How to Service an Evaporative Air Conditioner Like the Pros
When the weather starts heating up, it pays to be prepared by ensuring your evaporative air conditioner is in top shape so it’s able to keep you cool and comfortable during the warmer months.
Unlike some other air conditioning systems (central air, we’re looking at you), evaporative conditioners have fewer parts to them, are easily accessible and so are fairly simple to maintain, especially for professionals like us. Of course, that doesn’t mean you can’t service your evaporative cooler by yourself – just be prepared to get up on the roof!
We’ll walk you through the process of servicing your evaporative air conditioner and throw in some helpful tips as well.
How to Service Your Evaporative Air Conditioner
Evaporative coolers are fairly straightforward: they work by drawing hot air through wet filter pads to cool it down, then blowing it throughout your home.
Despite the simple concept, evaporative air conditioners require routine maintenance to ensure all the parts are working properly. Here’s how:
Step 1: Thoroughly wipe down the outer surface of your evaporative cooler with a soft, damp rag. We suggest using a mild dish soap solution or even plain water; do not use abrasives or chemicals.
Step 2: Remove the filter pads and clean them carefully with a hose. If they are worn, broken or mildewed, it’s time for a replacement! Your cooling pads should be changed out at least once per season to ensure your unit is operating in optimal condition.
Step 3: If you have an older system, now is the time to drain the water so that you can start cleaning. If your system is new, then it should do this automatically.
Step 4: Wipe down the inside of the unit to remove any dirt and loose scale. You can use the hose to flush the unit out, or a soft scrub brush or cloth to remove contaminants.
Step 5: Use a soft wire brush to gently clean the motor and surrounding area. Once clean, oil lightly to ensure the unit is operating correctly and without too much friction.
Step 6: Flush the system and ensure it is working correctly. If all looks right, reinstall the pads and run the system again for a short while.
Step 7: Fill your unit up with water (just to the designated mark), ensure you haven’t dropped anything important off the roof, dampen the cooling pads and then turn your system on and enjoy a respite from the heat!
Our Tips
- Gather your tools before you start. You’ll want a water hose, a screwdriver, a soft cloth, a soft scrubbing brush and a mild dish soap solution or plain warm water to clean with.
- You’ll be working at a height, so take care to wear good shoes and comfortable clothing. A harness is definitely suggested as well!
- As you service your evaporative cooler, be on the lookout for cracked, broken and damaged pieces. These will require repair or replacement to ensure your air conditioner is working properly.
- If you notice a water leak or another emergency, don’t waste time calling the professionals. You’ll definitely want some assistance.
Professional Care, Professional Results
Not sure if you’re ready to DIY this project? Not a problem! Servicing your own evaporative cooler takes time and effort – sometimes the easiest and best way to go about it is to let the professionals take over! This way, you can ensure a fast, thorough job and a cooling system that’s in top shape.