Fall has arrived and it’s time to start thinking about the right time to winterize your swamp cooler (also known as an evaporative cooler). Unlike a central air conditioner, swamp coolers require a series of steps in winterization to prevent damage and from causing additional cost to you in the spring. Affordable Service Plumbing, Heating, A/C, and Electric is here to help you make sure the job gets done right! Feel free to give us a call if you would rather have the professionals do it.
Why winterize your swamp cooler? There are a number of reasons like:
If water doesn’t get properly drained it can cause mold and bacteria growth Slowing the effects of rust and corrosion Water left in the lines can freeze and break the lines in the winter.
Affordable Service winterizes hundreds of swamp coolers every season. But, if you are planning on doing it yourself, you should know how to do it correctly. <p<>>The Ladder: First of all, make sure you’re completely proficient in the use of a ladder. Please take all safety precautions. If you’re not comfortable with heights or climbing on ladders, do not attempt to service your swamp cooler. Call Affordable Service instead.</p<>>
Power Off: Make sure the switch is off and pull the plug. *Note never attempt to perform any swamp cooler maintenance with the unit running.
Shut Off The Water Supply: Since swamp coolers require water to keep the pads wet, finding the water valve and shutting it off will stop the flow of water. When you locate the valve, unhook the tubing and drain the water from that as well.
Drain The Swamp Cooler: Your swamp cooler should be equipped with a drain plug at the bottom of the unit. Make sure all the water drains completely. You can also use sponges or towels to soak up any remaining water, this will prevent rust and corrosion.
Remove the Belt and Pump: Removing the belt will keep it from enduring the winter’s cold weather. Removing the pump may save you the cost of replacing it in the Spring.
Cover The Cooler: Your local hardware store will have specific swamp cooler covers to fit your swamp cooler. Make sure that your cover is sized correctly too and is properly secured so it doesn’t fly away in our New Mexico winds! This helps protect your cooler from the winter weather.
Close Your Indoor Upducts: Now that your cooler is settled in for the winter, make sure you stay warm in your home by closing the upducts. Also, in some units, there may be a slot at the bottom of the swamp cooler where you can slide in an exterior vent cover.
There you have it, you’re ready for the cooler weather and you’ve now taken steps to ensure that your swamp cooler will work for you again in the Spring. Affordable Service Plumbing, Heating, A/C, and Electric love to serve our communities! For all of your home plumbing, heating, a/c, and electric needs, Affordable Service is ready to help.
