Want To Do-It-Yourself?
Follow These Swamp Cooler Maintenance Tips
Winterize
* Prevent freezing of the cooler's water line by disconnecting the water
line from the cooler and draining out the water.
* Remove minerals and clean the bottom tray. Vinegar works well.
Please note do not use harsh chemicals. Always clean with a damp rag to
prevent mildew buildup.
* Drain the water and buildup from the tray.
* Inspect the water distribution lines for clogged holes, clean as
necessary.
* Thoroughly dry the tray and inspect it for signs of cracking.
* Coat the entire tray with submarine sealer or similar product to
prevent rust.
* Cover your cooler to protect it and keep cold air out of your home.
Spring Check/Setup
* Crack windows in the rooms you are cooling. This will draw the cooled
air through these spaces.
* Use ceiling fans to circulate air within your home.
* Remove the cooler panels and clean out any debris in the water pan at
the bottom.
* Check the motor's fan belt tension. It should move about one half
inch.
* Lightly oil the bearings on the motor and blower assembly.
* Install new cooler pads.
* Connect the water line and turn on the water supply.
* Check the float valve and make sure it is operating properly. If
necessary, adjust the float arm by bending it. Check the water level
in the bottom tray. It should be about one inch below the top of the
tray, and below the top of the overflow pipe. If the water level is too
high or too low, adjust the float arm.
*Make sure your float valve is working properly. If the valve sticks,
the water will run continuously, causing water to overflow the tray and
be wasted. Adjust your float arm and, if that doesn't fix the problem,
install a new float valve
* Switch on the cooler motor and recirculating pump, making sure the
cooler pads are being evenly saturated with water.
* Look for split seams in the casement, or rusted areas in the tray,
which could cause a leak.
Mid-summer Checkup
*Check the water level in the bottom tray. It should be about one inch
below the top of the tray, and below the top of the overflow pipe. If
the water level is too high or too low, adjust the float arm.
*Make sure your float valve is working properly. If the valve sticks,
the water will run continuously, causing water to overflow the tray and
be wasted. Adjust your float arm and, if that doesn't fix the problem,
install a new float valve or call a cooler specialist.
*Check all other working parts, including the pump, motor and fan belt.
Lubricate the blower assembly bearing and the motor if it has an oil
receptacle with the appropriate oil. Check
belt tension it should not move more that 1 inch. and in some cases an
inch may be too lose. You want to visually look at it to see if it is
sagging and if so it defiantly needs replaced.
*Check the condition of the cooler pads. The cleaner the pads, the more
efficient the cooler.
Rinse your pads with a hose periodically.
If they have a heavy accumulation of mineral deposits, replace them.
You should always change your cooler pads as needed (every 4-6 years)
for maximum cooling efficiency. This will also create cleaner air.
Use clean machine to
flush the pan for cleaner pads, cleaner air, reduced maintenance,
water savings
and a longer life for your evaporative cooler.
*Some coolers have a "bleed-off valve" to drain the recirculating water
to prevent excessive mineral buildup. Make sure the valve is adjusted
properly to drain no more water than is necessary. Check your
manufacturer's recommendations for best results. Turn on the cooler motor
and pump to test if the cooler pads are getting saturated evenly. Check
for any leaks. If cracks or holes exist, call AAA Cooler Specialists.
This information on swamp coolers and more details can be found at these
websites:
http://www.aaacoolingaz.com
http://www.air-conditioning-arizona.com/swamp-cooler-maintenance.html
http://ag.arizona.edu/cochise/waterwise/swampcooler.html
