What is a Swamp Cooler?
A swamp cooler, also known as an evaporative cooler, is a system that cools air through the natural process of evaporation. They do not use refrigerant altogether, relying on a simpler process to bring down the temperature.
Why Swamp Coolers are Important?
Evaporative coolers are an essential component of Industrial and commercial areas. They cool air through the evaporation of water. They use water and fans to suck in dry, hot air. The dry air is blown across a moistened pad. As the water evaporates into the air, the air’s temperature lowers. In dry climates, it provides the additional benefit of adding moisture to the air by acting as a built-in humidifier.
If something goes wrong with your cooling system during the summer or at any other time of the year, its good to call professional swamp cooler repair service providers. Our team at Alturas Contractors are committed to providing reliable HVAC repair services to our customers.
Common Swamp Cooler Problems
Swamp coolers are much simpler in function and more cost-effective than air conditioning systems. But they can develop a range of problems over time that decrease their operating efficiency and performance. Following are some of the common problems of swamp coolers that our technicians deal with day to day:
Mineral buildup
Mineral buildup is a common issue in hard water areas like Los Angeles. All of the water evaporates and the “stuff” in the water i.e minerals, calcium, magnesium, and sodium is left behind. The more minerals the water contains, the faster mineral buildup will occur. Eventually, this buildup clogs the vents, and pads and blocks airflow. There are several ways to reduce mineral buildup prevention:
- Zinc anode in the reservoir.
- Treatment tablets.
- A reservoir overflow.
- Water filter.
Mold formation
Mold buildup over time is another common problem with swamp coolers. Warmth and moisture create a breeding aid for mold and fungus. It accumulates when a belt-driven fan pushes the air through a cellulose pad that remains wet. The blower then distributes mold into the home.
Parts of the cooler that are exposed to the heat and sun are significantly warmer and assist mold formation. Swamp coolers require an intensive maintenance process to clean the accumulated mold.
Humid atmosphere
A persistent humid area can affect the swamp cooler’s performance. Swamp coolers are much less effective in humid regions. The evaporative pads become saturated with water and debris builds up on them. It’s also possible that the internal belt will break or slip off which will need to be replaced.
Faulty wiring
Another reason for swamp coolers to break down is faulty wiring, which may cause persistent tripping of the circuit breaker, or blowing of fuses. If not treated timely, It’s also possible that the motor might cease operating. If this happens, it will be necessary to replace the wiring or the motor
Inadequate cooling
If your swamp cooler is not blowing cold air, there could be several problems causing the issue. You might have the thermostat set too high. A digital thermostat allows you to set the temperature. Then the swamp cooler automatically runs until it reaches the desired temperature. You have to choose whether you want the fan setting on high or low. This problem can be fixed by lowering the thermostat. There can be other reasons for inadequate cooling such as:
- Lack of adequate water saturation in the cooling pads.
- A malfunctioning pump.
- Clogs in the water recirculation system
The swamp cooler doesn’t turn on
There can be several reasons a swamp cooler doesn’t turn on.
- Check for a blown fuse
- Check for a tripped circuit breaker.
- Examine the wires connected to the fuse and breaker.
- Check for the thermostat. A faulty thermostat can affect the working of your motor.
- Check the belt that connects with the motor of the swamp cooler.
Musty odor coming from swamp cooler
When you smell a musty odor coming from your cooler, it’s very possible that you have stagnant water on the cooler’s evaporative pads. Check your pads occasionally and replace them whenever necessary. A stagnant water in the sump can also emit a smell. It needs to be drained and cleaned.
Insufficient airflow
Some of the reasons for insufficient airflow can be
- A loose or damaged belt on the ventilator motor.
- An issue with the fan belt or pulleys.
- Installation of the unit in a location where there is inadequate clearance for ventilation.
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