Tips for Winterizing Your Evaporative Coolers
These tips have been pulled together based on many years of servicing, start-ups, and winterizing evaporative coolers in Santa Fe and Las Cruces.
This list is not all inclusive, but can be used as a helpful foundation when working with a handyman to get your cooler ready for winter.
When to winterize your evaporative cooler?
Prior to freezing temperatures. Generally speaking, the month of October is when most people schedule.
PICTURES
When scheduling with your handyman, request up front your desire to receive photos of the work once it is completed. Cell phone cameras are easily accessible and pictures of the work completed is not an unreasonable request. Pictures are proof that the work has been done correctly and act as documentation of your cooler’s condition. Over the years I have seen some questionable work from previously hired handymen. Pictures ensure that all work that is being paid for is being completed properly.
What pictures to ask for:
General picture of the unit
Water pan
Motor, pulley, and fan belt
Pads
Water pump
Electric supply
WATER SUPPLY
All evaporative coolers require water to function. When winterizing, make sure the water supply to the cooler has been turned off, and supply lines have been disconnected and drained. Water lines have two connection points. One connection is to a water source (near the water heater, or outside faucet) and the other is on the evaporative cooler.
If you have copper water lines: Make sure that all water is removed. Even a teaspoon of water remaining in the line can rupture the copper when frozen.
A small bike pump retrofitted with a connection can blow out all remaining water from a copper line.
If you have a poly line: It’s a best management practice to roll up the line and place it near the entry point on the roof.
It can also be completely removed and placed inside your garage for the winter.
STANDING WATER
Evaporative coolers are designed to hold water to support the demand for the system. This water needs to be drained prior to temperatures dropping below freezing. If water stays in the cooler over the winter, it can lead to a rupture in the water line or rust and corrosion to your cooler. Moisture build up as well as standing or freezing water will increase the chance for the protective enamel of the unit to crack and flake off, further exposing the metal and eventually leading to rust.
Once drained, the cooler pan should be wiped down of any foreign debris.
COVER
When a cooler is winterized it is important to cover the unit to prevent cold air from entering the home during the cold winter months. Covers are size specific and need to be fitted correctly. Additionally, if the cover is not secured properly on the unit, it can create a noisy and drafty night during winter storms.
All covers should be secured with 2 nylon straps.
Cover Recommendation
Canvas Covers are highly recommended for Santa Fe. These covers are thick and hold up longer than the lighter weight covers. These covers are hard to find in Santa Fe but can be found easily in Albuquerque.
Cellophane Wrappings
In the winter months it is not uncommon to hear the evaporative cooler cover or panels flapping during a storm. To help prevent this, a cellophane wrap can be installed around the cooler to minimize the risk. Cellophane wrapping can be installed under the cover and/or around the cover once installed. This service is getting popular but make sure you ask your maintenance person if this can be done.
DAMPERS
Dampers are thin square pieces of sheet metal that are slid into the ducting to prevent cold air from entering the home. These dampers can be found inside the home near the furnace or on the roof below the evaporative cooler.
A low percentage of the evaporative coolers in Rancho Viejo are fitted with dampers.
If your home is not equipped with built in dampers you can purchase a specially designed insert that can be placed inside the duct to prevent drafts. These are installed by removing the inside vent and placing the “pillow” inside the ducting. They can be found online or at most local hardware stores.
MICE
Mice love evaporative coolers in the winter if they can get it. Generally mice gain access to the cooler thru the overflow opening. When servicing, this pipe is removed to drain the pan and is sometimes not placed back before closing up the cooler for the winter. Mice can enter thru this opening and make your cooler their home for the winter by using the pads to make their nests.
HERE ARE OUR 6 MAIN TIPS FOR GENERAL MAINTENANCE
Maintenance that is recommended to be completed includes:
Oil all bearings
Clear out all water distribution lines and channels
Disconnect water pump and motor
Remove fan belt
Clean pump screen of any material
SCHEDULE NOW
We hope you have found these tips helpful!
We invite you to use these tips to help you when you schedule your upcoming evaporative cooler winterization with your handyman.
If you would like to work with us, you can schedule online using the scheduler below or email marcos@ranchoviejohandyman.com
You can also call or text to schedule:
505-946-7789
We look forward to working with you!
