Winterizing Your Swamp Cooler

In drier climates that are conducive to the use of swamp coolers (aka, evaporative coolers), it’s important to remember that the efficient devices require as much winterizing as any other appliance in your home. Often, the units run so smoothly that it’s easy to forget about them.

Good reasons for winterizing swamp coolers include the prevention of frozen water lines that run from your water source to the cooler. If these are not drained, the lines could burst, requiring them to be replaced next year. We know of one case where the lines to a swamp cooler ruptured and the leaking went undetected for most of the following summer – resulting in tens of thousands of gallons of wasted water. Not to mention a sky-high water bill. Winterizing the cooler helps to keep warm air from escaping through the cooler’s vents during the winter, as well.

Follow these simple steps from About.com for winterizing your swamp cooler:

Shut off the water to the cooler and drain the line by disconnecting it from the cooler. You may also want to disconnect the line from the water source so that all water can exit the line to avoid accidental freezing.

Drain all of the standing water that’s in the base of the cooler itself. Use sponges to make sure you sop up as much moisture as possible.

Use the sponges to clean out any dirt or residue in the cooler so that it will be ready for use next spring.

Check the pads and either change them now, or make a mental note to do so in the spring.

Protect the cooler by closing it up with a cover that fits the dimensions of the machine as closely as possible. You can also use a tarp cover as long as you tie it down safely and securely.

Cover the internal vent in your home with either cardboard or insulation.

Questions? Contact AC World for all of your cooling needs!