Evaporative Cooler Troubleshooting Guide

Evaporative coolers in Phoenix, AZ are durable units that can last for years without needing major repairs replacement. However, that doesn’t mean that they don’t run into issues every now and then. There will undoubtedly come a time when your swamp cooler doesn’t work as well as it should.

The good news is that fixing a broken or malfunctioning evaporative cooler doesn’t always necessitate the help a professional. Continue reading to learn a few troubleshooting methods that’ll get your cooler up and running in no time.

Cooler won’t start

The first tip-off that your swamp cooler isn’t fully functional is if it won’t turn on! Many times, the issue is simple: there’s a blown fuse that needs to be replaced. If the fuse is fine with your house’s main breaker, check the breaker in the unit. If both are in working order, the problem may be with the wiring. If there is a problem with the wiring, you may need to call a professional to perform a more in-depth inspection and make any necessary repairs.

Not enough air

It’s good news if the unit is blowing out air, but it’s not so great if the air isn’t as cool as you’d like it to be. If the air is a little warm, check to see if the water pump is working. A clog in the pump will cause the air to be warmer than it should be. You should also inspect the pads to ensure that they’re moist. Dry pads don’t work as well, so try moistening them yourself.

Strange odor

Your unit can be running at optimal efficiency and blowing cool air, but if there’s a nasty odor circulating through your home, you’re still not going to be very pleased! Bad smells are typically the result of mildew buildup on the pads or in the tank, so be sure to replace the pads when necessary and clean out the tank if you spot any mildew or mold. Additionally, it’s a good idea to replace stagnant water with fresh water on a regular basis.

Water is dripping

Water drippage is usually the result of improper storage during the offseason, when the unit wasn’t in use. Whenever you’re done using your swamp cooler for the season, be sure to remove the pads, drain the unit, clean the tank and keep it covered up. If you did all this before the winter and your unit is still dripping, you should have it inspected by a pro. A professional can find the source of the problem and repair it as soon as possible.

Rust or corrosion

Rust or corrosion in evaporative coolers is bad news, as it prematurely ages the unit, which means you’ll need to replace it sooner than you’d like. Rust typically forms in the tank as a result of mineral deposits in hard water. You can eliminate that by adding mineral tablets, which can be found at a local hardware store, to the tank. These should reduce the mineral concentration, thus getting rid of the rust buildup.

If you haven’t had any luck repairing your swamp cooler, be sure to give Premier Industries Inc. a call! Whether your swamp coolers in Phoenix, AZ won’t start or simply smell a little funky, we’re the team for the job.

Categorised in: Evaporative Cooling

This post was written by Mike Nicolini