Step-by-step installation instructions for Swamp Cooler

Step-by-step installation instructions for Swamp Cooler

Commonly swamp cooler can be found in those climates that are dry and hot. Swamp coolers actually function by a process that is commonly known as evaporative cooling and are thus recognized as evaporative air conditioners.

This is somehow the same as the human body works to eject heat through the sweating process. Usually, when humans sweat, they produce a layer of liquid on top of the surface of their skin. This process actually absorbs heat from your body. Then the heat in the air causes this liquid in the form of sweat to evaporate from your skin, causing your body to cool down. Same in this way, swamp coolers work, and they take in warm air from the environment outside and pass them through evaporative cooler pads. As they are wet, so they act to cool by the air passing through. This cooled air is then turned into the interior of the building all through a vent. This process is done through the use of a blower motor.

Parts of a Swamp Cooler

Evaporative Pads

Evaporative pads are the interior of the swamp cooler. They are actually the wet pads that are usually used to cool down the flow of air. If these pads are dry, then the cooler will not perform accurately. 

Blower or the Blower Motor

The motor in the swamp cooler is normally used to stimulate the blower. As a reaction, it pulls air into the relevant tube, and then it helps in cooling the home or the area that has to be cooled. The motor tends to be between ⅓ and 1 horsepower and uses 115 to 120 volts of energy.

Float in Swamp Cooler

Float in swamp cooler is actually located very close to the base of the swamp cooler. It is basically used to control the water level that is already there within the cooler. When the water level rises, the float level rises as well. When the water reaches a specific level, the float is used to shut off the water supply valve. The float is used to inhibit the swamp cooler from bursting and make it sure that it works accurately. 

Pump

Same as the float the pump is also usually located at the base of the swamp cooler. It helps in forcing the water through all the supply lines, guaranteeing that the evaporative pads stay wet. If these pads are not wet as required, you will be more likely to feel the need to change and replace the pump in time. If the pump is still working but the pads are not appropriately wet, you will probably have to increase the pump size. 

Water Supply Valve

The water supply valve is the main component that will let the water enter the swamp cooler, which then allows it to perform its function in the best possible way properly. This generally comes from the inside of your home and is used to connect the cooler to the plumbing system. This valve is connected to the cooler with the help of a copper tube. This is crucial to the function of the swamp cooler. 

Wire Connection Box

The wire connection box is the reason why the power supply can enter the swamp cooler. It is usually connected to a wired connection block, and it uses leads to connect the power supply to the other components of the cooler.

Drainage and Overflow Tube

The drain is a tube that is located near the base of the cooler and can be removed to drain water out entirely. In addition, if the water level starts to rise too high then the water will drain out through the center of the tube. This can spill onto the ground, making it easier to notice if there are any issues in the swamp cooler.

V-belt

V-belt is a drive belt that can help to move the lifters inside of the swamp cooler. The main issue is that these belts can stretch, loosen, and wear out with the passing of time. It must also be correctly associated inside the cooler if it is to work. You must always keep an eye on the condition and tighten your v-belt accordingly. V-belts come in various sizes, and you should take care to choose the correct size belt. They are very strong and non-slippery.

How to install a Swamp cooler?

Step 1: Install the Support Bracket

You may have seen somewhere that most of the weight of a swamp cooler extends outside the house, so that is exactly where the support bracket should be used. It generally comes with a cooler, so you just have to follow the company’s instructions for installing it in a proper manner. It will indicate how far below the window sill it needs to be installed. All you have to do is to level the bracket with a 4-foot level before driving the buckles into the siding with a drill or socket wrench.

Step 2: Open the Window to Install the Unit

Most of the swamp coolers are designed in such a way that they can be installed in windows that usually opens vertically. In order to install a swamp cooler, you need to open the window all the way and with a help of a labor, position this swamp cooler so it is resting on the bracket and window sill and the indoor portion is inside the room.

Step 3: Install the Side Fins

After the previous step, you will have to slide the edge of one of the fins that are supplied with the unit into the track on the side of the cooler and open it until the other end contacts with the window frame. All you have to do is to secure it with two 1 1/4-inch screws and then seal both of the ends of the fins with a silicone seal. Repeat with the fin that goes on the other side. After that close the window and seal the gap between the window and the top of the cooler with caulk.

Step 4: Connect the Water, plug in the Unit and Test It

After that, you will have to connect the water supply using the method you have chosen and then turn on the water and let the tank fill. A float valve in the reservoir should turn off the water when the tank is full. After that plug the unit into a 120-volt GFCI outlet and then turn it on and make sure it is running smoothly.

Kitchen Services is a leading HVAC service provider in Los Angeles, Santa Monica, and around. Our team makes sure the perfect swamp cooler installation and integration into your kitchen for adequate performance and energy efficiency. 

Common FAQs

How does a DIY swamp cooler work?

Some DIY swamp coolers are also called swamp boxes or evaporative coolers. This swamp cooler moves the warmer air through evaporative cooler pads that help in producing the cool air. By means of a blower motor through a vent, this cooler air can then be blown into a room so it can feel less warm than before.

Can you install a swamp cooler yourself?

This may sound like a tough thing to do, but in reality, it is very easy enough to install a swamp cooler all by yourself. You will still need a helper though, and you have to make sure that you have purchased the right-sized swamp cooler that will fulfill all your needs. Usually, the swamp cooler is seen installed on a roof.

Do swamp cooler actually cool?

As we know that the air conditioners draw moisture out of the air, swamp coolers actually cool with the opposite effect by adding so it adds humidity to the air that it blows out. The fan also constantly circulates air, so it creates a slight breeze as well, which will help make your body feel cooler.