how do you remove a swamp cooler

How to Remove Your Swamp Cooler:

• Shut off all power to the roof.
• Drain the swamp cooler.
• Remove side panels on the swamp cooler.
• Carefully lower side panels to the ground.
• Remove screws fastening the swamp cooler to the plenum.
• Cut or remove glue connecting the swamp cooler to the plenum.
• In some cases, a panel may be glued to the swamp cooler and the roof. Carefully cut this away, taking care not to cut or damage roof shingles.
• Disconnect electrical wires. Be careful to avoid electrocution.
• Carefully lift the swamp cooler up and off of the plenum, ensuring that the electrical wires are free from the swamp cooler.

Full Answer

How do you maintain a swamp cooler in the summer?

Maintain your swamp cooler to beat the summer heat. Evaporative coolers must be cleaned periodically to prevent the buildup of many mineral deposits. These cooling units, also known as swamp coolers, cool air by blowing it through water-soaked pads.

What is a swamp cooler?

These cooling units, also known as swamp coolers, cool air by blowing it through water-soaked pads. As the water evaporates into the air, it leaves behind mineral deposits that can interfere with the unit's efficiency.

How do you get the smell out of a swamp cooler?

You can simply use several layers of cotton wool dipped in fragrant oils. Then, attach a layer of cheesecloth over the cotton wool to trap the fragrance inside, only allowing for it to be released little by little into the air when the swamp cooler is switched on.

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.

Should I remove my swamp cooler?

Swamp coolers can be removed due to issues that may arise after they have gotten old or because the homeowner wants to modernize their cooling system. After a while swamp coolers can run into problems such as corrosion and water damage, not cooling the home sufficiently, and water leaks.

How do you lift a swamp cooler on a roof?

1:413:26How to move a swamp cooler onto the roof - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipSometimes you got to put your foot there to hold the top of the ladder. Or try and secure itMoreSometimes you got to put your foot there to hold the top of the ladder. Or try and secure it somewhere without messing up too much up. There also on the swamp. Cooler. We want to make sure the heavy.

Can you replace a swamp cooler with an AC unit?

You can convert from evaporative cooling systems to central air with the assistance of an HVAC technician. Evaporative coolers and refrigerated air conditioners work on entirely different principles.

How much does it cost to switch from swamp cooler to AC?

On average, this type of work can cost anywhere from $1,000 to $3,000.

How much does it cost to remove evaporative cooling?

The cost to replace an evaporative air conditioner unit is from around $2,600 installed for the smallest model including new controller and up to around $4,000 for a standard installation. Price depends on brand, system size and ease of installation.

How much does a swamp cooler weigh?

Product informationProduct Dimensions18.7 x 36 x 49.7 inchesItem Weight83 poundsManufacturerCHAMPION COOLER CORPORATIONASINB00E3EGXHSItem model numberMCP443 more rows

Why do they put swamp coolers on the roof?

The roof is usually the best place to install a swamp cooler. By putting it on the roof, it's a lot easier to connect it to your duct system and therefore pump cool air throughout your house.

What can I substitute for a swamp cooler?

Many are aware that air conditioners cool a home better than evaporative coolers, even though their energy bills rise substantially during the summer.

When should I replace my swamp cooler?

Signs you should replace your swamp cooler:#1. The unit has significant corrosion. ... #2. The unit has not been regularly maintained. ... #3. The system is getting up there in age. ... #4. The airflow is either non-existent or not cool enough. ... #5. Water is leaking from the unit.

Which is cheaper to run a swamp cooler or air conditioner?

Swamp coolers generally are cheaper to install and use less electricity than air conditioning. They also perform the same job as humidifiers. These are the primary reasons so many people love them.

Does a swamp cooler use a lot of electricity?

Another consideration will be energy efficiency. Overall swamp coolers have been found to be far more energy efficient for home cooling. Swamp coolers will use 15% to 35% of the energy that most traditional AC units would use. They also do not require any chemicals in the way that traditional AC does.

Which is cheaper swamp cooler or AC?

In general, swamp coolers do cost less to run that conventional central AC.

Do swamp coolers need to be on the roof?

The roof is usually the best place to install a swamp cooler. By putting it on the roof, it's a lot easier to connect it to your duct system and therefore pump cool air throughout your house. However, there are downsides to a roof installation.

How do roof top evaporative coolers work?

A swamp cooler uses moisture to cool air. A swamp cooler (which is also called an evaporative air conditioner) works by taking warm outside air through wet evaporative cooler pads, effectively cooling the air. The cold air is then blown into a home by a blower motor through a vent.

Can you put a swamp cooler in the attic?

But what can you do about the heat in the attic? The solution to heat in the attic is proper ventilation. By cooling the attic, your swamp cooler or air conditioning system is better able to maintain your desired temperature. There are two great options that help resolve this problem: an attic fan or a whole house fan.

What is the best rooftop evaporative cooler?

The Hessaire MC37M Portable Evaporative Cooler (view at Amazon) is our top pick for an evaporative cooler because it offers powerful airflow with 3,100 CFM and can be used inside or outside to cool areas up to 950 square feet.

Why do swamp coolers need to be changed?

If you have a swamp cooler (instead of an air conditioner) mounted on the roof, the side of your house, or in a window, it's because you live in a dry climate where evaporative cooling is effective. But to keep that cool, humid airflow coming, however, you need to give your swamp cooler regular maintenance, and that includes changing the cooling pads periodically.

How to restore power to a water cooler?

Restore power to the cooler by turning on the circuit breaker or plugging in the fan and water pump as applicable. Turn the water back on and/or remove anything from the drain pan you used to prop up the float. Watch the water fill the drain pan and make sure the float switches it off. Turn on the water pump and blower and make sure everything is working the way it should. Then, reinstall the front panel.

What type of pads do coolers use?

Most coolers will accept nonrigid pads made from aspen or synthetic fibers. Aspen fiber pads are generally considered to be the best, but they are more prone to blockage by the buildup of mineral deposits and mildew contamination, so they have to be changed more often than rigid pads or pads with synthetic fibers, especially if you have hard water.

How to replace rigid pads?

Measure the dimensions of the old pads with a tape measure and prepare new ones with the same dimensions. If you bought the pad material in rolls, cut each replacement pad to length with a utility knife. If you're replacing rigid pads, it's best to purchase new ones with exactly the same dimensions as the old ones. You can cut rigid pads, but it's a messy job.

How to remove aspen pads from a solar panel?

Remove the grid by unscrewing the tie bar holding it in place and lifting it off. You can then lift the old pads straight off the panels. While the pads are off, it's a good idea to clean the louvers on the panel with a garden hose to promote good evaporation and a ready supply of cool air indoors.

How to stop a float from automatically refilling?

To prevent the float from automatically refilling the pan while you're working, turn off the water or prop up the float with a piece of wood.

Can you remove the drain pan from a swamp cooler?

Removing the panels and cooler pads from your swamp cooler gives you an opportunity to clean the drain pan, which is just as important as replacing the pads. The water in the pan frequently becomes discolored by rust and mold, and you don't want that water circulating through your brand-new pads.

How to remove the access panel on a cooler?

Remove the cooler's access panel using a screwdriver. The access panel on a window-mounted unit is usually on the side, while the access panel on a roof-mounted unit usually is on the top.

Why do you clean evaporative coolers?

Evaporative coolers must be cleaned periodically to prevent the buildup of many mineral deposits. These cooling units, also known as swamp coolers, cool air by blowing it through water-soaked pads. As the water evaporates into the air, it leaves behind mineral deposits that can interfere with the unit's efficiency.

How to clean mineral deposits on moving parts?

Clean any mineral deposits you see on any moving parts. Coat any stubborn or hard-to-reach deposits with vinegar. Wipe the deposits away with a rag after letting the vinegar work for about 30 minutes.

How to extend the life of a cooler pad?

You can extend the life of many synthetic cooler pads by soaking them in a cleaning solution approved for cooler pads. But do not let too many mineral deposits accumulate of the pad or it will be beyond cleaning.

How to keep a water heater from rusting?

Wipe the inside and outside of the unit dry. If you are shutting the unit down for the winter, coat the water tray with a rust-preventing product.

How to get rid of a swamp cooler smell?

Use a cloth to wipe it to remove loose dirt at first. Then, apply some clean water mixed with vinegar. Use another clean cloth or sponge to scrub the more persistent stains and dirt patches you might find. The vinegar will also help reduce the unpleasant smells.

How to make a swamp cooler?

Step 1 - Prepare The Swamp Cooler. Start by switching the swamp cooler on. Let it run for a while. Then, switch it off and open it. You will see that it has accumulated water and that it is now damp. Remove all the water that you found within it and on the sides for a start. Just use an old towel or rag.

How does a swamp cooler work?

Basically, a swamp cooler has damp pads and a pump. The pump propels air into the room and then generates additional humidity which causes the temperature in the room to cool down . For the best results, it is important to make sure that you maintain the swamp cooler appropriately. After prolonged use, it may end up generating rather foul ...

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.

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.

Can you use a swamp cooler in a dry climate?

Use Your Swamp Cooler in a Dry Climate. The biggest mistake people make with their evaporative cooler is trying to use it on humid days. This will never work. The whole point of an evaporative cooler is to bring down the temperature by allowing a fresh water supply to dissipate into dry air .

What to do if swamp cooler is malfunctioning?

If your swamp cooler is malfunctioning, check the pump to see if it's dirty. [14]

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.

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.