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Swamp Cooler Roof Installation

Swamp coolers are an energy-efficient alternative, particularly in low-humidity areas.

Swamp coolers -- or evaporative coolers -- utilize the natural cooling properties of evaporating water to cool the air inside homes. They function by pulling outdoor air over water-saturated cloths or pads and circulating it through the home. Swamp coolers are an energy-efficient alternative to traditional air conditioning and function particularly well in low-humidity areas. Installation requirements vary depending on the model of cooler you choose, the type and condition of your roof and the duct work in your house; however, there are several steps that apply to all installations. Have a question? Get an answer from a handyman now!

Instructions

1

Find a location on your roof for the cooler. For aesthetic reasons, you may want to locate it on the back of your roof. Swamp coolers blow cool air into a central location through a diffuser or into duct work, which distributes the cool air into different rooms in the house. Therefore, another consideration is proximity to the duct work or diffuser to which you will connect the cooler. Location of roof trusses are another important consideration as you will need to cut a hole in the roof for duct work and you do not want to cut through a truss. 

2

Determine where your cooler will distribute air through the house and install a diffuser in the ceiling at that location or locations. The simplest installations call for a single diffuser located in a central hallway beneath an attic.

3

Cut a hole in the roof. Most evaporative air coolers require either 18-by-18 inch or 20-by-20-inch duct work. Refer to your cooler's literature for the correct size. Make sure the hole is between roof trusses. Frame out the hole with additional two-by-fours between the trusses.

4

Run electrical wiring from the roof to your electrical panel. Run ¼-inch copper or plastic tubing from the roof to a cold water supply line in your house. Make sure there are no low spots that will hold water when the unit is turned off.

5

Run duct work from the diffuser or diffusers that you installed earlier through the hole in the roof. This will require rigid ducts, flexible ducts or a combination of the two. Strive for as direct a route as possible. Check all plumbing, electrical and duct work connections before running the cooler.

Evaporative air cooler roof installation

6

Install metal flashing between the duct work and the roof. Bend the 4-by-4-inch flashing on a 90-degree angle. Remove the shingles around the duct work, screw the flashing to the duct work and replace the shingles over the flashing.

7

Build a platform or support system for the cooler to sit on. You can either use roof jacks or construct a platform with pressure treated or weather treated wood. Consider the pitch when choosing an option. Also, make sure that you will be able to connect the cooler to the water supply, electrical line and duct work when it is on the platform.

8

Place the cooler onto the platform and connect the water supply, electrical line and duct work.

How to Fix Water Coolers

    You may have to change the fan motor to fix the water cooler.

    Water coolers, or evaporative air coolers, are also known as swamp coolers in the hot dry areas where they operate most effectively. The design is simple: A fan forces outside air through fiber filters that are kept wet with a water curtain that is pumped and distributed from a reservoir in the bottom of the unit. The water cooler is composed of several major components, including an electric motor, water pump, a fan blade cage and a reservoir water control float. The water cooler is fixed by replacing or adjusting these individual components as they present problems.

    Instructions

    1.Condition the water reservoir by opening the drain plug at the bottom and on the side of the unit to drain the water from the reservoir, and scrub the reservoir with a wire brush to remove all scale buildup and debris. Wipe the reservoir clean of all debris.

    2.Paint the inside of the reservoir by following label directions on special water cooler paint, available at hardware stores, and allow it to dry.

    3.Fill the reservoir to the water level mark on the inside of the unit, and follow label directions to pour special scale remover treatment, available at hardware stores, into the water in the reservoir, which will remove scale and improve water flow in the pump and the water distribution system.

    4.Replace the pump by unplugging it and disconnecting the plastic water tube. Place the new pump into the new net filter bag, connect the new plastic tubing with a plumber's clamp to the pump and plug it in.

    5.Install a new water distribution system known as the spider because of its central black hub and eight curved water tubes branching out from it. Remove the hub by unscrewing the nut that attaches the central hub to the top of the unit.

    6.Cut the new water tubes to the same size as the existing ones; glue the tubes in the holes of the new hub with PVC glue, available at hardware stores, and use the bolt to attach the hub to the top of the cooler unit.

    

water cooler

    7.Change out the old fan motor by using a crescent wrench to remove the bolt in the motor slide mount, take off the fan belt and remove the existing motor. Place the new motor in the slide mount, place the new fan belt on the flywheel and adjust the position of the motor on the mount to apply adequate pressure so the fan turns easily without producing a high squealing noise which indicates the belt is too tight.

    8.Remove all mineral deposit buildup from the inside of the unit to keep water flowing freely, by scrubbing the water troughs and water distribution ports with a stiff brush and white vinegar. Cooling efficiency is determined by how much water is evaporated when it runs through the filters.

    9.Use a toothbrush to scrub the float mechanism with white vinegar to remove buildup so the balance arm can move freely. If necessary, replace the float assembly. Adjust the float ball, much like the float ball in a toilet tank, by bending the float arm to a position that will stop the flow of new water just below the top of the drain tube that sticks up from the bottom of the reservoir floor.

  

How to Remove an Evaporative Cooler

    Evaporative air coolers eventually wear out and need to be removed. Remove your evaporative cooler when the water basin has rusted through, or the cooler housing no longer safely supports the roof and panels of the cooler. Evaporative or swamp coolers are bulky and awkward and so you should seek the assistance of two or more people when removing one. Their help can minimize the chance of you straining or injuring yourself. If you don't feel qualified to attempt this task, contact your local HVAC company for removal assistance.

   Instructions

   1 .Unplug the power cord of the evaporative cooler from its power outlet.

   2.Remove the side panels of the evaporative air cooler. Put your fingers in the handles and then lift up, pull out and slide them down. Removing these will make the cooler lighter and easier to carry.

   3.Twist the water basin drain plug counterclockwise and allow all of the water to drain from the cooler. Use your hand to untwist it.

   4.Undo the water supply line. This line attaches to a nipple on the float assembly. Just pull it off the nipple with your fingers.

   5.Have two people hold the swamp cooler to support its weight. They can hold the sides or bottom of the cooler.

   6.Open the window if the air vent of the cooler feeds through it.

   7.Undo any bolts, screws or chains that hold the evaporative cooler to the structure. Use a crescent wrench to undo the bolts and a Phillips or flat-head screwdriver on any screws. The chains will have hooks on the ends that unhook from soffit- or wall-mounted hooks.

  

   8.Pull the air vent side of the cooler out of the structure. Lift straight up if removing from a roof. Lift straight out if you're removing it from a window or wall.

   9.Run a long chain through the housing of the cooler and hook it back to itself above the cooler roof. Do this if you have to lower the chain from the roof to the ground. Ensure nobody is beneath the cooler while lowering it.

  10.Set the evaporative cooler in the back of a pickup truck and replace the side panels. Give the cooler away or haul it to your local metal recycling center.

How to Connect a Two-Speed Evaporative Cooler

   Evaporative coolers are a popular alternative to traditional air conditioning units in low-humidity areas of the country. They work on the same principles of thermal heat transfer as our bodies do. By adding moisture to the air, the units create an avenue for heat to be removed during the endothermic evaporation process. The installation of an evaporative unit usually takes place on a roof or in an upstairs window, as the moisture-laden water is heavier than the untreated air and falls to the lowest levels of the home. 

   Instructions

   Roof Installation

   1.Install the roof mounting bracket. Place the bracket directly over the venting that you will be attaching it to. Drive the mounting screws that come with the bracket into each of the four corner mounting slots. The bottom of these slots is cushioned with a rubber gasket that seals the hole, so no additional sealant is necessary. If obstacles make it impossible to mount the bracket directly over the venting, place it as close as possible up-slope from the vent.

   2.Cut a hole in the roof with a reciprocating saw where indicated by the roofing bracket.

   3.Hoist the evaporative air cooler to the roof. This will require either a small crane or hoist, which can be rented at a local equipment dealer or home improvement store.

   4.Attach the mouth of the evaporation unit to the existing ventilation system with a metal collar. Tighten this collar with the screw tightener on the outside of the collar.

   5.Install flashing around the vent pipe and seal it with roof sealant.

   Window Installation

   1.Locate the studs in the wall beneath the window you will be installing the cooler in with a stud finder.

   2.Attach the window mounting brackets that came with the unit with 2-inch screws.

   3.Screw down the mounting platform on the mounting braces.

   4.Set the unit on the platform and fill in any gaps in the window with Styrofoam board.

   Hooking Up Water and Electric

   1. Run the water line from the piping inside of the attic to the roof-mounted cooler before adding flashing. When connecting the pipes, make sure to add thread tape to the threading to prevent leakage. Window coolers are more difficult to link to an internal water source and often have to be filled periodically with a bucket.

   2.Hook the electrical line of the roof mounted unit to an internal switch. For a two-speed evaporator, get a three-way switch and wire it into a convenient location in the home. For a window unit, this is not necessary, as the switch is located on the front of the machine.

   3.Check the overflow reservoir and the drainage pan of the unit every few days to make sure that they are working properly. Also check the seal around the newly installed vent to make sure there is no leakage.

How to Build a Greenhouse Evaporative Air Cooler

   Greenhouses require a great deal of work but offer the reward of nourishing and delicious vegetables. A greenhouse evaporative cooler removes heat and moisture from the greenhouse so that it does not become too hot for the plants and vegetables. Evaporative coolers can be purchased at stores, or you can make your own. A good homemade evaporative cooler should lower the temperature in a greenhouse by 10 to 15 degrees. They are mostly used in areas where the temperature in a greenhouse can exceed 115 degrees Fahrenheit. A homemade evaporative air cooler pumps water through a pipe, then spreads cooled air through the greenhouse using a fan with a filter.

   Instructions

   1 Cut around the edges of the filter pad so that it fits entirely over the front of the box fan.

   2 Drill a hole in each corner of the fan and attach the filter over the fan with screws. It should fit completely without being loose.

   3 Drill a hole in the side of the fan that is large enough for the perforated PVC pipe. Push about half an inch of the PVC pipe through the hole and glue around the outside rim of the pipe where it is inserted into the fan. Let it dry completely.

  4  Fill a small garbage can three-fourths full of water. Submerge the pump and attach the other end of the PVC pipe to the pump.

  5  Place the fan on a small table. Place the garbage can next to the table on the floor next to the box fan. Turn the pump and the fan on to cool the greenhouse.

Evaporative Air Cooler Tips

An evaporative cooling system has a lot of benefits in low-humidity climates over traditional air conditioning systems. Evaporative air coolers supply cool air into a house through evaporation of water. These coolers cool the outdoor air by 15 to 40 degrees Fahrenheit by passing the warm air through the pads that are saturated with water. The cool air is forced into the house, as the warm air is pushed out the open windows. These coolers are extremely affordable and use up to 75 percent less electricity, compared to air conditioning systems. 

Sizing Tips

When purchasing your cooling system, you must ensure you find the appropriate size. Calculate the cubic feet per minute (CFM) of your home. CFM is the cubic feet of air that is in the house and the volume of air that is needed to replace it in one minute. Multiply the length by the width by the height of the home. Divide this number by two. Commonly, this number will be in between 3,000 to 6,500 square feet. Select a system that matches this number (3,000 to 6,500 CFM). Additionally, if you have certain allergies or find dust particles annoying, invest in a system that contains a filter.

Safety Tips

     You must abide by certain safety tips and guidelines to prevent harming yourself. When working on the evaporative cooling system, ensure the electrical power is turned off and the system is unplugged. Wear rubber shoes, protective gloves and goggles when performing maintenance. Never work on your cooling system in poor weather conditions.

Maintenance Tips

     It is imperative that you perform a complete and thorough investigation each spring. Bring a pen and paper with you when you go onto the roof to inspect the evaporative air cooler. Look over the components and ensure they function correctly. This includes checking the pump, motor, pads and float valve. If anything needs to be replaced, write down what it is and what size it is. Try to get every piece of information you can, as this will save you additional rooftop excursions. Depending on the hardness of the water, removal of any mineral and sediment deposits needs to be done on a regular basis. You need to perform these tasks again at least once before the season ends, preferably once each month.

Cleaning Tips

     Do the cleaning when you do the maintenance. You must clean the cooler out in its entirety at the beginning of the season, then again when the season ends. You must check the reservoir, pump, pads, and filters once each month, at minimum; thoroughly clean each item. Lastly, replace the pads twice each season. Make sure you take the appropriate safety measures and that the system is unplugged.

Window Tips

      You must make sure the windows within your home are open at least a forth of the way. If you do not do this, the warm air will not be able to get out, as the cooler air enters the room. The amount a window is open will control the temperature and humidity for that room. Simply close the window to any room that does not need cooling. Minimize the heat from these windows by utilizing heat absorbing film or adding blinds to them. You should also employ reflective film and windows, if budget allows.

Definition of Evaporative Cooling

    Evaporative cooling is becoming increasingly relevant as energy costs continue to skyrocket, because it can be up to 80 percent more efficient than classic refrigeration or absorption air conditioning. Evaporative cooling is simply cooling of air or anything else by the evaporation of water or other liquids. It is easy to illustrate by merely pointing out the effectiveness of perspiration cooling, the human body's own built-in evaporative cooling system. Evaporative cooling works best in warm, dry climates such as is found in the Southwestern United States.

Latent Heat

    Evaporative cooling in a coffee cup.Whether from a boiling pot or a wet towel, water takes about the same amount of heat to vaporize, or turn from a liquid, a lower energy state, into a gaseous form, a higher energy state. This is called the latent heat of vaporization, and the heat source is any material or space from which or in which the vaporization takes place.

Preferential Environments

    Dry air has a particular affinity for moisture because water has such a low partial pressure due to water, and it is relatively easy for molecules of water that are moving rapidly to be absorbed by the dry air and assumed in a gaseous form. This is why the visible spires of water vapor rising off a hot cup of coffee disappear only several inches above the cup. Therefore, evaporative cooling is far more effective in dry locales, such as deserts and prairies, as opposed to tropical and subtropical climate zones, such as Florida.

Perspiration

    There is nothing quite like a brisk breeze on a hot day, because more strident air movement presents perspiring skin with a much higher volume of air with an affinity for water. Ceiling fans provide even and steady air movement, which is often just enough to keep diners or sleepers in tropical climes cool and comfortable. Dogs pant on a hot day because they only perspire through their tongues, and the panting or rapid breathing instinctively increases the amount of air passing over the tongue, which absorbs the water that causes the evaporative cooling.

Nature's Cooling

    Trees evaporate enormous amounts of water into the air through their leaves, which is why many vacationers prefer a cool stroll through a dense, tall forest on a hot sunny day to a walk on a beach.

Direct-Indirect Cooling

    The only downside to evaporative air  cooler  is that the air becomes more humid as it is cooled, which can be a trade off on a hot, muggy day. For this reason, indirect systems evaporate water outside of recirculating air ducting, so that a portion of the heat absorbed comes from the living quarters, without the added humidity, which is subsequently exhausted outside.

History of Evaporative Cooling

     Evaporative cooling operates by harnessing the evaporation of water. The technology is primarily used in regions with low humidity. The technique works by passing air over pads that are saturated with water, which results in the evaporation of water from the pads into the forced air. Temperature reductions of 15 to 40 degrees Fahrenheit can be obtained this way. The air is directed into a building, forcing warmer air out the windows.

Ancient Technology

Fresco paintings from ancient Egypt depict slaves waving fans over containers of water. This appears to be the earliest recorded use of evaporative cooling. Wealthy citizens of Rome during the Roman Empire had water circulated through their walls. The common people hung wet mats over their doors for cooling.

Other Early Applications

Cooling towers were constructed in medieval times. The towers were designed to trap wind and funnel it past water before it entered a building. This method is believed have to have been developed in Persia. Water evaporative cooling was used in New England textile mills during the 1800s.

Willis Havillard Carrier

Willis Carrier was born in 1875 on a small farm in Angola, New York. Carrier’s mother taught math and problem-solving skills to her son. Carrier graduated from Cornell University with a master’s degree in engineering. From there, Carrier went to work at Buffalo Forge Co., which manufactured heaters, air exhausts and blowers. Carrier was appointed head of the company’s experimental science department.

Apparatus for Treating Air

Carrier was assigned the task of controlling the humidity in a Brooklyn printing plant.

Carrier gained an understanding of the relationship between the dew point, humidity and temperature while waiting for a train one evening. The young engineer designed a system that controlled temperature and humidity.

Southwestern United States

Residents of the U.S. Southwest tried various methods to combat summer heat. In the 1920s and 1930s, people hung wet sheets to capitalize on the evaporation process. Others risked pneumonia by sleeping in wet sheets with electric fans blowing on them.

Swamp Coolers

Several designs of evaporative cooling devices were tested in the Southwest. Until the 1960s, the swamp cooler was predominant. The swamp cooler used aspen pads to contain the water for evaporation. A swamp cooler was demonstrated in Phoenix at the Adams Hotel in 1916. Two professors at the University of Arizona experimented with methods to improve performance in evaporative coolers, and in 1939, they published instructions for cooling homes in Arizona.

swamp cooler

Recent History

Around the time of the professors’ instructions, the Emerson Company began mass production of evaporative coolers. Other companies soon entered the market. By 1939, drip coolers were being used at businesses and homes throughout the Southwest. Many companies were manufacturing evaporative coolers by the 1950s, and the market had expanded to include other parts of the United States, Canada and Australia. Advances continued on the technology. Improved pads reduced some issues such as the amount of power needed to push the air. However, the newer pads created the need to use recirculating systems to wet the pads. This in turn led to problems that affected unit size and location. Use of units that do not recirculate is one possible solution, but this increases water consumption.

How to Run a Swamp Cooler on Humid Days

    Swamp coolers are portable machines that cool the air with water. You fill the tank to the maximum level and turn on the appropriate setting. A swamp cooler is environmental friendly as well as less expensive than air conditioners. Typically, swamp coolers are located in the western and mountain states where there is low humidity. However, you may also use the cooler under certain humid conditions to keep a room in the home comfortable during the hot summers.
Instructions

1

Watch the weather forecast the night before using the swamp cooler. It is important to know the humidity the next day to prepare to set up the swamp cooler.

2

Close all windows and shades in the room with the swamp cooler. Start at approximately 7 a.m., before the humidity arrives.

3

Fill the tank after closing the windows. Begin running the swamp cooler right away. This will allow the room to become cool before the warm and humid day begins.

Swamp cooler

4

Shut any doors to the room. This includes bathroom, bedroom or kitchen doors. Avoid using the stove or oven if the room is adjacent to the swamp cooler area, unless a door blocks the heat.

5

Add water to the tank often throughout the day. When the water level drops, the swamp cooler must work harder to keep the area cooler.

How to Soften Hard Water in Evaporative Air Coolers

Evaporative air coolers, or "swamp coolers," cool the air through water evaporation. One of the biggest maintenance issues facing people who use evaporative coolers is the hard water buildup that occurs on the pads. Removing these deposits is important, because clean pads improve the efficiency of the cooler. Mineral-clogged pads cut down on the amount of water inside the pads and reduce the air flow necessary for creating comfortable indoor temperatures. Softening the water used in your cooler will reduce mineral buildup.

Instructions

    1.

Install an in-line filter for the cooler. These filters remove the dissolved minerals in the water before the water enters the cooler, cutting down on the minerals that can ultimately deposit themselves on the pads. This may be one of the easiest ways to maintain evaporative coolers that sit on roofs, since the filter can be at ground level where it is easier to change.

2.

Add a cap of unscented fabric softener to the cooler once a week, or more frequently during extremely hot, dry weather.

3.

Sprinkle a handful of borax into the water pan in the cooler weekly. The borax softens the water and has no odor.

Evaporative air cooler

4.

Add vinegar to the cooler. During the early morning when it's cooler outdoors, put a gallon of vinegar in the cooler pan, then turn off the fan but keep the pump running to dissolve the mineral deposits in the evaporative air cooler and on the pads. Then, drain the water and refill the cooler with fresh water, turning the fan back on to resume cooling.

5.

Use commercial products designed to reduce the hardness of water in the cooler. This is an alternative to Step 4 if you object to the smell of vinegar. These products are odorless and slightly acidic, which helps counteract the alkaline minerals in the water and dissolve the existing mineral buildup on the pads.

Does a Window Have to Be Open When Running a Swamp Cooler?

Fundamentals

Air conditioning cools and recirculates air in a room or in an entire building. It is essential to keep the windows closed so the cooled air does not escape. However, swamp coolers work differently. They pull fresh air into a room, and as it passes over damp pads, it cools the room. As the cool air fills the room, the hotter air is forced out. With really efficient evaporative cooling, a total air change in the space can take place every two minutes.

Varieties

Evaporative air cooler systems can cool an entire dwelling or a single room. The room units are often placed in windows, not unlike window air conditioning units. In larger systems, duct work and fans together move air throughout the space to allow cool air to enter each room. A simple system uses one duct and fan setup to let in air and blow it into the house.

pace can take place every two minutes.

swamp cooler

Balance

The purpose of opening a window is to let the warm air escape as the cooler air is circulated by the swamp cooler's fan. Open the door and a window inside any room you wish to cool so the air can move through. To get a balance of cool air throughout the space, leave both a door and window open in the room to allow air to circulate.

Adjustment

How much you open a window can determine the swamp cooler's efficacy. Open the window just enough so the door closes very slowly. This means the pressure is balanced, and the hot air is moved through the window as exhaust. If the door slams, the window is not open wide enough. However, don't open the window too far. If the door does not move, the window is too widely open. When the door closes completely, open it and start the process over.

How Can You Make Your Swamp Cooler Smell Good?

    In dry, warm climates such as the southwestern United States, swamp coolers provide homes with a cost-friendly alternative to central air conditioning. A downside to using a swamp cooler is the filtered pads that retain the moisture tend to get a stale smell to them. To make your swamp cooler smell fresh and aromatic, only a few simple steps are needed to be taken. Freshening your swamp cooler improves the air quality in your home and adds another benefit to choosing one over an energy consuming air conditioning unit.

1. Fill a large plastic freezer bag with about a pound of cotton balls.

2. Create a 2 oz blend of essential and fragrant oils in glass dish. Such home freshening scents include lemon grass, eucalyptus and lavender. Experiment with as many scents as you want to create your own.

3. Add the essential oil blend to a spray bottle containing a half ounce of polysorbate 20.

4. Aim the nozzle of the spray bottle into the zipper bag and spray a liberal amount, about half the bottle, over the cotton balls. Close the bag and shake the balls around.

    

swamp cooler

5. Open the bag and spray the remaining scented oil blend into the bag. Close it and shake it again.

6. Pour the contents of the freezer bag over the surface of a disposable swamp cooler pad.

7. Layer a square of cheesecloth measuring to the same dimensions of the pad, on top of it.

8. Staple the corners of the cheesecloth to the corners of the disposable swamp cooler pad. This contains the scented cotton balls so that they cant escape.

9. Insert the modified pad into your swamp cooler. When it is switched on, the cool air released into the home will be infused with the scent you created.

What Is Evaporative Air Cooler & When Does It Occur?

      Evaporative cooling is a process where liquid evaporates from a surface, making the surface cooler. This process occurs because the evaporating gas is hotter than the other parts of the surface, so the gas draws away heat energy when it rises off the surface. Evaporative cooling occurs in sweat, panting, air conditioning, hot drinks and lakes.
 Sweating

• Sweating is one example of evaporative cooling. Humans, as well as some other animals, perspire, producing liquid sweat through pores on their skin. The sweat is mostly water, which has a high heat of vaporization. Heat of vaporization refers to the amount of energy that must be added to a substance to raise its temperature. Metals have a much lower heat of vaporization than water, so even a smaller heat source raises their temperature rapidly. This makes water very useful for evaporative cooling as the vapor can contain a lot of heat energy. When the sweat evaporates, the rising vapor is hotter than the sweat remaining on the skin, so the person feels cooler.

Panting 

• Dogs have sweat glands, although they do not have enough sweat glands to cool themselves with sweat alone. They must pant to take advantage of evaporative air cooler. A dog sticks out its tongue into the air, allowing the saliva on its tongue to evaporate. When the saliva evaporates, it cools the dog down. Putting a muzzle on a dog risks overheating the dog if it cannot stick its tongue out.

Evaporative Air cooler Pads

• Evaporative air cooler pads are a method of adding air conditioning to a building. A machine is set up that pulls in air from the outside of the building, using a fan. The air is blown across a wet pad that is continually soaked in a stream of water. The pads are often made of substances similar to paper. As water evaporates from the pads, the vapor is blown back outside by the fan.

                                                                                  

Evaporative air cooler

Hot Drinks

• Evaporative cooling takes place in hot drinks. The liquid in a cup of tea is mostly water. After the tea is poured out of the teapot, it evaporates and takes some of the heat energy with it. As with the other examples, the water molecules that are leaving as hot vapor contain more heat energy than the water molecules that remain behind in the teacup.

Wind

• Wind strength and humidity affect the evaporative cooling rate. Air that is already humid contains lots of water vapor already, so sweat does not evaporate as quickly and it will feel hotter to a person. Dry air allows more evaporation, so a high temperature in a hot desert may feel more comfortable than the same temperature in a wet swamp. According to Montana University, water sources, such as lakes and swamps, often have a layer of water vapor over them. Strong winds will blow this vapor layer away, increasing the evaporation rate of the lake or swamp.

    

How to Use an Evaporative Air Cooler Float Valve

Evaporative air coolers are simple but efficient, and it is an economical way of cooling buildings in dry climates. There are few parts and mechanisms in an evaporative air cooler (swamp cooler or desert cooler), but they do need occasional maintenance and upkeep. The float valve is important in controlling the water coming into the unit. evaporative air cooler.

1. Attach the float valve to the cooler by sliding the threaded end through the water inlet hole, leaving the float facing inside the cooler.
2. Slide the rubber washer over the threads on the valve.

                                        

3. Insert the water line into the float valve inlet and fasten by tightening the nut.

4. Turn on the water supply and check for any leaks. Refasten the water line securely if necessary.

5. Finally, adjust the float valve so that the float causes the valve to close when the water level in the cooler is full, but not overflowing.
Most float valves are designed to be adjusted by bending the metal arm.

How to Troubleshoot & Repair Evaporative Coolers

     Evaporative coolers work very well in hot dry climates such as the desert Southwest. They are less expensive than air conditioners and cost less to operate. However, evaporative coolers do require more maintenance than air conditioners. Fortunately, very little technical expertise or skill with tools is required to keep an evaporative cooler operating at peak efficiency. Trouble shooting an evaporative cooler is a simple matter of identifying one of several problems. An evaporative cooler has three main components: the water pump supplies water to the cooler pads to cool the air and the fan motor distributes the cooled air throughout the house. Follow this guide to troubleshoot & repair evaporative air coolers

      1.Use a flashlight to check the fuse or breaker box if the cooler does not start or does not blow air. If the fuse is tripped or blown, either reset or replace it as necessary.

      2. Determine where the problem lies if the air is not cool. If the air is warm, check the water pump to be sure water is circulating to the filters. Examine the filter pads to see if they are scaled over with mineral deposits, which inhibit the flow of air. Finally, check the water reservoir to be certain the float is keeping the water at the proper level to supply the pump. 

      

Evaporative cooler

      3.Examine the fan motor if the cooler is not blowing air. If it is not running, the motor may need service or replacement. Also, examine the fan belt to determine if it is broken and needs replacement. The belt could also be too loose to turn the fan blades properly; the belt should be able to be depressed about an inch when it is pressed down upon with a finger about midway between the motor pulley and the fan blade pulley. If it is too loose, it will need to be tightened or even replaced if it is worn out.

     Drain the water reservoir and scrub it thoroughly with a stiff brush and a solution of one cup of vinegar to one gallon of water. Also, check the filter pads to determine if they are scaled over with mineral deposits.
Assemble a workbox that contains the basic tools needed to troubleshoot and work on the evaporative cooler and keep it conveniently at hand to deal with problems as they arise.
     Always turn the switch in the house to the off position and also turn off the power switch located on the underside of the top of the cooler.
      Have an assistant on the ground while evaporative cooler(swamp cooler) work is being done on the roof so that, in case of accident, someone is available to assist.

How to Service an Evaporative Cooler

      Periodic maintenance or servicing is a must for keeping that evaporative cooler in tiptop condition for the summer cooling months. The base of an evaporative cooler is filled with water. The water level is maintained by a float valve that keeps fresh water in contact with a circulation pump. The water pump pushes water to an upper distribution tray that has many holes drilled into its bottom. These holes allow the water to flow over and through a cardboard-type structure called a "cooling pad" This wet cell allows the outdoor air to pass through it by the use of a suction fan that blows the water-cooled air into the home. 

    Follow the steps below to service an evaporative cooler:
    1. Shut off the cooler and carefully remove the cooling pad from the cooler unit.
    2. Inspect the cooling pad for any damage or signs of severe mold and algae growth. If the cooling pads are damaged, they should be replaced.
    3. Pour a cup of the household bleach into the water reservoir and allow the unit to run for 20 to 30 minutes. This allows the bleach water to disinfect and cycle though all the water piping.
    4. Shut off the unit and open the basin drain located under the reservoir pan. Drain the reservoir of all liquid and leave the valve in the open position.
    5. Use the scrub brush to thoroughly clean all the exposed metal surfaces. You may want to keep the area wetted down if it begins to dry out.
    6. Flush the unit with fresh water and allow the reservoir to drain empty of all liquid before closing the valve.
    7. Fill the water reservoir using the float valve and run the circulation pump when the reservoir is full. Check for any leaks that may have cropped up from cleaning the unit.
    8. Replace the cooling pad with the existing ones, or install new wet cells if they appear to be damaged.

    9. Test the unit for full operation. You should feel and smell fresh, moist, clean air.

                                         

Evaporative air cooler

    Mold or algae growth can be controlled by adding an algaecide to the water basin. Follow all directions if you add a solution of algaecide to the water reservoir. Different manufacturers have different directions for its use. Perform a monthly inspection of the above steps for the evaporative cooler (swamp cooler). The cleaner the system, the more efficiently the air can pass through the wet cells.
    Some cooling pads made from natural materials like wood are easily damaged by cleaning. Contact the manufacturer if you are unsure of whether or not the cooling pads in the cooler unit are reusable.

How to Remove Odors in Evaporative Coolers

   Evaporative coolers are an inexpensive, simple, and effective way to cool a building in a hot, dry climate, but they got the nickname "swamp coolers"for a good reason. The fact that the evaporative cooler uses a system that has both standing water and pads that are constantly kept wet means that they can emit unpleasant odors. This is not a necessary inconvenience, however. A little maintenance can remove these odors from your evaporative cooler. Follow the steps below to remove odors in evaporative coolers.

   1. Disconnect the cooler from all electrical power, and drain all the water.

   2. Remove the air filter, and wash it thoroughly with mild soap and water. Replace it if it still has an odor after washing.

   3.Wash the reservoir out, and flush it with clean water. Prepare the disinfectant and deodorizer following the instructions on the package. Add this mixture to the reservoir, and refill it with fresh water.

      

Evaporative air cooler

   4.Remove the cooler pads, and clean them thoroughly with soap and water. Replace them if they still have an odor. If you have aspen fiber pads, consider replacing them with modern pads made from synthetic materials. These pads are less likely to have mold or mildew problems.

   5.Put the filter and pads back on the cooler, reconnect the power, and your job is complete. Repeat the procedure as needed throughout the summer to prevent return of the odors.

How to Make an Evaporative Cooler Work Better

An evaporative air cooler (also known as a swamp cooler) uses far less electrical power than the average air conditioning unit, in some cases only one-third or one-fourth as much. But evaporative air coolers are really effective only in areas of fairly low humidity. And they don't make a house quite as cool as an air conditioner can. However, there are things you can do to make sure the unit cools to its maximum efficiency. Follow this guide to make an evaporative cooler work better.
    1.Cover the evaporative air cooler during the cool season. This will reduce wear and tear and make it work more efficiently.

    2. Check the water supply leading to the evaporative cooler(also swamp cooler). Make sure the water is fully turned on. Also make sure that the connections from the water outlet and into the cooler are tight.

    3. Check the line itself. This line is narrow (about the width of a coaxial cable). If it is leaking, this can reduce the efficiency of the cooler. Replace the line if it leaks.
    

Evaporative air cooler

    4. Check the cooler's evaporative pads and replace them if necessary. Soiled or worn pads will hurt the cooler's efficiency.

    5. Turn on the water pump switch 10-15 minutes before you turn on the cooler it. This will fully soak the evaporative pads. If the pads are dry, the cooler will not cool.

    6. Check that there is a small air outlet so that the house won't become too humid. Operating an evaporative cooler increases humidity in the house, which will in turn make the cooler less effective. The air outlet will lessen this problem.

How to Install Evaporative Coolers

    Installing an evaporative cooler is great way to cool off your home without paying for an expensive central air conditioner. Evaporative coolers, also known as swamp cooler, pull the warm air from the room into a chamber with pads soaked in water. As the water evaporates, it cools the air. The cooled air is then pumped back into the room through the blower. Follow this guide to install a new evaporative cooler in any room of your house.

    1.Select the window where you will be installing the evaporative cooler. It should not be blocked by anything that will interfere with the airflow. Be sure the wall and windowsill below the window are stable and will hold the evaporative cooler's weight. If you need extra support, cut three cripple studs out of 2x4 lumbers and attach these to the wall below the windowsill, running vertically from the bottom of the sill to the floor.

    2.Measure the size of the evaporative air cooler to be sure it will fit in your window opening. Cut a piece of one-inch thick wood to fit the bottom of the cooler. Attach this plank to the windowsill with wood screws.

    3.Have an assistant help you lift the evaporative cooler and place it on the wooden plank. Walk around to the outside of the home and attach a chain to each side of the evaporative cooler, toward the top and rear of the unit. Use a level to make sure the cooler sits flat, placing wood shims under the lower side of the unit if it needs to be leveled out. Once the evaporative cooler is level, hold each chain against the exterior of the house so that it is taut. Mark this spot on the home and attach a hook. Slide the chains over the hooks to hold the evaporative cooler in place. Secure the evaporative cooler to the wooden plank with the screws and mounting hardware that were included with the unit.
    

Evaporative air cooler

    4. Go back inside and close the window so that it sits flush against the top of the evaporative cooler. Draw a line on the where the window frame hits the cooler. Raise the window and attach a band of weather stripping along your marked line. Lower the window again so that it rests on the weather stripping. Some evaporative coolers have side extensions that can be pulled out to cover any gaps on the side of the unit. If yours does not or the gap is too large to be fully covered by the extensions, measure and cut panels of one-inch thick wood to block the opening. Use nails or wood screws to attach these panels to the home's exterior.

     5.Fill the evaporative cooler's reservoir with water and plug it into the wall outlet.Measure your window opening before purchasing an evaporative cooler. Selecting the correct size cooler reduces the amount of space to be covered by the extensions or filled with foam.To prevent injury, always ask for help when lifting or moving an evaporative cooler. Evaporative coolers may not work effectively in humid climates. When the air is already saturated with moisture, the water inside the cooler is not able to evaporate.

How to Install an Evaporative Cooler Motor

  The evaporative cooler is an ingeniously simple machine. It allows the average homeowner the opportunity to handle the routine maintenance of the unit on his own. You may find that the motor on your evaporative cooler needs replacing. If so, there are easy steps that you can do to replace and install a new motor in under an hour. Follow the steps below to install an evaporative cooler motor.

   1.Take off the bolts on the old motor that are used to adjust the tension on   the belt. Remove the belt, and inspect it for wear. You may want to take this opportunity to replace the belt, as well.

   2. Remove the bolt holding the motor pulley, and pull the pulley off the motor.

   3. Remove the bolts from the brackets that attach the motor to the cooler. Your motor will be held in by these brackets, which may swing in an arc, or slide on a track. This movement allows for the adjustment of the belt tension.
                                         

Evaporative air cooler

   

   4. Attach the new motor to the brackets with the bolts, and fasten securely.

   5. Slide the motor pulley on to the new motor shaft. Before tightening the bolts for the pulley, make sure that the motor pulley is in direct alignment with the blower pulley, so that the belt will track correctly when turning. Once aligned, tighten the bolts securely.

   6. Slide the belt over both the motor pulley and the blower pulley. Lift the motor along the tracks or slots to increase the tension on the belt. The belt should be at a tension that allows you to push on the midpoint between the pulleys and have the belt move about 1 inch. Once properly adjusted, tighten the bolts to lock the motor in this position.

   7. Refer to the instructions for the new motor to correctly wire it. This is usually a matter of attaching the wires in the same manner as the old motor. You have now successfully installed a new evaporative motor.

  If you have experience replacing and adjusting belts in automobiles, take note that an evaporative cooler belt should not have anywhere near that much tension. Putting too much tension on the belt may cause the new motor to burn out.