How to Tell When Evaporative Coolers Need to Be Repaired

Like many Americans, your home or place of business might have an evaporative cooler. When used properly, an evaporative cooler (or swamp cooler) is an efficient alternative to air conditioner systems. Instead of using refrigerant to cool the indoor air, this type of cooling system works by evaporating water. Any evaporative cooler technician will tell you that these systems are highly energy-efficient, especially for folks living in dry climates. And as a bonus, evaporative coolers do a fantastic job at humidifying the air. Take care of your cooling system and it will take care of you!

How can you tell when evaporative coolers in Phoenix, AZ are about to break down or are in need of repairs? Here are some warning signs you should never ignore.

System does not start up

If your evaporative cooling unit does not start up at all, first check the fuse—you should start here because the most common reason for startup issues is a blown fuse. A blown fuse will need to be replaced by a professional. The homeowner or commercial building owner may be able to replace the fuse, but only if they possess the knowhow and acquire the exact fuse for the evaporative cooler.

Another possible source of startup issues is a tripped circuit breaker. An electrical trip of this sort can cause the cooling system to fail upon startup. Take a close look at the wiring for signs of damage, and have your technician replace any damaged wires with new ones.

Unit is emitting unusual odors

Your system should never emit a strange odor. If it does, the problem is likely mildew or stagnant water inside the unit. Don’t ignore strange odors—call a professional to inspect your system, diagnose the cause, clean the cooler and change out the water in the reservoir.

Airflow is lacking

The top reason for improper airflow within a swamp cooler is blockage within the exhaust ducts. In many blocked duct cases, you will need to call a technician to come out and correct the issue. What if your cooler doesn’t have an exhaust, but airflow is lacking? Start by making sure that the unit has a proper opening. Most manufacturers require all of their unit models to have an opening of approximately two square feet for every 1,000 cubic feet per minute supplied by the system. Regular maintenance and performance checks are your best defenses against airflow trouble.

Water is leaking from the cooler

Water leaking from the cooling unit is a telltale sign that it needs repairs. While there are several reasons for this, it’s most often due to improper storage of the unit during the winter months. As such, it’s imperative that you store the cooler properly: drain the unit, remove the pads, clean the tank/reservoir and cover it.

To learn more about the benefits of evaporative coolers in Phoenix, AZ, or for more information about how to maintain your cooler, reach out to Premier Industries Inc. Our team is ready to help answer all your questions!

Categorised in: Coolers

This post was written by Mike Nicolini