It would be nice to never have to worry about equipment and whether it worked or not. Sadly, that is not how life goes. Most technical equipment need to be checked regularly to make sure it works correctly, and swamp coolers are no exception.
Think of your swamp cooler as if it were a car. A car needs to have its oil changed, its battery recharged, its tires rotated, etc. Just like a car, an HVAC needs these regular checkups to be sure that it is working at its best.
swamp cooler
When using your swamp cooler turn on the water pump at least five minutes before you turn on the fan, so that the pads are saturated with water first. It will work best when it is used when temperatures are 85 degrees or higher. This will save on water usage and energy, both of which will save you money.
Your swamp cooler will need to be given proper maintenance. Start by checking out the fan belt. Make sure it is not sagging, and if it is by more than an inch you should replace it.
Cooler pads also need to be in good shape. There also should not be any cracks, holes, or leaks in the casement or the tray of the swamp cooler. If you notice any of these problems an air conditioning repairmen should be called.
Also be sure that the water level in the tray is where it needs to be. The water can be adjusted with the float arm if it doesn’t reach the right level of the tray. Finally, be sure that everything else is in working order, including the motor and the pump.
It is also important to prepare for the winter once the weather turns colder. Because the cold months will harden any buildup that is left in the tray, be sure to clean out the tray at the end of the summer. Once you are done cleaning, drain all the water completely from the tray.
You will no longer be using the swamp cooler during the winter, so it is important to turn off the water line to it. This will prevent the water line from freezing. Remove the panels during the wintertime every month or so to clean out any debris that gets caught inside to keep the pads from getting ruined by leaves and debris.
