How to Fix an Evaporative Cooler: Replacing a Water Pump

Evaporative coolers are an energy efficient way to cool a house in dry climates. They consist of a water reservoir 3-5 inches in depth. This water is sent, via a water pump, to a water distributor, which passes the water over a cooling pad. This cooling pad is basically a large cardboard air filter. Air is pumped through this wet filter, and this water cooled air is then pumped into the house through normal duct work. One of the most common fix-it jobs needed to maintain an evaporativecooler is the replacement of the water pump. Follow the steps below to replace a water pump.

1.    Open the side panel of your cooler. Locate the water pump if you don't already know where it is. There are many reasons a cooler won't work, so diagnosing that the pump needs to be replaced comes first. With the pump turned on, remove the bleed tee cap or the pump hose to see if water is being pumped through the machine. If not, move on to step two.

2.    One of the first orders of business is to assure that the pump is unplugged and the power to the unit is off. Remember, you are working with an electrical appliance and water. Now that it is safe to work with this equipment, check your existing water pump. Do any of the connecting hoses or clamps need to be replaced? If so, you can save yourself a trip by getting everything you need on the first run.

3.  Assuming you will replace the entire pump assembly, the first step will be to remove the pump hose clamp from the end of the pump hose feeding into the water distributor. This is easily accomplished by simply pinching the two ends with pliers and moving the clamp off of the end of the hose. The only other thing which might need to be done is to remove the bleed line from the bleed tee. Many people don't use bleed lines, so this may not be necessary. A bleed line is a 1/4", soft "poly" tubing which runs off the bleed tee, out the drain/overflow pipe in the bottom of the cooler, and off of the roof. (For information about installing a Bleed Line - my Related Articles section)
   

Evaporative air cooler

4.   Now that you have disconnected the old pump, simply place the new one into the water reservoir. It is highly recommended that you set the new pump inside a mesh filter bag or basket. This will prevent bits of scale from clogging or ruining your new pump. Attach the pump hose to the bleed tee and the bleed tee to the pump. Attach the other end of the pump hose to the distributor above the wet cell (pad). Re-attach the bleed line to the bleed tee, and you're all set.

5.   Before you close up your cooler housing, now is a good time to oil your fan, check and adjust your drive belt, and clean out your water tray if need be.

How to Evaluate If you need an Evaporative Cooler

At a time when efficient use of energy has become a worldwide concern, evaporative coolers are an attractive means of staying cool when it's not so cool outside. When compared to standard air conditioning, these units require less energy and are also less expensive. Follow the steps below to evaluate if you need an evaporative cooler.

1.    Investigate the energy efficiency of evaporation cooler. Compared to a typical refrigeration form of air conditioning; an evaporation unit uses 1/10 to 1/3 the amount of energy. Evaporative coolers are definitely more efficient.

2.    Evaluate your cooling needs. Decide whether or not you need something as simple as a single room evaporative unit. This is basically the equivalent of a single room air conditioning unit except it is based on evaporative technology and has the same energy coefficient advantages. If a single room unit will suffice, consider options and purchase one.

3.    Decide if you home is configured for the use of a larger evaporative unit if a single room unit will not suffice. Basically, this has to do with whether ducting can be easily set up that will establish cool air flow and ventilation.
      

Evaporativ coolers

4.    Explore in greater detail the design and construction of evaporative coolers. Consider whether or not you want a one or two phase unit--two phase units are less energy efficient and more expensive but do not introduce humidity into your home.

5.    Consider the extra consumption of water that is necessary for the use of a unit. This factor is often forgotten relative to both cost and use of resources.

6.    Decide whether to use a ducted unit or a central unit. Compute the number of square feet to be cooled. Decide on the size unit that will be needed. Decide whether you will install the unit or have it done.

     Learn about maintenance of an evaporation unit--how it's cleaned, how it's winterized, and how its electrical systems are maintained.

How to Clean Greenhouse Evaporative Cooling Pads

  You can clean evaporative cooling pads for reuse in a greenhouse cooler. An evaporative cooler or swamp cooler moves air through a porous pad. The pad is often rotated through a water trough to keep it moist. Moisture evaporation can leave behind a buildup of mineral deposits on the cooler pads. These deposits close the pores in the pad and limit the effectiveness of the cooling system. Clean reusable cooler pads to improve the efficiency of the greenhouse cooler. Follow the steps below to clean greenhouse evaporative cooling pads.

   1.Remove the panel on the side of the evaporative cooler to access the dirty cooling pad. There may be two or more screws or bolts that must be pulled out to remove the panel. Reference the maintenance section of the original owner's manual if you have one.

   2. Pull the cooling pad out gently to avoid tears. Carefully fold the pad so it fits down into the tub or sink. Add hot water to the cooling pad until it is covered.

   3. Pour a cup of distilled white vinegar into the water. Wait for eight hours or overnight.

   4.Drain the vinegar and water from the tub or sink. Refill the container with fresh hot water. Add a few drops of liquid dish soap to the water.

   5.Agitate the water gently until it has a foamy layer of bubbles on top. Press the hot soapy water into the cooling pad. Drain the hot soapy water.

   6.Cover the cooling pad with fresh hot water repeatedly until the soap is rinsed out. Return the damp cooling pad to the swamp cooler. Replace the panel and secure any fasteners that were removed.

  Most manufacturers suggest removing and cleaning the reservoir when servicing or replacing the cooling pads. Distilled white vinegar is often used in a diluted form to clean mineral deposits from the reservoir.
Clean an evaporative cooler pads and reservoir at least every two months of use to keep it working properly.
  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.

Aolan evaporative air cooler: How Does an Evaporative Air Cooler Work?

Aolan evaporative air cooler: How Does an Evaporative Air Cooler Work?: Simple and Effective Evaporative air cooler are used to cool homes and businesses in areas that have hot, dry climates. The simple...

How Does an Evaporative Air Cooler Work?

Simple and Effective

• Evaporative air cooler are used to cool homes and businesses in areas that have hot, dry climates. The simple design of these coolers makes them both affordable and reliable．

Design

• These enclosed units are square in shape with the bottom of the unit serving as a shallow water reservoir. The water supply coming into the unit is brought via plastic or copper tubing that runs from the existing plumbing of the structure being cooled. The water flow is regulated by a simple float valve, similar in type to that found in toilet tanks. A pump pulls water from the reservoir and pumps it through tubing up to the top of the unit, where it continually flows down the sides and through pads that line the sides of the unit. An electric motor powers a fan in the center of the cooler. The fan serves two functions; to draw outside air through the pads and into the unit, and to force this now swamp cooler air out through the exit duct and into the area to be cooled.

                             

How does an evaporative air cooler work

Physics

• As the warm air is drawn in through the porous pads, the heat in the air causes the water flowing through these pads to evaporate. This evaporation is caused by a transfer of heat from the air to the water. This results in a net loss of heat in the air---or in other words, cooling. The efficiency of this process decreases as the percentage of humidity in the outside air increases, explaining why evaporative coolers are not used in humid climates．