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.
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.
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.
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