Now that it’s warming up outside you will soon be thinking about turning your swamp cooler back on. Swamp coolers are a great alternative to traditional air conditioning units as they are less expensive to run, but also better for the environment. To ensure your costs stay low you will want to maintain your swamp cooler. Proper maintenance will keep your unit running efficiently and extend the life of your swamp cooler. Follow this maintenance checklist to ensure your swamp cooler is ready to cool you off this spring and summer.
The steps in the checklist are as follows:
Disassemble the Swamp Cooler Unit. Take off all side panels to the swamp cooler unit. There is usually a small clip that you twist to release the panel. Pay attention to which panel fits which side of the unit. Some sides are not the same due to where the cords go.
Clean interior of cooler. Use a shop-vac to suck up any dust or debris that has collected inside like dry leaves. Follow up by wiping out any dirt with a damp cloth. Dust and debris can jam up the water pump and cause irreparable damage.
Change evaporation pads. A swamp cooler uses absorption pads to cool the air. These pads soak up water and as a fan blows air across the pads the water evaporates and cools the air blowing through your home. Over time these pads become less absorbent due to mineral build up and will not cool your home like they should. These pads should be changed annually so if you skipped this step when winterizing now is the time. You will want to presoak these before turning your swamp cooler on for best results.
Inspect the swamp cooler’s motor. Start by inspecting the belt that operates the motor. The belt should be smooth and not cracking. If the belt looks worn you can replace it. Next, lubricate the motor by adding oil into the spaces designated in your unit’s operator manual.
Clean water tank. Use mild soap and water to wipe down the inside of the water tank. Rinse clean and add water back to the tank.
Hook up power and Test Unit. Reconnect the unit to its power source and turn it on. Once powered on check to see that the water pump and fan motor are operating properly. When the water pump is operating you should see water flowing through the lines and onto the sides of the evaporative cooler as well as onto the evaporation pads. If the water flow is weak you may have a problem with the pump, or the lines are plugged up. Ensure that the motor is running and the fan is spinning. You should begin to feel cool air coming from the swamp cooler in a few minutes. Once the unit is turned on look for leaks or water damage.
Day & Night Plumbing, Heating & Cooling Can Help!
If you would like professional start up services for your swamp cooler call Day and Night Plumbing, Heating and Cooling. From swamp cooler repair to new swamp cooler installations our team can ensure that your home is taken care of. We do professional swamp cooler start up service each spring and turn down services in the fall too.
- Day and Night Plumbing, Heating and Cooling
- Swamp Cooler Start Up, Repair, and Installation Service
- Call: 505-974-5797
Providing services to Albuquerque, Rio Rancho, Corrales, Placitas, and Edgewood, NM – Day and Night Plumbing, Heating and Cooling is here to bring your swamp cooler back to life!
