Swamp Cooler Repair

by jaroot

2.3K43

Intro: Swamp Cooler Repair

This ones pretty short on pictures. I've been trying to stretch one more year out of our evaporative cooler for about seven years now and I almost thought it had me beat this year.

STEP 1: Assess the Damage

First thing is to assess the damage and decide if you can repair it. As you can see the fan housing has rotted through and you may be able to tell that the mounting flange is rotting also.

I guess it's time to bite the bullet and replace the whole unit so off to the big box store to pick up a new one.

Well… $500 for new one and that doesn't even include the motor. That's another $100.

Maybe I can fix it after all.

STEP 2: Cut Patch

So I bent a piece of sheet metal to fit over the holes.

Then I put a lot of caulking on the sheet metal. Placed it over the holes and screw it in place.

STEP 3: Finish

Ta da! All screwed down and stretched another year out of it. But I think that's it. Going to have to replace it next year for sure.

4 Comments

1stOleGirl 7 years ago

In case you haven't replaced it yet: the electric company has a program that gives you a free cooler (so you don't depend on air conditioning). Call your electric company & ask. At the very least they will probably offer a rebate on energy efficient models of a/c units, if you have to go that route.

jaroot 7 years ago

Thanks! We've still have the old unit. Didn't need too much repair this year. A new unit would be nice but just not looking forward to hauling a new one up onto the roof. :)

jmwells 9 years ago

Adding baking soda to your water will slow the erosion. I found an old cartridge water filter. I dumped out the charcoal and put the soda in. Have to refill about every other week. Mine has lasted twelve years. But, as yours it's time has ended.

jaroot 9 years ago

I've installed sacrificial anodes and that sort of thing. The biggest issue with my is that it was installed in 1980. I guess 30+ years of service isn't bad. :) I keep patching it together thinking that we might replace it with central air but I just can't quite get past the accompanying energy bill.

Thanks for your tip!