Evaporative coolers are reliant on water to work properly, and it’s important to drain all the water out of them before you put them away in the winter. This will help you avoid problems with the system such as mold, mildew, and even corrosion over time.
There are several ways to do this, and it’s best to use one that is suited to your individual needs. You can either drain the water out of the tank using a hose or you can do it with a small container. You can also drain the water out of the tank by removing the drain plug from the bottom and bailing out the excess water with a rag or sponge.
Another option is to remove the filter pads and clean the inside of the cooler with a stiff brush. This is the best way to ensure that all the debris is removed, and you can keep the unit free of harmful bacteria.
It’s also a good idea to change the filter pads on an evaporative cooler at least once a year, especially in areas with hard water or poor water quality. This will make sure that the cooler is working effectively and will also extend the life of the unit.
The quickest way to do this is to use a household liquid that is diluted acetic acid (white vinegar). You can get this at any grocery store, so it’s an inexpensive way to clean the water reservoir.
This method will clean the water reservoir of any dirt and debris that may have accumulated over time, and it’s also an easy way to refill it with fresh water. It’s also a good way to prevent mold and mildew from growing on the evaporative cooler when you don’t use it.
Once the water has been drained out, it’s best to wash all the surfaces of the evaporative cooler and its components with warm water. This will make sure that all of the dirt and debris is gone, as well as any algae that might have developed over the summer.
Change the Water
The water reservoir of your evaporative cooler should be drained and replaced with fresh water once a week. Changing the water helps to keep your unit working effectively, as well as protect it from corrosion and mineral buildup.
Before you drain and change the water, make sure that your float valve is properly set up. This allows the water to circulate without running constantly, saving you energy and money. Also, check the cooling pads for wear and tear and make sure that they are not dirty or full of rust.
You can also clean the filter by removing it, washing it, and air-drying it. This helps to prevent a buildup of algae and mold.
When you are ready to change the water, be sure to follow the manufacturer’s instructions on how to do so safely and correctly. You should use only clean, warm water and soap.
If your evaporative cooler has a purge pump, you can use it to empty the tank of water and fill it with new water. This is an easy way to ensure that your unit will stay healthy and effective.
One of the biggest problems with evaporative coolers is that they can have a difficult time keeping your home cool due to a buildup of minerals in the water. This can occur due to a variety of reasons, including hard water and poor water quality.
The simplest and most effective solution for preventing this is to install an inline water filter in your system, such as the kind you would find on a refrigerator drinking water or ice maker. The filter can drastically reduce the number of minerals that collect on your evaporative cooler’s pads and other parts.
In addition to reducing this issue, installing an inline water filter will help to increase the life of your evaporative cooler and its components. A bleed-off and refill system can also help to prevent this from occurring, but it won’t remove the problem completely.
The evaporative cooling process is an extremely efficient one, but it does require some care. Changing the water in your cooler and taking proper care of the other parts will ensure that it is operating properly and is as efficient as possible.
Winterize the Unit
Winterizing your evaporative cooler is an important part of maintaining the unit. It will prevent problems with mold and mildew growth in the tank and pipes. It will also help to extend the life of the unit and save you money in the long run.
The process of winterizing an evaporative cooler is simple and doesn’t require a lot of time or effort. However, it’s important to do this properly to ensure the unit is ready to use in the spring.
To start off with, you need to drain your evaporative cooler. This will remove any standing water and allow the mineral deposits to drain away. It also prevents freezing and expansion of the water lines in the winter months.
Next, you need to clean the filter pads and change them if necessary. This step will depend on your evaporative cooler’s model and the manufacturer, so check your owner’s manual for instructions.
After you’ve completed these tasks, you need to wrap your evaporative cooler up to protect it from the cold weather. This can be done in a variety of ways.
One option is to cover the unit with a hardcover. These covers are available in many sizes and styles, and they can be purchased from your local home improvement store. They’re easy to put on and take off and can be reused year after year.
Another option is to purchase a custom winterizing panel for your evaporative cooler. These panels will fit a wide range of models and can be easily installed on your unit. They will prevent heat loss and keep the cool air from escaping through the louvers.
Finally, you should coat the bottom of your evaporative cooler pan with a waterproof metal sealer. This will prevent the pan from rusting and causing leaks when the cooler is put back into service in the spring.
Regardless of how you choose to winterize your evaporative cooler, it’s a good idea to have the unit drain and replace the filter pads at least once during the fall season. This will prevent mold and mildew from growing and will help to extend the life of your evaporative cooler.
