Evaporative air coolers (sometimes called swamp coolers) are efficient and effective alternatives to conventional air conditioning systems, but like anything else, they are not immune to the wear and tear that come with time and usage. This guide will give you a few tips on how to repair your swamp cooler.
Leaks in the Catch Pan
In order to fix leaks in your swamp cooler's catch pan, you'll have to find out where they're coming from. This can't be done unless the unit is dry. So, empty the catch pan of water and allow it to air dry. Putting a small amount of water back into the pan should allow you to see where the leak is. Dry the pan again, and use an asphalt-based sealant to seal the leak. Fill the pan once again, and make sure there are no remaining leaks. Then, replace the catch pan in the swamp cooler, and resume normal use.
Water Pump
If your cooler is only blowing hot or warm air, the water pump probably failed. First, though, check to make sure that none of the cooler's hoses are clogged. If one of them is, unclog it, restart the pump, and see if it starts working. If not, you'll have to remove the pump from the cooler, take it to the hardware store, and find a compatible replacement.
Fan/Blower Motor
High pitched squeaks and squealing from the fan or blower motor (depending on the type of cooler you have) are good signs that the motor is on its last legs. There's not much to be done in the way of repair, so you'll have to find a replacement motor. Take it with you to the hardware store, so you can be sure the new unit you purchase is compatible with the old one. If worse comes to worst, and you can't find a replacement motor in the store, you'll need to order one online. Once you have the replacement unit, simply mount it in the spot where the old one sat, using the same hardware to secure it in place.
Belt
Check the belt for cracks or splits. It will be pretty obvious if it's in bad shape. This is a relatively simple and inexpensive repair. Just purchase a new belt online or at a hardware store, making sure, of course, that it's the same size as the old one. Remove the old belt from the pulley system and put the new belt in its place. When you close the cooler up and switch it back on, it should run smoothly.
Loose Parts and Squeaking
As with most mechanical devices, moving parts often come loose or get squeaky over time. If you're cooler is experiencing rattling or squeaking, tighten up any loose parts and use a spray lubricant to stop the squeaks.
These repairs should help you keep your swamp cooler up and running for a long time, staving off the day when replacement is necessary. In the mean time, you'll be able to enjoy cool, fresh air whenever you need it!