Call: 720-231-2803
Providing custom home improvement solutions
Fairfax Home Solutions
1345 Fairfax StreetDenver, CO 80220
mike@fairfaxhomesolutions.com
Phone: 720-231-2803
Home Repair Projects
Plumbing
Heating/Cooling
- Evaporative Cooler Start-Up
Do It Yourself
Evaporative Cooler Start Up and Maintenance
Those of you that have evaporative coolers, a.k.a. “swamp coolers” know that they provide cool, moist air for a fraction of the cost of air conditioning. You also know that they should be shut down properly in the fall, and serviced in the late spring to assure good results. Let me preface the following information with this caveat: if you are at all uncomfortable being up on your roof (assuming that’s where your cooler is), stay off, and find someone else to do the work. At least you’ll know what needs to be done for a proper start-up.
Cleaning
Getting your swamp cooler ready for the season is fairly simple. First, give it a good cleaning. I have one client who sprays the cooler pads down with a mild bleach solution (1 cup per gallon of water) to kill any bacteria. This step probably isn’t necessary, but it does give an added level of protection. Clean the inside of the cooler with the same solution, and then flush the whole thing out with running water.Water Connection
Speaking of water, the next step is to hook up the water to the cooler, and fill it. Put the drain standpipe back in – since it’s usually removed during shut-down, make sure all the fittings are snug, and check for leaks before walking away, especially fittings that are inside your house. If your water line wasn’t drained properly in the fall, it may have freeze damage, and will have to be repaired or replaced. If you’re not able to do this yourself, consult a professional.Once the cooler is full, and the float shuts off the flow of water, verify that the water level is high enough for the pump to run, but not too full as to encourage water to enter the air stream. Most coolers will have marks indicating the proper level. A slight bend to the float arm is the easiest way to adjust the water level.
Once the water is set, all that’s left to do is lubricate the bearings, and check the belt. Most coolers have axle bearings that can be filled with lightweight oil. Your local hardware store sells an item called a “zoom spout” which is a bottle of the oil with a handy little hose at the end, to make the job a snap. Make sure to catch any excess oil before it gets in the water! Check the belt, and replace it if you see any major cracking or missing chunks. Bring the old belt to the store with you to make sure you get the right size.
Check the Pads
If your pads are looking shabby, you can replace them too. They are available in a roll, or pre-cut for some popular cooler sizes. Don’t replace the pads unless they are heavily stained with minerals, or they are starting to fall apart. They should last at least 2-3 seasons, more or less depending on your water quality.Well, that’s it! Now you’re ready to turn on your cooler and enjoy it.
Stay cool, folks!