Many areas in the country have swamp coolers for home cooling. They are more effective than regular air conditioning. A swamp cooler or an swamp cooling unit is a relatively simple device that cools the air. This happens through the use of physics which causes water to absorb heat from the surrounding air. As it transforms from liquid form to gaseous, the heat is transferred from liquid form to gaseous. Swamp coolers are very efficient in dry climates. They are also simple and economical.
Although the equipment does not require much maintenance, maintaining its efficiency requires an annual winterizing process. This helps prevent water from freezing and reduces the risk of condensation and rust. It also helps to prevent heat from escaping through the cooler’s fan.
Instructions
Following are the instructions to winterize a swamp cooler:
Disconnect From The Water Line
Locate and turn the handle counterclockwise to turn off the valve that controls the water supply for the cooler. The valve and water lines are typically located in protected areas, such as under the house’s crawl space. Locate the shutoff valve by tracing the waterline back from where it connects.
Next, remove the water supply line from the cooler by using an adjustable wrench. You can also disconnect the water source valve water line and blow through the line to remove any remaining water. Standing water in the water supply line can freeze and cause it to burst.
Drain The Water
It is crucial to drain all the water remaining at the base. This will prevent any corrosion or damage that may occur over the winter months. First, remove one to two cabinet sides. To absorb as much of the water as possible, you can use a sponge to soak it.
Clean The Cooler
Clean the inside walls with a sponge. This will help you make the cooler more efficient for next spring. A shop vac can be used to clean out any mineral or dirt buildup on the cooler pan before you sponge it clean.
You can optionally seal the bottom of your pan with a waterproof coating to prevent rusting. You can wait until spring for leak detection and sealing.
Change The Swamp Padding
The Swamp Cooler Pad need to be replaced before the cooler can start being used again in spring. Some people like the idea of changing the pads as part of a winterizing process. This allows them to hook up their water supply in spring and can then use the cooler again.
Install A Winter Cover
Covers will help protect your swamp cooler from the elements, especially during the winter months. Make sure you measure your cooler and then purchase a cover that is snug enough to fit over it without making it completely airtight.
You can easily attach a cooler cover to your cooler by simply slipping it on top of it and tying the ends along the bottom and sides. Many covers can be used over and over to protect from rain and snow as well as dirt. The vent panels at the side of the swamp cooler provide sufficient airflow for condensation to not damage the metal. Wind lofting will also be prevented from causing the cover’s flight.
Block The Vent
The cooler’s vent that blows air into your house in the winter can cause heat loss so you should seal it. To do this, cut double-thick cardboard or an insulation board to the required size. Install the insulation or cardboard inside the opening. Then, cover it with the vent cover.
