Watermiser systems, the controls constantly monitor the water quality. So, with better quality water, less water will be drained away.
In an evaporative cooler air conditioner, a pump circulates water from the reservoir on to a cooling pad, which in turn becomes wet. A fan draws air from outside the unit through the moistened evaporative cooler pad. As it passes through the evaporative cooler pads the air is cooled by evaporation.
This is normal if a water management or ‘Watermiser’ drain system is fitted. These drain systems are designed to monitor and control the quality of the water in the tank. So, it only drains water when the system really needs to. It does this by letting water out through the drain, which is replaced with fresh water via water inlet float valve as the water level in the unit drops. The frequency at which the water manager drains is determined by the quality of the water in the tank. A probe in the tank measures the water salinity (impurities) and, when this rises above a set level, the unit will drain some water. The frequency at which the water manager allows water to drain off is dependent on 1) The water supply quality; 2) The temperature of the day; 3) The humidity of the day; 4) The wind of the day; 5) The fan speed the unit is being run at; and 6) The size of the unit.
If you have a Constant Bleed system, you will see a constant flow while the evaporative air conditioner’s pump is operating. The amount of water flow will vary depending on the rate set by the installer – so, if you are in doubt of the setting of your bleed off, please contact your installer. If you are not sure who installed your air conditioner, you can call your local service company for a maintenance service. (Call 1300 650 644 to be directed to your closest authorised Seeley Service company). Please note that this type of adjustment is not covered under the manufacturer’s warranty. If you have a ‘Watermiser’ water management system, the system is designed to monitor and control the quality of the water in the tank. So, it only drains water when the system really needs to. It does this by letting water out through the drain, which is replaced with fresh water via water inlet float valve as the water level in the unit drops. The frequency at which the ‘Watermiser’ water management system bleeds off is determined by the quality of the water in the tank. A probe in the tank measures the water salinity (impurities) and, when this rises above a set level, the unit will drain some water. The frequency at which the water manager allows water to bleed off is dependent on 1) The water supply quality; 2) The temperature of the day; 3) The humidity of the day; 4) The wind of the day; 5) The fan speed the unit is being run at; and 6) The size of the unit. Don’t think the last statement is relevant to the question.
How do I choose the best evaporative cooler?
Seeley International has a wide range of evaporative coolers so that you can decide which is the best evaporative cooler for you. Please click below to view the product range:
Choosing the best evaporative cooler – click to view product range
Troubleshooting, maintenance and servicing my air-conditioner
We recommend seasonal maintenance (pre and postseason) if you have a cooler fitted with a bleed system, including regular servicing of your evaporative air conditioner. If your evaporative cooler is fitted with a drain valve, no seasonal maintenance is required, but maintenance checks are essential to ensure the cooler operates efficiently for many years.
To book a service click here or call +27114520394 to be directed to your closest authorised Seeley Service company.
Your serial number for your evaporative air conditioner is located in the back of your owner’s manual on the warranty card sticker. The sticker will state the serial number and the model number of the product.
If you can’t find your serial number, please contact the dealer you purchased your product from.
Your pre and postseason clean is not necessary, but your scheduled maintenance checks are still necessary after the first year and then on an every other year basis. If the evaporative cooler is operating under harsh conditions, it may require scheduled maintenance checks more frequently. Check your Owner’s Manual for more details.
To book a service click here or call +27114520394 to be directed to your closest authorised Seeley Service company.
If your evaporative cooler has the ‘no seasonal maintenance’ feature ‘Watermanager / ‘Watermiser’ / drain system fitted, then it will drain all the water out of the unit after a pre-set period of time and then stop (refer to your Owner’s Manual for details). If your air conditioner does not have the ‘no seasonal maintenance’ feature you may need to have your air conditioner serviced.
To book a service click here or call +27114520394 to be directed to your closest authorised Seeley Service company.
If your evaporative cooler has the ‘no seasonal maintenance’ feature ”Watermanager” / ‘Watermiser’ / drain system fitted, then it will drain all the water out of the unit after a pre-set period of time and then stop (refer to your Owner’s Manual for details). If your evaporative air conditioner does not have the ‘no seasonal maintenance’ feature you may need to have your air conditioner serviced.
To book a service click here or call +27114520394 to be directed to your closest authorised Seeley Service company.
This can be normal to ensure good airflow and cooling effect if the duct with greater airflow is supplying a larger area. However, if you are unsure you need to contact the company who installed the ducted evaporative cooling system and ask them to balance your airflow within the ductwork. This cannot be achieved by any adjustment on the evaporative air cooler. If you have moved into a house with a system already installed and you don’t know who installed it, you can get someone who is qualified in ductwork design to balance the system.
To book a service click here or call +27114520394 to be directed to your closest authorised Seeley Service company.
Check that the wall control is set to “cool”. Check that the water supply to the unit is turned on. Note: if it is very humid outside it may help to switch the evaporative air conditioner to “ventilation” mode and run the fan on a high speed. If you have checked these things and your problem is not fixed, your evaporative air conditioner may need to be serviced.
To book a service click here or call +27114520394 to be directed to your closest authorised Seeley Service company.
When ‘service’ is displayed it may be necessary for you to contact our Service Team. However, before doing so, turn the wall control OFF. You will notice a number flashing at the bottom of the screen. This number indicates the reason for requiring service. Please write this number down, then push the button to turn the cooler back on. If after a short time ‘service’ is again shown on the display, turn the wall control OFF and check if the flashing number is the same. If it is the same, check the following possible problems.
If ‘02’ is displayed
1. Check that the water supply tap to the cooler is turned on.
2. Check that your local water authority haven’t temporarily disconnected the water in your area.
If ‘04’ is displayed
1. If your cooler is fitted with a drain valve, check that the drain is not blocked.
If this does not fix the problem please contact us. To book a service click here or call +27114520394 to be directed to your closest authorised Seeley Service company, quoting the flashing number.
This is easily rectified and means that communication needs to be re-established between the wall control and the electronic controller inside the cooler. To establish communications simply push and hold the ‘down’ arrow button until the word ‘service’ disappears from the screen. This may take up to 15 to 20 seconds. Once communication has been established the word ‘service’ will disappear and the unit can be operated.
If the condition persists, or there is any abnormal operation of the cooler please click here to book a service or call +27114520394 to be directed to your closest authorised Seeley Service company.
Maintenance Schedule servicing is essential to ensure your evaporative cooler operates efficiently for many years. We require that the maintenance service checklist in the Owner’s Manual, be followed after the first year, then every 2 years as Maintenance Schedule servicing.
Seasonal Maintenance is only required if you have an evaporative cooler fitted with a bleed system (Homemaker). Seasonal Maintenance services must be performed before and after the summer season. The recommended process is set out in the Owner’s Manual. Remember to only use clean water, as it does not leave a residue or odour. If your cooler is fitted with a drain valve (Harmony or Horizon), ‘no seasonal maintenance’ is required.
For Seeley International units with the ‘no seasonal maintenance’ feature, you do not need annual or end of season cleaning. However, the evaporative air conditioner will require maintenance schedule service after the first year and then on an every other year basis.
IMPORTANT! Maintenance Schedule servicing may be required more frequently in adverse environmental situations or where the appliance is installed in non-domestic applications. Please consult with the installer or service agents to determine if more frequent servicing is required.
To book a service click here or call +27114520394 to be directed to your closest authorised Seeley Service company.
With ChillCel® Pads, you should expect to change these every 7 or 8 years. This can vary with water quality and local conditions.
WARNING With any filter pad, failure to replace filter pads or evaporative cooling pads when they are past their useful life may result in reduced efficiency/performance of the air conditioner. Water may carry over into the ductwork and/or electrics, which may result in expensive damage and repairs.
To book a service click here or call +27114520394 to be directed to your closest authorised Seeley Service company.
With Aspen or Woodwool pads, you should expect to change these every 3 or 4 years. This can vary with water quality and local conditions.
WARNING With any filter pad, failure to replace filter pads when they are past their useful life may result in reduced efficiency/performance of the evaporative air conditioner. Water may carry over into the ductwork and/or electrics, which may result in expensive damage and repairs.
To book a service click here or call +27114520394 to be directed to your closest authorised Seeley Service company.
Change the batteries. All remote controls are fitted with batteries that must be changed every year. We recommend you change all three AAA 1.5 Volt Alkaline batteries (do not use rechargeable batteries). If your remote control has a display, we recommend replacing the batteries if they are more than 12 months old. If your remote control is still not working, your air conditioner may need to be serviced.
To book a service click here or call +27114520394 to be directed to your closest authorised Seeley Service company.
Try changing the batteries. You may be losing communication between the remote control and the air conditioner’s control system. All remote controls are fitted with batteries that must be changed every year. We recommend you change all three AAA 1.5 Volt Alkaline batteries (do not use rechargeable batteries). If this has not fixed your problem, your air conditioner may need to be serviced.
To book a service click here or call +27114520394 to be directed to your closest authorised Seeley Service company.
Spare Parts
Need a spare part for your evaporative air conditioner / evaporative cooler? Use our online spare parts system to find the spare air conditioner part you need and order it with your nearest spare parts distributor.
To order spare parts online click here or call +27114520394 to be directed to your closest authorised Seeley Service company.
You can be assured that when you order a spare part through our trusted network of spare parts distributors, you will receive a high quality, genuine Seeley International spare part.
Seeley International genuine spare parts have been designed, engineered and tested to optimise performance and safely operate in the specific Seeley International product for which they have been designed. Seeley International is an ISO9001 Quality Endorsed Company.
The use of non-genuine spare parts for the servicing or repair of Seeley International products is not supported or recommended by Seeley International. Seeley International takes no responsibility for the use of repaired or non-genuine parts used in its appliances. Please be aware that appliance warranties are subject to only genuine spare parts being used.
To order spare parts online click here or call +27114520394 to be directed to your closest authorised Seeley Service company.
Gas Heating FAQs
Ducted Gas Heating
How it works
Yes, using a controller with the functionality to set different temperatures in designated zones within the house. Simply discuss which rooms can be included in each heating zone when organising installation of your gas heating system.
Yes, using a controller with pre-warm functionality enables you to set the temperature in your home for your arrival and regulate the temperature while you sleep.
Yes, you can. A master controller operates all zones and is usually located in the main living area. This can be used to remotely switch the heating on or off in other zones as required.
Troubleshooting, maintenance and servicing
The heater may have gone through a start-up sequence and not lit. Check that the power and gas are turned on. Read the home owner’s manual for your specific model at our owner’s manual page and follow the troubleshooting instructions. If you have tried the above and your heater is still not working you may need to have it serviced.
To book a service click here or call +27114520394 to be directed to your closest authorised Seeley Service company.
Check that there are enough outlets opened for the fan speed you have selected. Check that the return air filter is not blocked. We recommend cleaning every fortnight. If you have tried the above and your heater is still not working your heater may need to be serviced.
To book a service click here or call +27114520394 to be directed to your closest authorised Seeley Service company.
If your heater is new (less than 12 months old), contact your installer to discuss the system design and operation.
If your heater is older than 12 months, increase the SET temperature. Check return air grill is clear and if a filter is fitted the filter is clean, fan speed is set to max, all outlets are open and not obstructed. If you have tried the above and your heater is still not working your heater may need to be serviced.
To book a service click here or call +27114520394 to be directed to your closest authorised Seeley Service company.
Check the time AM or PM is set correctly. Check the sleep or away programmed temperature as it may be too high if so lower the temperature. If you have tried the above and your heater is still not working correctly, your heater may need to be serviced.
To book a service click here or call +27114520394 to be directed to your closest authorised Seeley Service company.
Refer to the home owner’s manual for your specific model at our owner’s manual page and follow the instructions.
We recommend cleaning every fortnight.
Periodic maintenance of the heater will ensure a long and satisfactory service life with the heater operating at optimum performance. Maintenance should be performed on a yearly basis by an authorised person trained in the service of the gas heaters.
To book a service click here or call +27114520394 to be directed to your closest authorised Seeley Service company.
Controller FAQs
MagIQtouch Controllers
- Your system will need a MagIQtouch Wi-Fi Module and a compatible MagIQtouch wall controller software revision 44R0218 or higher for single controller systems and 44R0418 or higher for multiple wall controller zoned heating systems.
- For new installations please speak to your local dealer about including the feature and for existing MagIQtouch systems call your local service agent on +27114520394 for advice on upgrading.
- MagIQtouch Wireless Controllers are not currently compatible with the WIFI Smart App.
Yes, you can still operate your system from the wall control as normal. Your mobile app won’t work until your internet connection at home is restored.
he system will use very little data. This will be the equivalent of downloading 1x jpeg photo per month.
You can have as many mobile devices connected to your system as you wish. All mobile devices need to be signed in with the same email account and password credentials used on the wall control. Whoever uses the mobile app last takes control of the system.
- At this moment in time only 1x unqiue email account can control 1x system. If you have multiple systems, each system needs to be registered with a unqiue email address.
- To use the same mobile device to control more than 1x system, go to SETTINGS, YOUR ACCOUNT & click SIGN OUT. Sign in with the other account to control that system.
Wall Control
Check that your MagIQtouch WI-FI Module is within range of your home WI-FI router. You may need to consult the installer where the MagIQtouch WI-FI Module is installed on your premises.
- The MagIQtouch WI-FI Smart solution is compatible with Wi-Fi 2.4GHz. Check that your WI-FI Home router has 2.4GHz band enabled.
- Make sure your network password has been entered correctly on the wall controller. If your password has upper and lowercase characters they must be entered accordingly.
- Check your WI-FI Home Router has internet connection.
- Make sure your account details have been entered correctly on the wall controller.
- If you have forgotten your password, go to your mobile App and reset your password.
- This means that the Wall Control has lost connection to the MagIQtouch servers.
- Check your WI-FI Home Router has internet connection.
- Check your WI-FI Home Router hasn’t been moved too far away from the MagIQtouch Wi-Fi module.
- Go to the MagIQtouch Smart App on your Wall Control and try re-entering your details.
-Go to ‘SETTINGS’
-Select ‘MAGIQTOUCH APP SET UP’
-Select ‘WI-FI CONNECTION’
Mobile App
Check your mobile device is connected to the internet, either Wi-Fi or 3G/4G mobile network. Ensure ‘Aeroplane Mode’ is not selected on your device.
- Check your WI-FI Home Router has internet connection.
- Check your MagIQtouch WI-FI Module is within range of your home WI-FI router. You may need to consult the installer where the MagIQtouch WI-FI Module is installed on your premises.
- Check your wall controller is connected to your WI-FI internet connection and you are logged on to your account.
- Try to close and re-open the Mobile App, If this is unsuccessful;
- Check the signal strength on the wall controller by doing the following.
-Go to ‘SETTINGS’on the wall controller,
-Select ‘MAGIQTOUCH APP SET UP’ in the GENERAL TAB-Select ‘WI-FI CONNECTION’
-Select ‘VIEW WI-FI SIGNAL STRENGTH’. - Confirm ‘Wi-Fi’ is displayed on wall control Home screen.
- If the MagIQtouch Wi-Fi Smart App has been retro fitted to an existing system and ‘Wi-Fi’ (Green) is displayed,unplug the wall control for 5 minutes and re-connect. This will establish connection with the cloud.
- For the new password to take effect you MUST log out of the wall controller and re-enter your email and new password as follows;.
- On the wall controller do the following;
-Go to ‘SETTINGS’,
-Select ‘MAGIQTOUCH APP SET UP’
-Select ‘APP ACCOUNT’-Select ‘LOG OUT FROM YOUR ACCOUNT’.
-Enter email & NEW password’. Normal operation will resume & the app will work once credentials are entered correctly.
Google Home
- How to use the MagIQtouch Voice Assistant action on Google Home devices:
- Make sure you have the latest Google Home app on your smartphone.
- On your smartphone, navigate to this link: https://assistant.google.com/services/a/uid/000000ce9e77ab39?hl=en&source=web
- If asked, sign in to your Google account.
- Press the “LINK” button
- Enter your MagIQtouch account credentials (email and password that you used on the MagIQtouch Mobile App).
Alexa
How to use the MagIQtouch smart home integration skill on Alexa devices:
- Make sure you have the latest Alexa app on your smartphone.
- On your smartphone, navigate to this link: https://www.amazon.com.au/Seeley-International-MagIQtouch-smart-integration/dp/B07D3NGB42/
- If asked, sign in to your Amazon account.
- Press the “Enable Skill” button
- Enter your MagIQtouch account credentials (email and password that you used on the MagIQtouch Mobile App).