How to Treat Water in a Swamp Cooler

  An evaporative cooler, often referred to as a "swamp cooler," is an air conditioning alternative that uses a water pump and water-soaked padding in a boxed frame to channel and cool outdoor air through a fan that delivers the cooled air indoors. It is most functional and healthy in dry, non-dusty and unpolluted atmospheres. However, these coolers must be properly maintained and treated for mineralization and the proliferation of bacteria and fungi that can occur in the water supply. 

 Instructions:

 1.Consult your Owner's Manual prior to any treatment to review the maintenance and treatment guidelines recommended by the manufacturer.

 2.Turn off and unplug the cooler unit. Turn off the water supply and drain the cooler unit via the drain plug.

 3.Clean the water tank by rinsing it with mild, soapy water and drain the cooler unit via the drain plug. If recommended by your Owner's Manual, place water treatment tablets and/or zinc anodes in the water pan to control corrosion, mineralization, and bacterial and fungal contamination.

 

Evaporative air cooler

 4.Refill the cooler unit's water supply, reassemble the cooler unit and restart the system.

 Tips & Warnings

 Besides a combination of soap and water, water treatment tablets and zinc anodes, there are other cleaning solutions available, such as bleach and chlorine, to maintain a clean evaporative cooler unit's interior and to treat the water supply.

The treatment methods described above are general recommendations and may not be suitable or most appropriate for your evaporative air cooler unit.

How to Fix evaporative air cooler

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.

                             Evaporative air cooler

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.

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.

Proper Ducting for Swamp Coolers

   Evaporative air coolers are also known as "swamp coolers," a system for homes and buildings which emits moisture to keep the air cool. This method of cooling is popular in the dry climate of the Southwestern United States. Existing ducts for conventional heating, ventilation and air conditioning may work for swamp coolers depending on the size of the premises. For efficiency, you may need to enlarge the ducts or reduce them to a window opening depending on the cubic feet of the area and size of the cooling unit. 

   Swamp coolers need more volume of air flow than a conventional air conditioner because swamp coolers produce warmer air supply. The ducting system should handle the increased volume of air blown into the house. First you need to determine the right cooler. Divide the cubic feet of space you want to cool by two for the required cubic feet per minute of air blown into your home to determine the right cooler. The formula for a 1,500 square foot home with ceilings 8 feet high calculates as 1,500 x 8 = 12,000 cubic feet and then 12,000/2 = 6,000 cfm. You will need a swamp cooler with 6,000 cfm. For coolers 4500 cfm or smaller, use 18" ducts, 20" for up to 5500 cfm and 24" for 6500 cfm.

   Installation

   Homes with hallways and multiple bedrooms require duct installation for swamp coolers.Installers commonly used down-flow swamp coolers on roofs to flow through ducts. Flowing air through ducts from ground-mounted horizontal units makes maintenance easier with less risk of leaks on the roof.

   

Swamp Cooler

   Security

Opening or closing windows regulates the temperature and humidity. Installing up-ducts in the ceiling will properly duct the area where opening windows could present a security issue. Up-ducts release warm air into the attic and allows the cool air from the swamp cooler in. You may need additional attic ventilation for this method of duct installation.

   Small Units

Swamp coolers depend on dry, outside air. During hot and muggy weather, the coolers blow in hot, humid air which can emit a musty odor through the duct work into the house. Small premises have the advantage of installing a small unit in a window to blow cooled air directly into a room. Compact houses might not require ducts and can keep cool with central-location installations.

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.

  

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.

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 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 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 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．

How to distinguish the better evaporative air cooler

     The best kind of cooling is one that is natural and not overdone. Most air coolings systems use chemical compounds in cooling the air, thus making the cooling very artificial. Sometimes this kind of cooling can come off as over-the-top because the atmosphere in your area becomes a bit too cold for comfort. The most natural cooling system you can opt for is evaporative air cooler. An Evaporative cooler is one of the simplest cooling systems in the market today.They employ water vapour instead of using Freon and other chemicals for space cooling. There are any types of evaporative coolers out there.Here are a few tips to find the right one for your living or working space.
    Distinguishing the evaporative air cooler First, you have to take into account the size of the area you will be cooling. Your choice of an evaporative cooler should depend on the size of your space because some coolers can be bulky. If you have ample space, then that is good. You can choose any type of evaporative air cooler system. But if can’t spare much space for it, you can opt for a small direct evaporative cooler. You can also go for a misting fan, which can be mounted on the wall, saving you more space.

    
    Another thing to consider when getting an evaporative cooler is what type of area it will be serving. You have to take note that not all evaporative coolers can apply to certain areas. For example, an office full of paper documents and computers cannot go with a misting fan because the big vapours will make it prone to damage. In this sense, it is better to use a two-stage evaporative swamp cooler as it contributes less to area humidity.

Why to Install Evaporative Coolers

   If you are constantly worried with the rising electricity bills. you have a good reason to replace your air conditioner with aportable air cooler. The evaporative air cooler uses electricity 75% less than the traditional air conditioner. Moreover, the very cost of evaporative coolers is almost half the price of other modern cooling mediums. Another reason for installing evaporative coolers is the ease of installing it. They require an electricity of just 120-volt to operate and can be easily plugged into any outlet.

Evaporative air  cooler

   If you are still wondering as why to install evaporative coolers, there are a few characteristic features that can answer your question. Moisture is added to the air by the swamp coolers that prevents wooden fabric and furniture from becoming dry. Moreover, the wet pads in the coolers prevent pollutants and pollens from entering the room. keeping it pollution and germ free. The small air coolers require very little duct system as they can be easily placed in windows and other places.