In the high and dry Colorado climate, many homeowners in the past have preferred to use an evaporative cooler. At Lakeside Heating and Cooling our expert technicians offer air conditioning installation in Denver and air conditioning repair in Denver, because air conditioners are superior to evaporative coolers. They keep you cooler and don’t need as much upkeep.

An evaporative cooler, sometimes called a “swamp cooler,” reduces your home’s temperature by drawing air through specialized pads. As the air passes through the damp pads, its temperature decreases. Then, the system distributes this air into your home.

While evaporative coolers can work well in our climate, you may find yourself struggling to cool your home as the temperatures climb, and wondering how to improve swamp cooler performance. It’s frustrating when your swamp cooler is not cooling enough, and this is why we recommend air conditioners. You won’t have to waste time trying out how to improve evaporative cooler efficiency or how to make an evaporative cooler more effective.

Not ready to upgrade to an air conditioner yet? Read our five tips on how to optimize a swamp cooler.

1. Choose the Right Time of Day

Your evaporative cooler relies on significant temperature differences between your cooling pads, water, and the outdoor air to create a cooling effect. Run your unit during the warmest time of day to get the best results.

Additionally, pay attention to the humidity. Your cooler will not work effectively if the humidity reaches higher than 50%. So on rainy days, use your ceiling fans instead.

2. Clean and Replace Cooling Pads As Needed

Your unit’s cooling pads must work correctly for the unit to produce any cool air. For this reason, it’s important to keep the pads clean and intact. You should replace your cooler pads at least once a year at the end of summer.

When you clean your unit, rinse off any debris that may be blocking airflow through the pads as well.

3. Keep Your Unit Clean

Because evaporative coolers use water to run, they can become dirty quickly. If you notice a change in your unit’s performance, it may be time to clean. Take the pads out and look at the unit’s frame. Scrub with a wire brush to clear away any scale or debris.

Clean your unit at least twice a year, once before you turn it on for the first time and once at the end of the season. Additionally, have your unit serviced by a professional at least once a year to reduce the risk of electrical issues.

4. Maintain the Correct Water Level

For ideal performance, your cooling pads must be damp, not wet or dry. Check your water level every few weeks during the summer. In most coolers, your tank should continuously hold around three inches of water.

To determine your unit’s optimum water level, consult your user manual, any markings inside the tank, or a heating and cooling technician.

5. Run the Unit Smarter Instead of Harder

Older evaporative coolers have two switches: one for the pump and one for the fan. If you have two switches, don’t turn on the fan until you’ve run the pump for a few minutes. This step gives your unit time to saturate the cooling pads.

To reduce the amount of time you need to spend checking on your unit, consider installing a thermostat. An evaporative cooler thermostat automatically detects when your home reaches the correct temperature and turns off the unit. This automatic switch prevents your cooler from blowing warm air as the conditions change inside or outside your home.

Use these evaporative cooler tips and swamp cooler tips to help your unit work more effectively and more efficiently throughout the summer months. That way, you won’t be wasting time finding out how to make a swamp cooler work better.

If none of these tips increase the cool air your evaporative cooler produces, schedule a professional inspection. Your unit may have an electrical or pump system malfunction. Or it may be time to upgrade to an air conditioner better suited to your home’s needs.

Our professionals can help you find the right air conditioner for your home and give you a free estimate. Don’t forget to ask us about two other energy-efficient cooling options, heat pump installation in Denver and mini-split installation in Denver. Please give us a call today at 303-412-8015!