Evaporative Coolers

1. Thanks to a new awareness of energy efficiency, evaporative coolers are
regaining popularity. Remember, swamp coolers use as much as 75 percent
less electricity as air conditioning does.
2. Because the technology is simpler, an evaporative cooler costs about half
as much as an air conditioner that will cool the same sized area.
3. Evaporative coolers operate on 120-volt electricity, which means they don't
need special high-amperage circuits like many air conditioners do. A swamp
cooler can be plugged into a nearby outlet.
4. Many people appreciate the fact that evaporative cooling adds moisture to
the air, which helps to keep wood furniture and fabrics from drying out. The
moist pads through which the outside air flows are also fairly efficient air
filters, trapping some dust and pollen. Since the pads are continually wetted,
trapped particles are flushed out and trapped in the bottom of the cooler.
5. Air conditioning works best when the windows are closed, since interior air
is cooled and recirculated. Because swamp coolers cool outside air and blow
it into the house, however, to work effectively they need at least one window
open. The cooled outside air vents through open windows or doors, pushing
out hot inside air and any smoke, odors and pollution that may be present.
With evaporative cooling, a complete air change in a home occurs every
one-to-three minutes. This flow of fresh air means that evaporative coolers
can be operated without using the water pump to replace warm stale air with
cooler nighttime air, much like a whole house fan does. That's an added
benefit.
6. Small evaporative coolers can be often placed in windows, much like a
window air conditioner. This requires very little installation. Larger units
usually require ducts to distribute the air, but these can be an existing forced
air duct system in the house.
7. For the most part, evaporative cooling doesn't require as much ductwork
as air conditioning. For a newly installed system, a short duct can direct the
cooled air to a central point in the house. From there, air can be directed
through the various rooms by simply opening and closing doors and windows
to allow the cooled air to flow

1. Remove old Evaporative Cooler pads. Check the condition of the
Evaporative Cooler pads. The cleaner the cooler pads, the more efficient
the Evaporative Cooler. If they have a heavy accumulation of mineral
deposits, replace them.
2. Thoroughly clean pad frames.
3. Drain and power wash the reservoir.
4. Clean the water distribution system, including the pump screen, pump
impeller and water distribution tubes. Replace any cracked tubing.
Lubricate the pump impeller.
5. Inspect electrical wiring and switches for poor connections or worn
insulation. Inspect the belt for cracks and wear. Replace worn parts.
6. Adjust the Evaporative Cooler motor bolts for proper belt tension. Set
the belt tension.
7. Make sure water is wetting the entire Evaporative Cooler pad. Too little
water will cause dry spots and reduce the cooler's efficiency.
8. Some Evaporative Coolers have a "bleed-off valve" to drain the
recirculating water to prevent excessive mineral buildup. Make sure the
valve is adjusted properly to drain no more water than is necessary.
9. Check the water level in the reservoir. Adjust the float valve to maintain
about three inches of water.
10. Replace the Evaporative Cooler pads and reinstall the frames.
11. Oil motor
12. Oil pillow block bearings