How to Use and Maintain an Evaporative Cooler

Portable evaporative coolers have a motor, cord connector and electrical components. The blower motor is the part of the cooler that pulls in air and directs it over moist pads. A cord connector allows you to plug the swamp cooler into an electrical outlet. Evaporative coolers come pre-assembled. To begin using a new evaporative cooler, follow the instructions provided in the owner’s manual. In general:

Place the cooler near an open window and insert cooling pads. Double-check that the fan belt isn't loose or sagging and has adequate tension. The fan belt is the rubber band that connects parts of the swamp cooler and allows them to move. Fill the water reservoir to the fill line, and connect the power cord to a nearby outlet. Finally, start the cooler.

Since evaporative coolers work best in hotter weather, wait to begin using one until temperatures exceed 80 to 85 degrees Fahrenheit.

Once you turn on the swamp cooler, adjust the fan, pump and oscillating settings (if applicable) as needed. Water from the reservoir will dampen the cooling pad as the unit draws fresh air through the window. Doing this produces a cool breeze that fills the room with moisture.

Tip: Prevent humidity from building up by opening nearby windows to refresh the air every few minutes.

If you use a swamp cooler often during the hotter months, it's important to clean it before you start it and regularly after that.

• Start by wiping down the exterior with a damp cloth. Don’t clean the unit with surface cleaners, chemicals or solvents. Warm water is all you need. Repeat exterior cleaning every few weeks.
• Each week, clean the water tank by wiping it out with a damp cloth. Refill the tank to the fill line before putting it back. Treat the tank with zinc anode tablets as needed to control rust and corrosion. These tablets act like metal and give reactive particles something to interact with so they don't react with the reservoir cabinet.
• Mid-season, change the cooling pads by following the manufacturer's instructions. Use a damp cloth to wipe any dirt or buildup off the pad frame.

Tip: Cooling pads may need to be changed more often in areas with hard water or poor water quality.

Prepare your cooler for long-term storage when the weather cools. Turn it off, unplug it and disconnect the motor and pump. Then, fully drain the water supply.

Wipe off the exterior, water reservoir and filters with a damp cloth and let everything air dry. Wrap the cord and cover the unit with an evaporative cooler cover. Store the cooler in a covered space that is cool and dry.

If your swamp cooler is blowing hot air, check that to see if the water tank is full. If it is, try moving the cooler closer to the window. The unit needs fresh air to circulate through the cooling pad, and if it begins to recirculate used air from the room, it won't cool properly.

If the problem persists, replace the cooling pads, especially if you haven’t changed them in a while. If the pads are new, try moistening them first and then placing them in the cooler.

Should the swamp cooler continue to blow hot air, remove the water pump and clean it with a damp cloth. As a last resort, replace the water pump with a new one. Follow the manufacturer's instructions to do the job correctly.

If your evaporative cooler is leaking, turn off the unit and unplug it. Then, remove the cooling pads. Drain the water and clean all components with a damp cloth. Re-assemble the cooler and turn the unit back on.

If it’s still leaking, it may be an issue with the water pump or water supply line. In this case, contact a repair professional for assistance.

If your swamp cooler isn't blowing hard enough or is hardly blowing at all, move it closer to the window.mIf the problem continues, the belt may be to blame. Check that it's still tight and look for any damage. Replace it if you see wear.

When blowing problems continue, the swamp cooler pump may not work properly. Turn off the unit, remove the pump and clean it with a damp cloth. Replace the pump if this doesn't fix the problem.

If your swamp cooler smells musty or has a damp, stale odor, it's time to replace the cooling pads. Over time, the pad material can develop mold and mildew and a fishy or swampy smell may occur. Thoroughly draining and cleaning the water reservoir before every use can reduce the risk of odor.

• If your evaporative cooler doesn't turn on, a blown fuse or tripped breaker may be to blame. Check your breaker or fuse box and reset or replace fuses as needed.
  
• If everything is fine, try plugging something else into the outlet. If the other item works, the cooler may have an electrical problem. In this case, consult a repair professional for assistance.

If your evaporative cooler hums but won't start up fully, the motor may be the problem. Replace it following the manufacturer's instructions. If the problem continues, consult a repair professional because there could be a problem with the electrical components.