They take hot, dry air, pass it through damp pads, where some of the water evaporates and cools the air. Then the swamp cooler motor blows the cooler air into the room, lowering the temperature by as much as 30 degrees Fahrenheit, depending on the power of the motor and the size of the unit.
A swamp cooler motor actually provides for 2 functions in the evaporative cooler. It runs the fan which blows the air through the machine, but it also runs the pump that circulates water. Larger evaporative coolers go through gallons of water a day so there is a need for constant replenishment. In order to keep the swamp cooler motor running smoothly and performing at its maximum potential, it needs to be oiled a minimum of once a year. If you have a larger unit or commercial unit that has a pulley-drive blower, the blower cage shaft’s bearings need to be oiled too.
Since the pads in an evaporative cooler act as a filter for the air that passes through them, they can get clogged with dust and dirt particles. In addition, since they remain wet at all times, they are susceptible to mildew. So they should be changed about once a season. Most pads are relatively inexpensive, ranging from $20-$40 per set.And because the cooler also needs fresh air in order to work, you’ll need to keep the area around the cooler free from anything that could block it. Trim back branches that might block the cooler and keep it free of leaves and other debris.
Due to the large amount of water involved in an evaporative cooler, it’s a good idea to check occasionally for leaks. Also check the float valve from time to time to make sure that enough water is getting into the unit, but not so much that you risk overflow. Without enough water the evaporation process can’t happen, so the air won’t be cooled. And with too much water, you risk damage to your roof or puddling around the unit. Keeping your swamp cooler motor oiled and doing other routine maintenance will ensure that your evaporative cooler continues to provide you the benefits of cost-efficient cooling for a long time to come.
