If you’re cooler doesn’t seem to be putting out enough air, there are a few simple things to check before you call TLC. The first thing is to make sure the damper has been removed. The damper is usually a sheet of metal, similar to a cookie sheet, that is installed in a slot somewhere in the duct at or near the cooler. The purpose of the damper is to close off the duct in the winter so your home doesn’t lose heat. Make sure the slot is sealed.
Another thing that affects air flow is relief air. Unlike refrigerated air conditioning where the same air is circulated over and over throughout the home, a swamp cooler draws in warm, dry air from outside. The air passes through a wet pad in the cooler where it is cooled. Then it is pushed through the vents in the home. Relief openings are provided by opening windows and doors. This allows the warm stale air in the home to be forced out and replaced by the cooled fresh air.
But how much air is too much? There is a simple test you can perform to get the most optimal relief air.
Get a tissue, yes that’s what we said. We know it sounds weird but it will make sense in a second we promise.
Open a window and hold the tissue up to the window screen. If the tissue plasters itself to the screen, there is not enough relief air and the window or windows must be opened more. If the tissue will not stay on the screen at all, there is too much relief air and the window must be closed more. Ideally, the tissue should stick to the screen very lightly and easily pull off. Relief air can be provided using windows and doors in several different rooms for uniform cooling.
If you try these simple tests and the cooler still doesn’t seem to be running like it should give us a call we can come out and check it out for you.
-Your Friends at TLC.