Preparing Your Swamp Cooler for Cold Weather

More popular in regions where the air is hot and the humidity low, an evaporative cooler—also called a swamp cooler—is a machine that cools the air by means of evaporating water. Unlike an air conditioner that uses refrigeration to cool or condition the air, a swamp cooler creates a humid air situation, and the evaporation of the air cools the air, much as what happens to our bodies when we perspire to cool our skin.

Just as with an air conditioner, however, a swamp cooler must be prepared for, and possibly stored away during, protracted cold weather. To prevent rust, mineral buildup, and encourage cooling panel health, follow these steps for preparing your swamp cooler for cold weather:

1. Disconnect the cooler from the power source turn the power switch to the off position.
2. Locate and turn off the water source, disconnect the water line, and allow it to completely drain.
3. Remove the cooler pads and inspect them for damage. If the cooler pads are gray, have a lot of buildup, smells bad, or have missing pad, then you need to replace them. You can buy swamp cooler pads at your local home improvement store. If your pads are in good shape, then you can use them for another season, although you may need to scrape away excess rust and buildup at the top of the pad where water enters the cooler.
4. Remove the drain plug at the bottom of the cooler and allow the water to completely drain away.
5. Remove, clean, and store away the filter, pump, drain plug, and overflow plug.
6. Inspect the motor mounts, frame bolts, and fan belt for wear, while tightening or replacing them as necessary. Clean and paint exterior rust spots.
7. Use a tarp or heavy plastic to wrap your cooler, and secure with bungee cords or a rope.

It is important to cover your swamp cooler when it is not in use. Not only will the cover assist in protecting the machine, it can also slow down the loss of heat from your home and reduce outside noise that could channel back into your home through ductwork. If your swamp cooler is located on your roof, be sure that you follow ladder safety measures when preparing your cooler for winter.