Locate the valve that controls the water supply to the cooler and turn it off by turning the handle clockwise. The valve and water line are often located somewhere where they are protected from the cold, such as in a crawl space under the house. Tracing the water line back from where it connects to the cooler will lead you to the shutoff valve.
How do you clean the inside of an evaporative cooler?
Turn off the evaporative cooler and unplug it. Open the front panel and remove the water tank. Empty the water tank, fill it with a 50-50 solution of vinegar and water, and let it sit for an hour or two. Then, empty the tank, rinse it with clean water, and wipe it down with a damp sponge.
How to fix an evaporative cooler that won’t Stop leaking?
Cut Off Water Supply – Shutting off the water valve that leads to the evaporative cooler is the first step. We also recommend that you drain the hose that moves water in. If there is water left inside, it can freeze, causing the hose to expand and contract which can damage it and lead to leaks. Many people recommend blowing in it to drain it.
How do I Turn Off the water to my water cooler?
Tracing the water line back from where it connects to the cooler will lead you to the shutoff valve. Next, disconnect the water line from the cooler, using an adjustable wrench or pliers. If possible, also disconnect the water line from the water supply valve and blow through it to remove any water in the line.
Why is water coming out of my evaporative cooler?
If neither of these solutions works, it may be time to clean or replace the water pump. If water is dripping from your evaporative cooler, it likely wasn’t stored properly during the winter. Turn off and unplug the unit, remove the cooling pads, drain the water and clean all components.
How do I turn off the water to my swamp cooler?
InstructionsDisconnect the Water Line. Locate the valve that controls the water supply to the cooler and turn it off by turning the handle clockwise. ... Drain the Water. ... Clean the Cooler. ... Change the Evaporative Pads. ... Install a Winter Cover. ... Block the Vent.
Should I turn off water to swamp cooler?
Turn off the Water Valve When you are turning your swamp cooler for winters, make sure that you turn off the valve supplying water to the assembly. Any water left in the cooler can freeze during peak winters, and it might not be good for the machine.
How do you turn off a swamp cooler for the winter?
5 Easy Steps to Winterize Your Swamp CoolerUnplug the unit, cutting off the power supply. ... Turn off the water supply valve connected to the cooler and leave off until turning the unit back on in the spring. ... Drain the cooler. ... Change the cooler pads now, rather than in the spring.More items...•
Why does my evaporative cooler leak water?
The water may be dripping due to many reasons. Most often, it is due to improper storage of the cooling unit during the winter. Make sure that you store the unit properly. Before winterizing the evaporator cooler, you should drain the unit, remove the pads, and clean the tank.
Can we use air cooler without water?
You should only run the pump for as long as the reservoir is full of water. The pump will overheat and eventually burn out if it runs without water. Most evaporative coolers may run the fan without water, if you run only the fan without water, it is only for purpose of recirculating air, not cooling.
How often should evaporative cooler dump water?
An evaporative cooler should dump water every six to 12 hours if it has a dump-style drain valve. It should also dump when it turns off. The minimum standard for dumping water is once every 24 hours.
What happens if you don't winterize your swamp cooler?
It will freeze over and can cause damage to the pipelines by making it burst the pipes. In other scenarios, it can increase the chances of the pipeline getting rust around it. Excess moisture inside the swamp cooler, even if you remove the cooling pads, can create rust.
Where is the damper on a swamp cooler?
The damper is usually a sheet of metal, similar to a cookie sheet, that is installed in a slot somewhere in the duct at or near the cooler. The purpose of the damper is to close off the duct in the winter so your home doesn't lose heat.
Do Evaporative coolers use a lot of water?
Evaporative coolers use both electricity and water. How much water is used depends on the humidity of the day and the fan speed that the unit is set to operate on. A portable unit might use up to 4 litres per hour while a central system could use as much as 25 litres per hour.
Can evaporative cooling be left on all night?
Using Evaporative Air Conditioning in a Heatwave You can keep it running 24/7 until the hot spell ends. You can turn the aircon on to fan only over night if the night temperatures are in the mid 20s or keep it running over night if the temperature are close to 30 degrees.
How long does the water last in an evaporative cooler?
With no direct water source available, the water will evaporate in a filled tank within two to 10 hours of operation, depending on the water capacity of the evaporative cooler, ambient conditions, temperature and humidity.
How to make an evaporative cooler last longer?
This also helps your evaporative cooler to last longer. Here’s what you should do: Shut It Off – Don’t just turn it off. Unplug the power supply to make sure it doesn’t start up by accident in the winter. Cut Off Water Supply – Shutting off the water valve that leads to the evaporative cooler is the first step.
Why are swamp coolers so common?
Evaporative coolers (sometimes known as swamp coolers) are really common in our area because the typically-dry air actually makes them an ideal cooling installation. With too much humidity in the air, they won’t work properly, but in our climate, they tend to be efficient, durable, and the ideal cooling installation.
Why does my water hose freeze?
If there is water left inside, it can freeze, causing the hose to expand and contract which can damage it and lead to leaks. Many people recommend blowing in it to drain it. Drain and Clean the Tank – Now you’ll have to drain the tank which should have a drain located at the bottom.
What are the parts of an evaporative cooler?
Evaporative coolers are made up of four essential parts: a fan, a water tank, filter pads (sometimes called media) and an internal motor. The motor pulls warm air through a wet internal filter pad, where the evaporation process quickly ...
What is an evaporative cooler cover?
Evaporative cooler covers: These protect outdoor evaporative cooler units from the elements when not in use. Motors: Some large down- or side-discharge units are sold separately from the motor. Most can accommodate a one-half, three-quarters or one horsepower motor, based on your cooling needs.
How much does an evaporative cooler cost?
Evaporative coolers can cost less than $100 for small portable models to around $1,500 for down or side discharge models powerful enough to cool an entire home. “Some municipalities offer rebates of up to $250 for the purchase of a whole-house unit through your utility provider,” Jenschke says.
What is a down draft cooler?
Outdoor evaporative coolers called down discharge (or down draft) coolers are designed to be installed on the roof and can cool an entire home. Side discharge (or side draft) coolers are designed to cool the whole house. They are typically installed on the side of a building, although some models can also be installed on the roof.
How many square feet can a portable cooler cool?
Larger models can cool spaces from 500 to up to 3,000 square feet, according to Jenschke. Indoor evaporative coolers designed to fit a window or wall opening are ideal ...
When were swamp coolers invented?
Evaporative coolers — commonly known as “swamp coolers” but also called evaporative air conditioners, desert coolers, wet air coolers and even swamp boxes — have been around in their modern form since the 1930s. But the basic concept can be traced to the ancient Egyptians, who discovered hot, dry breezes could be made pleasantly cool ...
Is evaporative cooling more expensive than central air conditioning?
Evaporative coolers are also less expensive to install and maintain than central air conditioning.
What's Inside Your Evaporative Cooler?
Evaporative cooling systems are less complex than air conditioning systems. Instead of a compressor and a system of coils, all you'll find is a blower, a drain pan, a recirculating pump, and the evaporator pads, which is where cooling happens.
Step 1: Clean the Water Tank
Turn off the evaporative cooler and unplug it. Open the front panel and remove the water tank. Empty the water tank, fill it with a 50-50 solution of vinegar and water, and let it sit for an hour or two. Then, empty the tank, rinse it with clean water, and wipe it down with a damp sponge.
Step 2: Clean the Cooler Pad
Remove the cooler pads (there may be more than one) and immerse them in a solution of water and lemon juice for about a minute. This dissolves mineral deposits left on the pads by hard water. You can also use a 50-50 solution of vinegar and water but the vinegar may leave an odor. Let the pads air dry completely before replacing them.
Step 3: Wipe Down the Outside of the Unit
Every few weeks, wipe down the outside of the unit with a damp sponge. If the cooler has nonremovable air filters on the side, wash them with water and mild soap, such as dish soap, and rinse with clean water.
Step 4: Clean and Lubricate the Blower
Once a month, wipe down the fan blades with a damp, clean rag to remove dust buildup. Lubricate the fan motor with a few drops of lubricating oil. Rotate the blower blades to make sure they turn freely and look for signs of corrosion or mineral deposits from hard water.
Step 5: Deodorize the Cooler
Prevent musty smells by deodorizing the cooler with a commercial swamp cooler deodorizer. Use the product you purchase according to directions.
Step 6: Put Everything Back Together
Let the water tank and cooling pads dry completely, which will probably take several hours. Then, put everything back in place, fill the tank with fresh water, and turn on the cooler.
How to Use an Evaporative Cooler
Since evaporative coolers work best in hotter weather, we recommend you wait to begin using one until temperatures routinely exceed 80 to 85 degrees Fahrenheit. If this is your first time using a new unit, follow these instructions in combination with your manufacturer's manual for a spring start-up.
Spring and Summer Maintenance
If you use a swamp cooler often during the hotter months, it’s important to clean it regularly:
Fall and Winter Maintenance
When the weather begins to cool, prepare your cooler for long-term storage with these steps:
Evaporative Cooler Maintenance and Troubleshooting Tips
If the water tank is full but your swamp cooler is not blowing cold air, you may need to move it closer to the window. The unit needs fresh air to circulate through the cooling pad, and if it begins to recirculate used air from the room, it won’t cool properly.
How to disconnect water line from cooler?
Next, disconnect the water line from the cooler, using an adjustable wrench or pliers. If possible, also disconnect the water line from the water supply valve and blow through it to remove any water in the line.
How to prepare evaporative cooler for winter?
From inside the house, remove the vent cover and install the cardboard or insulation into the opening and then put the cover back on. Your evaporative cooler is now ready for winter. Remember, though, to reverse the process the following spring to prepare your cooler for the summer months. Show Full Article.
How to protect swamp cooler from wind?
To save money, you can use a tarp to cover your swamp cooler, tying it down with rope or bungee cords.
What is an evaporative cooler?
Also known as a swamp cooler, an evaporative cooler is a fairly simple device that cools air through the physics that causes water to absorb heat from the surrounding air as it transitions from liquid to gaseous form. Evaporative coolers are especially efficient in dry climates, and they are remarkably simple and energy-efficient devices.
Where is the drain valve on a cooler?
You may find a drain valve in the pan of the at the bottom of the cooler , but removing the plug and trying to reseal it can sometimes lead to leaks. Sponging out the pan gets more water out and eliminates the likelihood of leaks in the drain valve seal.
When to change evaporative pads on a cooler?
Change the Evaporative Pads. The evaporative pads will need to be changed before the cooler is used again after the winter months; you can do it now or when you de-winterize the appliance in the spring.
Why is it important to close the vents in a house during the winter?
The vent where the cooler blows air into the house is a possible source of heat loss in the winter, so it is a good idea to close and seal it during the winter months.
What is swamp cooler?
In drier climates during the summer, an evaporative cooler, also known as a “swamp cooler,” can offer you not only relief from the heat, but also from a lack of humidity. Using water to cool the hot air that passes through, they can drop the temperature in a room by 15º to 40º. If you are new to swamp coolers, you may have some questions.
Why is a swamp cooler good?
A grounded swamp cooler is great because it can efficiently cool your home. It’s easy to get to for maintenance. Again, it’ll be important to install this unit in a shady spot, though, for optimum efficiency.
How does heat and breeze work together?
The heat plus the breeze further work together to vaporize the water in the pads creating the effect of humidity in the air. None of this would work without water, because the hot air would not have a catalyst to cool down . Instead, what would happen would be hot air being drawn in and blown out by a fan. That’s it.
Which states have swamp coolers?
However, desert states like Nevada, Utah, and Arizona are great candidates for swamp coolers because they are arid. The additional humidity provided by a swamp cooler is a relief. Also, the lack of moisture in the air allows the water-dampened pads more availability to vaporize and cool the air. Something to consider, though, is ...
Can you use a fan in a swamp cooler?
It’s more effective to just use a fan instead. To better understand how to operate your swamp cooler for maximum comfort and efficiency, let’s look at how they work, why they need water, what climates are best for using them, and what types of evaporative coolers are available.
Do swamp coolers need a float gauge?
However, portable swamp coolers and some other models require that you refill the reservoir with filtered water regularly . There will be a float gauge in most coolers that turns off the pump when the water level gets too low. This helps to prevent motor burn out, but it also saves energy.
Can swamp coolers be used in a garage?
A portable swamp cooler (click to see on Amazon) won’t take up too much room but can be used for one specific room that needs help. This is great if you just want to cool off the garage, workshop, or small outbuilding during the warmer months of the year. Different models offer adequate cooling power for all sizes of rooms, though, so make sure to check the specifications before you buy one.