The cooling of a water fan cooler depends on the humidity around it. This is why it’s important to open a window or two while the unit is running. This will cycle the laden air out and replace it with dry air from outside.
It is also a good idea to clean the cooling pads and make sure that there are no leaks before using the unit.
Clean the Cooling Pads
Once a month, you should clean the cooling pads to prevent mineral deposits from building up. First, you should remove the accumulated debris using a vacuum cleaner or kitchen sponge to eliminate loose particles. Next, you should soak the pads in a solution of water and vinegar. The high acidity of the white vinegar will help break down stubborn mineral deposits and odors.
After soaking the pads, rinse them thoroughly with a hose. Make sure that all the residue is removed, and let the pads dry in the sun. This will not only keep the cooling pads from becoming moldy but also reduce the risk of the growth of mildew in the cooler.
Before you start cleaning the pads, shutting down the unit and unplugging it is important. Then, put on gloves to protect your hands. You should also take care to handle the honeycomb pads gently to avoid any damage or tears. Lastly, you should refer to the manufacturer’s guidelines and instructions for your specific air cooler model.
Practicing regular maintenance on your water fan cooler can greatly improve its performance and extend its lifespan. The most important step is regularly checking and cleaning the evaporative air cooler’s pad, pan, and ductwork. Keeping the pads free from debris helps ensure proper airflow, which in turn maximizes the cooler’s cooling capabilities. It is also essential to regularly monitor and adjust the water levels in the reservoir to ensure they are within the recommended range. Finally, when the cooler is being stored for the winter or any long periods of inactivity, it is critical to drain the tank and clean the system thoroughly.
Change the Cooling Pads
One of the simplest things you can do to improve your swamp cooler’s efficiency is to change the cooling pads. Over time, these can become clogged with mineral deposits and other debris, which dramatically reduces the unit’s efficiency. This is particularly noticeable if you have hard water in your home. It’s a simple job that takes very little time to do but can make a big difference to your home’s air quality.
When you are ready to change the pads, first shut off the power to the swamp cooler and unplug it from the outlet. Depending on the model of cooler you have, you may need to unscrew panels to get access to the pads. If you are not sure how to do this, refer to your owner’s manual or a YouTube video for guidance.
Once the fan stops running, open the drain plug in the bottom tray and drain the old water. Then clean the pan with a mild detergent. Also, clean the distribution tubes that carry water to the pads. Once the pads are changed, reassemble the unit, and plug it back in. Ensure the float is not set to overflow and the water level is in the proper range.
It is generally recommended that you change the cooling pads twice each year. However, you will want to check them more often if your water is hard or your swamp cooler smells. When the pads are clean, there is less chance of them becoming clogged with pollutants, and they can absorb more water for evaporative cooling. You can find pads made from various materials, including cotton, synthetic, and aspen wood fiber. Look for a pad with the right width for your swamp cooler.
Check for Leaks
When water cooler parts start to fail it can cause leakage. Luckily, this isn’t as common as it could be, but it does happen. Checking for leaks is easy – just look for places where the water should be, and you might find it’s not there.
One thing that’s not often thought of is the bottle itself can develop tiny cracks in transit or through excessive shaking. This can change the air pressure in the bottle and cause a leak. The honeycomb media inside the bottle can also break down over time with shipping and handling, causing little bits of debris to obstruct the natural flow of water.
It’s a good idea to always remove the drawer when the unit is in evaporative cooling mode and after using it for a few minutes. This can prevent the sudden drop in water pressure that may otherwise cause leakage. Another issue is a loose spout or spigot. This can cause a lot of headaches and is easily fixable by tightening it up. If you can’t solve the problem yourself, call your water delivery company and let them know what’s going on so they can get a technician out to fix it for you.
Run the Pump While Filling the Water Tank
One of the most effective ways to use a water cooler is to run it while you fill the tank. This will allow the cooling pads to soak the water beforehand, ensuring that they are cold and ready to go as soon as you switch on your machine. The cooling pads will not have to wait for warm water to evaporate before they begin working, and this will help them work more efficiently.
Adding ice to the water is another simple trick to boost your swamp cooler’s performance. This will further cool the air that passes through the pads, which can make a huge difference to your home’s overall temperature. Many modern coolers come with dedicated ice compartments that you can fill with ice cubes, and this can really help to improve the cooling of your house.
Lastly, be sure to regularly clean your evaporative cooler and its hoses. Over time, minerals can build up in your system and cause it to lose efficiency. Regular cleaning and maintenance will keep your evaporative cooler running smoothly all summer.
It’s also a good idea to open a window or two while you run your swamp cooler. This will ensure that the cooler has enough space to push out the cool air it’s generating, and it will prevent heat from being pushed back into your home. Opening a window will also help reduce the moisture in your home, which can lead to damp walls and mold. Try using a dehumidifier to reduce the moisture in your home, and consider decorating with plants like cacti, aloe, yucca, and English ivy that can absorb excess water from the air.
Run the Fan After Filling the Water Tank
While filling the water tank, it is recommended to let the pump run for a few minutes after the tank is filled. This will ensure that the pads get soaked with water and are ready to start cooling air as soon as you turn on the fan. It will also help prevent the formation of mildew in the honeycomb cooling media.
Most modern coolers come with a garden hose connector or Automatic Water-level Controller. Using this feature, you can fill your water tank from an outside source, minimizing the risk of overfilling and floods. Similarly, some older coolers use a small water pipe through which you can add water manually. It’s best to use a mug for filling the water tank as it will help reduce spillage and maximize the capacity of your tank.
Once you have the correct amount of water in your tank, it’s time to clean it. Regular cleaning will help prevent the growth of mildew and bacteria inside your unit and keep the water fresh for longer periods. In addition, regular draining will ensure that you don’t overfill the water tank.
Some newer evaporative coolers are designed with a carbon filter sponge and a special water treatment to minimize odors. Even with these filters in place, however, some odor may still be present when first using the cooler. This odor will dissipate with regular usage.
One way to decrease the odor is to open a window while the fan is running. It will allow more of the cool, dry air to circulate in the house and help eliminate any lingering odors. Additionally, you can try decorating your home with water-absorbing plants like cacti, aloe, yucca, and English ivy to reduce the moisture in the air.
