why does my swamp cooler smell fishy

by Dr. Clementine Sipes Published 2 years ago Updated 2 years ago

The cooling pads, which are typically saturated with water to produce cooling, may have developed mold and / or mildew. When the system runs, it may be emitting this fishy or moldy smell, as a result. This is especially common if you have been running the swamp cooler constantly, and water has been continuously used.Aug 10, 2021

How do I get rid of the fish smell in my swamp cooler?

Since swamp cooler odors are usually caused by water, the best and cheapest thing you can do to make the water smell better is to change the water in the overflow pan regularly. Turn off your unit, then empty and replace the water. If you do this weekly, you should have almost no problem with odor.Jun 24, 2021

Why does my swamp cooler smell like a fish tank?

If your swamp cooler smells murky or has a damp, stale odor, it's time to replace the cooling pads. Over time, the pad material can develop mold and mildew, which emits a fishy or "swamp"-like smell. It's also important to thoroughly drain and clean the water reservoir and replace it with fresh water before every use.

How do I stop my evaporative cooler from smelling?

Add a cup of vinegar to the cooler pan and let the vinegar cycle through the system for up to an hour. This will eliminate odors, mold, mildew and some corrosion, calcium deposits and other types of build-up. Repeat one to two times a season or as needed.

Can you put fabric softener in a swamp cooler?

Softening the hard water in an evaporative cooler means less mineral buildup and less maintenance. You can use a commercial water softener product or attach a water-softening machine to the cooler.

How often should swamp cooler pads be replaced?

2-3 years

Generally, it is recommended to clean the pads at least once every year or twice a year (before and after use) and replace them after 2-3 years.

Will vinegar clean swamp cooler pads?

#3 How to Remove Calcium Deposits from Swamp Cooler Pads

The best cleaner is a simple mix of white vinegar and water. You should clean the water pan reservoir at the bottom of the cooling unit at least once a month throughout the season to prevent minerals from building up inside.Oct 3, 2018

Replacing Your Swamp Cooler Pads

We always recommend changing the pads once a year (with the exception of Mastercool swamp cooler pads) prior to the start of each summer. As we mentioned above now that we are in the middle of summer you’re likely running your cooler every day.

Ways to Help Deodorize Your Swamp Cooler

Perhaps you have already replaced your swamp cooler pads this year, but are still experiencing some level of odor. Or feel that since summer will be winding down soon you might not want to replace your pads twice this year, there are a few things you can do to deodorize your evaporative cooler that may help reduce odors.

Keeping the Smell Away Next Year

Of course, there are preventative steps you can take to make sure the odor is less likely to return next year by taking the appropriate steps to maintain your cooler at the end of the summer.

Why do swamp coolers work?

A properly-serviced swamp cooler can not only save you money on your utilities but can also keep you very healthy during the summer months where air conditioning dries out the air in your house. In fact air conditioners can cause nose bleedings in the morning sometimes because they air conditioners are running. And as you know, air conditioning is designed to remove all the moisture from your home. That’s why evaporative cooling is such a popular way of staying cool here in the summer.

How thick is a filter pad?

And that being that the filter media is either eight inches thick or 12 inches thick. Keep this in mind the thicker the pad, the colder and the drier the air. The longer that air has to travel through a wet dense filter media, the colder it’s going to be when it comes out the other side.

Why does my nose bleed in the morning?

In fact air conditioners can cause nose bleedings in the morning sometimes because they air conditioners are running. And as you know, air conditioning is designed to remove all the moisture from your home. That’s why evaporative cooling is such a popular way of staying cool here in the summer.

How to make a swamp cooler smell good?

Swamp coolers need to have moisture in them, so you need to add some fresh, clean water for it to operate. Ideally, in order to make up for any odors which might end up arising over time, you should add a few drops of tea tree oil, which can help reduce the accumulation of bacteria and the subsequent bad odors.

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 is an alternative system to the more costly air conditioner. 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 ...

How to get rid of a smelly sandpaper?

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.

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