What do you prefer for evaporative cooler pads?

Question

I have preinstalled aspen natural fiber pads, but wonder if the engineered paper pads work better. They look as if air would flow through them better. thanks

Answer 1

I've used just about everything on the market and now install the green pads that come in a roll from Home Depot.  They work well as long as they are replaced annually, or more often in hard water areas.

Answer 2

When I have a standard side draft or down draft cooler, I like the aspen pads, the thick ones as they hold more water and I like the smell.  To get more water to them I add a second pump and spider which keeps them wetter, increasing the cooling capacity.