When you need to maintain your evaporative cooler, there are a few things you should keep in mind. These tips will help you avoid problems and get the most use out of your machine.
Replace parts
Swamp coolers, also known as evaporative coolers, are an alternative to air conditioning that requires little electricity and fewer repairs. However, if you are having trouble with yours, it might be time for some maintenance. Fortunately, there are some things you can do on your own to keep it running at peak performance.
The best way to ensure your swamp cooler is in tip-top shape is to perform a maintenance check and replace parts, as necessary. This can be a daunting task if you don’t have experience, but it’s not impossible if you take a few simple steps.
First, inspect your cooler for leaks and worn parts. You can check the water reservoir and pump for signs of deterioration. Once you have found the problem, you can remove the cooler pan drain and empty the water. In addition, you’ll need to make sure the receptacle is connected to your power source.
Next, you’ll want to measure the interior panels of your evaporative cooler. If they are not measuring up to par, you’ll need to replace the pads. A good rule of thumb is to replace them every year or so. Not only do they help cool your home more efficiently, but they also prevent rusting and fading.
One of the best ways to improve your evaporative cooler’s performance is to upgrade the motor. Depending on the model, you may need to spend as little as $150 to as much as $500 to upgrade your evaporative cooler’s motor.
Clean out the scale
Evaporative coolers can get a little scaley. These deposits are not only bad for your air quality but can also reduce the overall performance of your cooling system. It is important to find a good way to remove them in order to keep your system running at peak efficiency.
The evaporative cooler is a great tool for reducing temperature in your home or office, but a little scale can zap the performance of your machine. The best way to tackle this issue is to use a quality evaporative cooler cleaner. This product will wash out any accumulated minerals from the water and will help improve your air conditioner’s longevity. You should then drain the pan and refill it with fresh water.
A plethora of products are available for this purpose. Some are designed to clean the entire system, while others are specifically designed to remove the scale in the pan. An inline filter is a great way to prevent scale build up at the source. They can be installed anywhere on the water line before the evaporative cooler.
Another is a purge pump. This will remove the evaporating water, but you will also flush out any scale that may have gotten into your unit’s water supply. If you haven’t flushed your cooler in a while, it is likely that you have a large buildup of scale. To clean this out, you can use a special brush or scraper.
Soften incoming water
If you have an evaporative cooler, you need to soften the incoming water. It’s important to do so because it reduces your service and maintenance needs and also because it lowers your cooler’s wear and tear.
The water in the incoming water line enters a water softener, which is made up of resin beads and salt pebbles. The resin beads have a negative charge and work to soften the water.
Salt-based water softeners work by using potassium chloride to remove hardness ions from water. Some water softeners use sodium instead of potassium.
A water softener uses a series of copper pipes to send conditioned, softened water into the building’s water system. These copper pipes are fitted with screens to protect the valves from sediment. Water softener installations include connecting valve ports to the main water supply line, cutting the supply line to the softener, and installing a head valve on top of the softening tank.
Softeners also help to decrease the risk of Legionella. This pathogen, often found in outdoor plumbing, is not something to be taken lightly.
Soft water helps to reduce algae and biofilm problems. In addition, it is easier on your cooler’s pump and makes it more durable.
However, water softeners are not a perfect solution. They can leave behind residue that clogs the pump. Also, oversized softeners cause the water to flow in limited channels, increasing the potential for particulate matter to build up.
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Remove calcium deposits
In a hot and dry climate, minerals in the water can cause calcium deposits to form. These can prevent an evaporative cooler from functioning efficiently. Minerals also can weigh down the pads, which will block airflow. This may result in reduced water flow, and possibly damage the pump or heater element.
There are several ways to remove calcium from your evaporative cooler. Some are easier than others. A simple rinse with vinegar can clear out calcium buildup. For tougher deposits, use a scraper to remove it. You may need to repeat this process to get rid of the calcium.
Another way to eliminate the calcium from your evaporative cooler is to change the cooler pads. There are two types: hard and soft. The soft ones require minimal maintenance. They can be replaced every couple of months, while the hard ones must be changed periodically.
If you are using a water softener, you may be able to lower your maintenance needs. However, you must make sure the water is filtered before using it. Softer water can also reduce algae and biofilm problems.
The water pan reservoir can be drained and cleaned monthly. You can also use a chemical scale remover to remove mineral deposits.
To clean your evaporative cooler properly, you need a high-quality cooler pad. If you use a cheap pad, you will probably have to replace it more often. Evaporative coolers are designed to work with a specific type of water.
Prevent corrosion
It is very important to prevent corrosion when using an evaporative cooler. The corrosion inhibitors must be in proper concentrations, and the system should be maintained in a good condition. There are many problems that can happen if corrosion occurs. In the end, it can affect equipment and plant downtime.
Water in cooling systems is a common cause of corrosion. A water treatment program is necessary to control dirt/silt fouling and scale. Leaving contaminated water in an evaporative cooler can also lead to equipment failure.
Scale can also reduce the efficiency of heat transfer. If this happens, you can increase your energy costs. An effective microbiological control program can minimize fouling problems.
The best way to prevent corrosion is to avoid deposits on the metal surface. This can be accomplished through pretreatment, maintenance, and control. Pretreatment includes cleaning the system with a high concentration of a good inhibitor before it is operated.
Maintaining the pH of the water is important. Low pH strips away the corrosion inhibitor coating. High pH can prevent the formation of inhibitor films.
Precipitating (cathodic) inhibitors are chemical compounds that form insoluble precipitates. Some precipitating species include calcium salts and suspended solids. Silicates are slow acting but do not form visible precipitates on the metal surface.
Pretreatment may be performed by using an in-line water filter. These filters remove minerals from hard water. They must be replaced every few months during cooling season.
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