Also called swamp coolers, evaporative coolers work by taking hot dry air, sucking it through damp pads that cool the air, and then blowing that cooler air into the room. They can effectively lower the temperature of a room by up to 30 degrees Fahrenheit, depending on the size and power of the unit.
Because the swamp cooler motor actually provides two functions for the cooler, it’s an important focus for evaporative maintenance. The motor runs the fan that pulls the air through the machine and into the room, but it also runs the pumping mechanism that circulates the water and keeps the pads damp. If either function ceases to work, the cooler will not operate properly. To be sure that your motor is kept in working order, make sure to keep it oiled – at a minimum it should be done once a year. More regularly, you should check to be sure that the motor is free of debris or dust.
In fact, dust and debris are probably the most common problem for evaporative coolers. Most of your cooler maintenance will center around keeping the machine free of too much dust and particles. The best way to do this is to change the cooling pads regularly. The pads serve two functions as well – not only does the water provide the coolant for the air, but the pads also clean the air as it passes through. Dust and pollutants get trapped in the fiber of the pads as the air is pulled through so that cool, clean air passes into the room. But if the pads get too dirty, then the air can no longer be effectively cooled or cleaned. Not to mention, pads that are damp for a long period of time are certainly likely to mildew. So change them at least once a season to keep your cooler working efficiently. They normally cost about $20-$40 per set.
Other routine coolers maintenance is basic common sense stuff; keep the area around the cooler (both outside and inside) free of debris or anything that could interfere with the air flow. Since the machine operates with a significant amount of water, be sure that you check for leaks occasionally. Finding a leak early means you have time to patch it, rather than dealing with a larger problem later on. Overall, the maintenance is a relatively simple process that will keep you enjoying the benefits of your cooler for the life of the unit.
