how do you insulate a swamp cooler

Five Steps to Winterize Your Evaporative Swamp Cooler

Full Answer

How to insulate a cooler with foam?

Cut a piece of foam insulation board or other type of insulation to fit the width of your cooler’s wall. 2. Place the foam insulation board along the bottom edge of the cooler’s wall. 2. Insulate The Lid with Spray Foam You can insulate the lid of your cooler using spray foam insulation.

How do you use a swamp cooler?

You may also want to position the swamp cooler so that the fan blows cool air directly toward your dining table or living sofa. This way, you’ll get the benefit of the coldest air being aimed directly at you, and you’ll also enjoy the breeze from the fan to cool your skin.

Why is my swamp cooler not cooling my house?

As you run a swamp cooler, it makes moist air in your home as water evaporates into the air. However, the more humid the air in your house is, the less effective your evaporative cooler will be. To solve this problem, keep a few windows cracked to let dry air in and damp air out.

How do you insulate a window cooler in 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. An easy way to do this is by cutting a double-thick piece of cardboard or a piece of insulation board to the size of the opening.

How do you insulate a swamp cooler for winter?

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.

Do swamp coolers need to be winterized?

Unlike a central air conditioner, swamp coolers require a series of steps in winterization to prevent damage and from causing additional cost to you in the spring. Affordable Service Plumbing, Heating, A/C, and Electric is here to help you make sure the job gets done right!

How can I make my swamp cooler more efficient?

10 Tips to Make Your Swamp Cooler Colder and More EfficientUse Your Swamp Cooler in a Dry Climate. ... Use Your Swamp Cooler Seasonally. ... Open the Windows. ... Run a Dehumidifier. ... Cultivate a Green Thumb. ... Experiment With Positioning. ... Prime the Pads First. ... Use Cold Water.More items...•

At what temperature does a swamp cooler become ineffective?

A wet bulb temperature above 70 degrees Fahrenheit (21 degrees Celsius) means the swamp cooler won't be able to adjust the temperature enough to keep it in the comfort zone. (This varies based on humidity, personal preference and activity, but it generally falls in the low 70s.)

How much does it cost to winterize a swamp cooler?

about $100 to $150Winterizing a swamp cooler will cost about $100 to $150, not including parts. This will save you maintenance during the following summer, extend the life of the unit, and will include: Draining the unit. Cleaning out sediment and dirt.

Can you put fabric softener in a swamp cooler?

If the smell really bothers you, you can pour about a cap-full of fabric softener into the reservoir. It won't hurt the pump or media. Just make sure to use fabric softener and NOT detergent.

Do swamp coolers work in 100 degree weather?

At 100°F, the evaporative cooler has the optimum efficiency at 5% – 10% relative humidity. At 105°F, the evaporative cooler has the optimum efficiency at 2% relative humidity. At 110°F – 125°F, it is just physically impossible for an evaporative cooler to lower the temperature below 76°F, no matter how dry the air is.

Does adding ice to a swamp cooler help?

In fact, adding ice to your evaporative cooler might actually hamper the cooling process. Water has to heat up in order to evaporate. The colder it is, the longer it takes to warm up. If it's really cold, it might actually drip out of the cooling pad before evaporation can even take place.

How many windows should be open when running a swamp cooler?

You should have 1 to 2 square feet of a window or open door space for every 1,000 cubic feet per minute (CFM). For example, you have a 4,000 CFM system and windows with 4 square feet of space to the outside when opened. You need 4-8 square feet of space, which is 1-2 windows open, to run this system.

What is the difference between a swamp cooler and an evaporative cooler?

There is no true difference between these two terms. “Evaporative cooler” is a technically accurate name that describes how the device functions. “Swamp cooler” is a somewhat derogative slang term that describes what can happen to an evaporative cooler if you don't take proper care of it.

Can I run my swamp cooler all day?

During the hottest part of the day, it is not ideal to run your swamp cooler. You will only be able to lower the temperature to a certain extent. But, if it is exceptionally hot outside, running the swamp cooler will be absolutely essential for comfort. Evening hours are a great time to run the swamp cooler.

How long do swamp coolers last?

But, while swamp coolers don't cost much to buy, they are a lot of work and money to maintain. Not only that, they are only warrantied to work for 5 years. Refrigerated air systems can last up to 20 years if properly maintained.

How do you winterize a cooler?

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...•

How do you winterize a water cooler?

Oct 14, 2021•KnowledgeRemove front panel to disconnect cooler from electrical supply and shut off water. ... Disconnect 3/8" water line from shutoff valve.Depress the push-button and blow compressed air into the 3/8" water inlet line through entire cooler water system until only air comes out of the bubbler.More items...•

How do you keep a swamp cooler from rusting?

Use quality cooling pads The quality of the cooling pads that you use in your evaporative cooler can make a huge difference in preventing rust and other types of deposit buildup. Try to change these pads during the course of the summer. If you use the cooler daily, anywhere from one two three times should suffice.

Should you cover your swamp cooler?

If you don't cover your swamp cooler after you've winterized it you can get excess dirt and build up on your pads causing you to replace your pads more frequently. We recommend a canvas cover that can be tightly attached to the cooler for the winter.

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.

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.

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.

How to turn off water supply to a cooler?

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 to prevent rusting pans?

As an optional step, when the pan is dry, coat the bottom of the pan with a waterproof metal sealer to prevent rusting. Or, you can wait until spring to check for leaks and seal them.

What is swamp cooler?

A swamp cooler — the affectionate name for an evaporative cooler — can save you a bundle of money on your electricity bills when temperatures skyrocket during the hot summer months. Unlike an air conditioner, which relies on near-constant electrical energy to keep refrigerant moving through the condenser coils, ...

How much humidity does a swamp cooler need?

In general, evaporative coolers work best when the relative humidity is around 70 percent. Once it’s above 75 percent, they lose effectiveness and can actually make things feel worse as they tend to make the air more damp. If you live in an area where humidity rises and falls regularly, keep an eye on the weather. You can use your swamp cooler on dry days as a way to keep your central air conditioning use to a minimum, which will help you save on your utility bills.

How to store evaporative cooler for winter?

Before storing your evaporative cooler for winter, make sure the unit is thoroughly cleaned and all water completely drained from the system. Don’t pack it away until it’s had a chance to dry out thoroughly — including the cooling pads. Putting a damp unit into storage is a surefire way to end up with mildew and other problems next spring.

What does it mean to run an evaporative cooler?

Open the Windows. Running an evaporative cooler means “unlearning” some things you know about traditional air conditioning. While an air conditioner is most efficient in a sealed and insulated environment, swamp coolers actually do best with a steady stream of fresh air.

How long does it take for an evaporative cooler to absorb water?

Once they are wet, they more easily wick water from the tank to stay wet, but it can take up to 15 minutes for them to become saturated at the outset.

How much air space is needed for a cross breeze?

An inch or two of air space should be sufficient to create an effective cross breeze. You may need to experiment to find the right combination of open windows and correct positioning of the evaporative cooler to keep the air flow working, but this is crucial for making sure your house doesn’t start to feel clammy. 4.

Where does evaporative cooling work best?

The bottom line? Evaporative cooling works best in the arid climates found in the desert Southwest and parts of Texas and California.

How to make a swamp cooler work?

2. Let the air out by opening a window or two. For swamp coolers to work, you need to let air out at the same rate that the swamp cooler is blowing air in. That way, humidity won't build up in your house, making it seem warmer than it actually is.

How much space does a swamp cooler need?

You'll need 1 to 2 square feet (0.093 to 0.186 m 2) of open window space per 1,000 cfm, which is the unit's cooling capacity. You don't want to open them too far because that lets in hot air. [9]

Why do swamp coolers have a lower dew point?

You want a lower dew point because swamp coolers work by evaporating water in the air to cool the room down. The lower the dew point, the lower you can cool.

How to cool down a home in a dry climate?

Swamp or evaporative coolers are a great way to cool down your home, especially if you live in a dry climate. Swamp coolers add water to the air to cool it down, raising the humidity in your home. They work best in dry climates. To use a swamp cooler, you first must pick the right one for your home.

What is the best way to cool a house?

A window-mounted cooler fits in a window, much like an AC window unit. You can also install swamp coolers that cool the whole house on the roof or outside on the ground. The advantage of a window unit is it is easy to install.

What is the dew point of a swamp cooler?

Operate the cooler when the dew point is under 55 °F (13 °C). Swamp coolers work best when the humidity outside is relatively low, making the dew point low. You can check the dew point on most weather apps and weather websites.

Why does my swamp cooler stop working?

Nine out of ten times, swamp coolers stop working because the pump is worn out. I would check the pump or call a technician to replace it for you.

How to make a cooler from insulating material?

To make a cooler from insulating material, start by lining the outside of a cardboard or plastic box with aluminum foil. If you're using a cardboard box, line the inside with foil as well. Then, glue bubble wrap, thick fabric, or packing peanuts to each surface inside the container, including underneath the lid.

How to make a homemade cooler?

There are lots of ways to make a homemade cooler using readily available insulating materials. Using a lidded box, foil, and recycled packaging materials, you can make a small, simple cooler. For a larger, more effective design, line a cardboard box with foam board.

How to make a cooler from a plastic box?

To make a cooler from insulating material, start by lining the outside of a cardboard or plastic box with aluminum foil. If you're using a cardboard box, line the inside with foil as well. Then, glue bubble wrap, thick fabric, or packing peanuts to each surface inside the container, including underneath the lid. Finally, place an ice pack and whatever you're storing inside the container. To learn how to sew your own insulated lunch bag, scroll down!

How to make a cardboard cooler?

Glue the 4 panels together to make an inner box. This smaller inner box is actually the storage space. You'll fill the gap between the inner foam box and the panels that line the cardboard box with insulation. All of these layers of insulating material will help keep the cooler nice and cold.

What material is best for waterproofing?

Use waterproof material for the innermost layer, insulating material for the middle layer, and a fabric you find attractive for the outer layer. Laminated cotton, PUL lining, and vinyl are your best options for waterproof materials.

How to make a box waterproof?

2. Line the box with a trash bag, shower curtain, or plastic tablecloth. Place a trash bag, or another type of waterproof material, into the box as if you were lining a trash can. Press the bag into the box’s corners, and take care not to tear the bag.

What to use to fill gaps in a wall?

In a pinch, fill the gap with packing peanuts, bubble wrap, or Styrofoam. Fiberglass insulation would also work.