Why My Air Cooler Isn’t Cooling Properly
As the summer heat continues to intensify, you may find your trusty air cooler is not providing the cool relief you expect. A properly functioning evaporative cooler can lower the temperature by up to 20°F, but when it’s not working right, you feel every degree of the sweltering weather outside.
If your air cooler fan is running but failing to cool down your room, several common issues could be to blame. Pinpointing the exact problem is key to restoring cooling power or determining if repair or replacement is needed. Below, we’ll explore the most likely culprits behind an underperforming swamp cooler and provide tips to get it humming again for the dog days ahead.
Causes and Solutions for Poor Air Cooler Performance
Dirty Pads
The pads are the heart of evaporative air cooler operation. As water filters through the moistened pads, it evaporates and absorbs heat in the process. Dust and mineral buildup on the pads interferes with water and airflow, limiting cooling capabilities.
To restore full function, the pads will need to be detached and thoroughly cleaned. Over time, the pads may harden and compress as well. Old, worn pads should be replaced for optimal efficiency. Clean pads should be pliable and allow air and moisture to pass through freely.
Lack of Water Flow
If dirty pads aren’t the issue, insufficient water supply to the pads could be hampering cooler output. Supply lines or pumps providing water to the unit could be blocked. Sediment buildup, algae formation, and leaks can all cut off or limit water availability.
Inspect lines and water connections for obstructions, damage, or disconnects. Clean out accumulations of dirt or organic matter clogging the line. Tighten fittings to repair minor leaks. If water flow remains insufficient after troubleshooting, pump replacement may be necessary.
Fan Malfunction
The fan is crucial for pulling hot outside air through the damp pads to facilitate evaporative cooling. Fan problems like stuck blades, damage, wear and tear, wiring issues, or motor malfunction will quickly lead to a decline in cooling capability.
Fan blades should spin freely without obstruction or noise. Wobbling and uneven motion are indicators of issues. Test fan settings at multiple speeds and listen for roughness or grinding. If problems persist at all fan speeds, motor failure could be the culprit. Professional service of fans and motors may be needed in such cases.
Inadequate Airflow and Ventilation
For effective evaporation and cooling to happen, air needs to circulate freely through the unit. If air intake is blocked or airflow is restricted, cooled air can’t enter and hot air can’t exit at optimal rates. Proper ventilation is key.
Check the exterior of the cooler for debris, nests from insects or animals, or other blockages around air intake vents. Make sure the room allows adequate airflow as well. Closed doors and windows prevent the free exchange of hot and cooled air. Move furniture away from vents and clear curtains or blinds away from the cooler. Consider adding a ceiling fan to improve airflow if the room lacks sufficient circulation.
Not Enough Cooling Capacity
If your cooler struggles to meet the demands of hot weather even when properly cleaned and maintained, its cooling capacity may be insufficient for the size of your space. Cooler capacity diminishes over time as parts wear out. If your cooler is more than a few years old, it may no longer be up to the task of handling peak summer heat waves.
Carefully measure room dimensions and double-check cooler capacity ratings before blaming age. But if your model falls short of the recommended capacity for the footage you need to cool, an upgrade to a more powerful unit is likely needed. Consider also if cooling demands have increased via the addition of heat-producing appliances and electronics.
Moisture Imbalance
The evaporative process depends on just the right balance of airflow, heat, and moisture to produce cooled air. Too much or too little moisture can drastically reduce cooling effectiveness.
If pads feel overly saturated, the water supply may be too high. Turn down water settings to recommended levels to avoid waterlogging. Use drain caps to calibrate drainage as well if excess moisture accumulates in the pan.
On the other hand, quick-drying or crusty mineral deposits indicate a lack of moisture. Increase water flow to saturate pads appropriately for evaporation. Water quality also impacts evaporation, so try purified or filtered water if the buildup seems excessive.
Mineral Scale Accumulation
Water quality significantly impacts air cooler function in several ways. As referenced above, high mineral content leads to scale accumulation on pads, pipes, pumps, and other components. The chalky buildup interferes with water and airflow. Scale also breeds bacteria and organic matter like algae.
To limit damaging accumulation, use filtered or purified water rather than straight tap water. Regular cleaning and pad replacement help too. For heavy scale present, descaling solutions dissolve deposits so they can drain away. Completely flush systems after descaling to remove residue.
Roof and Window Units
Heat Gain
If your evaporative cooler sits on the roof or in a window, the blazing sun shining down on the metal housing all day seriously hinders cooling capabilities. The unit has to fend off intense heat gain before it can effectively cool interior air. Insulation helps minimize this issue.
Reflective roof coatings repel solar radiation to maintain cooler internal temperatures. Be sure to use only cooler-safe, UV-resistant paints and coatings. Alternatively, roof shade structures block sunlight exposure. Make sure air intake, outflow, and ducts remain unobstructed though. For window units, reflective window film helps shield from solar heat gain.
Air Leaks
Since window and roof-mounted units rely on ductwork to direct cooled air indoors, air leaks are hugely detrimental to performance. Gaps in duct connections, tears in tubing, and missing insulation allow precious cooled air to escape before reaching your home’s interior. This drives up cooling costs and workload enormously.
Thoroughly inspect ductwork for holes, separation, protruding nails or screws, and gaps at joints. Repair minor leaks with aluminum tape seal major disconnects with mastic paste and secure metal sleeves. Insulate all ductwork fully, even seemingly minor exposed areas. An HVAC professional can pressure test for leaks as well. Consider replacing patchwork repairs and aged duct materials if leaks persist.
Safety Issues
In addition to duct leaks, roof, and window evaporative coolers risk several other safety hazards that require ongoing inspection and maintenance. Water damage, mold growth, electrical shorts, and structural compromise all stem from overlooked or neglected upkeep. Don’t let periodic maintenance slide just because the unit sits outside the main living space.
Check for water stains or damage on exterior walls and roofing materials around the cooler. Standing water or excess moisture fosters mold as well. Have an electrician ensure wiring and connections remain weather-tight and secure. Address drips and leaks right away to prevent rot and structural weakness in the supporting framing.
Conclusion
Identifying why your evaporative cooler loses its cooling power demands a bit of detective work. Dirty parts, insufficient resources, mechanical breakdowns, sizing issues, and external factors can all come into play. Following a regular maintenance schedule helps you stay ahead of common problems and better pinpoint any anomalies. With some diligent troubleshooting and any necessary cleaning, repairs, or upgrades, you’ll once again enjoy sweet chilled relief from summer’s oppressive heat. If you are having issues with your cooler it’s better to contact an air cooler repair service for fast repair and assured cooling.
