Evaporative coolers (also known as swamp coolers) offer instant relief to hot summer temperatures, but what about when the seasons start to change? It’s simple to winterize your evaporative cooler so that it’s ready to go when you need it next.
Why Winterizing is Important
- Prevents calcium build-up and other issues like mold and mildew growth in the tank and pipes.
- Draining your evaporative swamp cooler avoids potential water line freezing during cold winter months. Instructions for how to drain your cooler should be included in the owner's manual.
- Extends the life of your cooler to save you money over time.
Use our instructions for off-season maintenance to keep your evaporative air cooler running as good as new!
Step 1: Cooling Media Pads
- Dry the evaporative cooler unit completely, including the pads. Then remove the media pads.
- Replace the cooling media pads. Since pads only last one season, they’ll need to be replaced for the next season. We suggest replacing the pads now so you have one less step when you pull it back out.
Visit our evaporative cooler accessories page for replacement media pads. You can select your brand and model to find the right cooling pads for your unit.
Step 2: Water Connection
- Disconnect the water valve that supplies water to your evaporative cooler.
- Quickly check the water pipes to make sure they don’t need to be cleaned or dried further.
Should pipes need cleaning, you can use vinegar and water with a narrow bottle-type brush or ordinary pipe cleaner to wipe away any dirt/debris from inside pipes. Run clear water through them and allow them to dry before reconnecting.
Step 3: Water Reservoir
- Drain all the water out of the unit. This is important to avoid any calcium buildup and mold growth.
- Inspect the reservoir and, if needed vacuum first, then remove any evidence of mold or calcium using a sturdy brush with vinegar and water. Thoroughly wipe it out with clean water and clean towel. Make sure it’s dry before storing.
Step 4: Storing
- Always store your unit inside and in a dry area.
- If your manufacturer offers a cover, we suggest adding it now. It’s important to cover the vent where air moves out of your evaporative cooler.
Other Evaporative Cooler Tips
- Have a basement or room that feels warm well into cooler months? You can use your evaporative cooler without water supply as a heavy-duty fan.
In Summary
Taking time to winterize your evaporative cooler is an investment in its continued smooth operation and longevity. Clean the water tank & pipes, replace the media pads, dry thoroughly, then cover and store inside in a dry space to keep your cooler in top condition. Want to learn more about evaporative coolers? Read our Evaporative (Swamp) Cooler Buying Guide.
