Tips to swamp cooler maintenance

If you operate a warehouse or own a company building, you know that maintaining your swamp cooler is important to having an effective HVAC system. Ideally, you would likely want to hire a professional swamp cooler maintenance team to come in and check your system at least once a year to ensure that all is operating properly but if the budget is tight, you may want to check out your system on your own.

This article will provide some tips on how to maintain your swamp cooler.

Seasonal checks

Depending on the climate in which you live in, you will want to make routine checks on your swamp cooler that is indicative of the current weather. There are some things that you will want to check in the summer that won’t be necessary in the winter and vice versa. We have broken down tips based on season below.

Winterize your swamp cooler

Before the winter season begins, you will want to make sure that you winterize your cooler. Be sure to clean out all the mineral deposit build up that could have occurred during the summer. This will ensure that your heating element will work more efficiently. If you do not remove the mineral deposits, you can risk them hardening over winter which will cause problems later on.

Clean out tray and remove water

Disconnect the water line to eliminate the possibility of freezing pipes. Be sure to blow out all remaining water so that none is left to freeze.

Summerize your swamp cooler

Make sure that the water is at an appropriate level in the tray. The ideal location for the water line is slightly below the top of the tray. The overflow pipe will be sticking out of the water. If the water is not at the proper level, be sure to adjust the floating arm. Be sure to check all the parts to make sure that they are working properly. Some things to pay close attention to include but are not limited to the pump, fan belt, and motor. Make sure the cooler pads are in good shape as your motor will run the best when they are in a healthy state of being.

Fan belt

Be sure that your fan belt has enough tension on it otherwise it won’t operate properly. If your belt is sagging, you will likely need to replace it. If you have trouble identifying if it is loose or in need of replacement, it is a good idea to call a professional to come out and take a look.

Lubrication

It is imperative that you ensure that your blower assembly bearing is lubricated so that it works as efficiently as possible.

Check the cooler pads

If your cooler pads have any sign of wear, tear, or look worn in any way, you will want to replace them. A good way to test the cooler pads is to turn on the cooler motor to see if air is being distributed evenly.

Check for cracks and imperfections

If you notice any holes, cracks, or other imperfections in your equipment, you will want to have a professional team come in and take a look. If you have a portable swamp cooler then you can skip the winter maintenance with keeping the unit in heated space. If you want to learn how to maintain a regular air conditioning system you should check out our DIY air conditioner maintenance manual.