Why does my evaporative cooler blow hot air

Evaporative coolers, also called swamp coolers, rely on this principle. When operating an evaporative cooler, windows are partially opened to allow warm indoor air to escape as it is replaced by cooler air. Unlike central air conditioning systems that recirculate the same air, evaporative coolers provide a steady stream of fresh air into the house.

Evaporative coolers cost about one-half as much to install as central air conditioners and use about one-quarter as much energy. However, they require more frequent maintenance than refrigerated air conditioners and they're only suitable for areas with low humidity.

Evaporative coolers are rated by the cubic feet per minute cfm of air that they deliver to the house. Most models range from 3, to 25, cfm. Manufacturers recommend providing enough air-moving capacity for 20 to 40 air changes per hour, depending on the climate.

Evaporative coolers are installed in one of two ways: the cooler blows air into a central location, or the cooler connects to ductwork, which distributes the air to different rooms. Central-location installations work well for compact houses that are open from room to room. Ducted systems are required for larger houses with hallways and multiple rooms.

Most evaporative coolers for residential buildings are installed in a down-flow arrangement on the roof. However, many experts prefer to install ground-mounted horizontal units, which feature easier maintenance and less risk of roof leaks.

Small horizontal-flow coolers are installed in windows to cool a room or section of a home. These portable evaporative coolers work well in moderate climates, but may not be able to cool a room adequately in hot climates.

Room evaporative coolers are becoming more popular in areas of the western United States with milder summer weather. Small, portable evaporative coolers on wheels are now available as well. Although the units have the advantage of portability, their cooling ability is limited by the humidity within your home. Generally, these units will provide only a slight cooling effect.

An evaporative cooler should have at least two speeds and a vent-only option. If the filter is too dirty or too old it will clog up the air flow restricting its temp. Have a look at the filter and if it looks dirty simply replace it and this should stop the hot air problem. Sounds simple but it may just be a wrong thermostat setting. Just like split systems an evap cooler has a refrigerated part of the unit. If this part has a leak and runs out of water then it cannot function properly to cool the hot air coming down.

This is something you will need to call us for if you suspect it to be the issue. It needs a professional air con repairer to fix it. And we are licensed plumbers that specialize in servicing and maintaining air conditioners.

If you have looked at the unit and cannot find any obvious issue then the compressor could be damaged. This is another problem that requires a professional. Call us and we can make an appointment to come and look at the issue and provide a quote to fix. We can get to you within hours! Click here. We recommend at least every 2 years and do so before the heat of summer.

New air con pads have a mild smell at the start but this fades. By the same principle, it can also give your swamp cooler a big boost in efficiency. This will help make sure that the driest possible air flows across the cooling pads for excellent evaporation. Another way to reduce humidity in your home is to add houseplants that suck up all the extra moisture they can find. Many plants have evolved to satisfy some or most of their water needs through the air rather than the soil, so they can help keep your house a little drier, which will help your swamp cooler to do its thing.

Try these varieties for best results :. Smaller, portable evaporative coolers are designed to chill only a single room at a time — not your whole house. Check how many square feet the unit is recommended for, and be sure to use it in a room that size for maximum efficiency.

You may also want to position the swamp cooler so that the fan blows cool air directly toward your dining table or living sofa. Use the wheels on your portable unit and move your cooler around until you find the optimal spot for your home. When you first start your evaporative cooler , it needs time for the cooling pads to fully absorb the water.

Once they are wet, they more easily wick water from the tank to stay wet, but it can take up to 15 minutes for them to become saturated at the outset. Fill the water reservoir and give the pads time to work before turning on the fan.

Pro Tip: Once the pads are soaked, top off your water reservoir before turning on the fan. This will allow you to keep the air cooler for as long as possible before you need a refill.

On the other hand, the effects of cold water are limited. During high cooling season , make sure to inspect and clean your unit before using it for the first time in the summer and before putting it away for the winter. When you do so, be sure to cover the following items on your maintenance checklist :.