Blog: Protecting Your Evaporative Cooler In Winter
PROTECTING YOUR EVAPORTATIVE COOLER IN WINTER
An evaporative air cooler is a simple appliance that is user-friendly and a sustainable alternative to traditional air-conditioning; it is energy-efficient and economical to operate. It performs by using physics to provoke water in the air to absorb heat, which in turn effectively cools the surrounding atmosphere.
These air-conditioners are an investment intended for longevity. So, it is vital that you monitor and maintain your unit to guarantee a cool and comfortable living space during increasingly hotter summers.
This cooling system is an invaluable source of relief during those hot, arid months. So, treat your appliance with care by ensuring it is protected during harsh, cold climates. If your unit is perfectly preserved during winter, it will operate at peak performance when summer returns.
WHY YOU NEED TO PROTECT YOUR EVAPORATIVE COOLER
During colder climates, it is especially important that you provide correct care for your cooler. As this specific air-conditioner is designed to absorb water, it is critical that pipes and components are cleaned, dried, and then covered during prolonged periods of disuse.
Necessary maintenance protects your appliance from environmental damage including:
- Rust and corrosion
- Pollutants clogging interior filters
- Frost damage
- Mould, mineral and calcium deposits from residual water
These factors can all contribute to lowering the optimum performance of your cooler. This can result in a loss of up to 48% cooling efficiency, which will eventually require costly repairs.
We suggest that you start with annual maintenance checks. Two should suffice, one around May before the summer season and the other in October, leading up to the winter months. Conduct effective maintenance checks by investigating any indications of damage as previously listed. These checks will ensure that your cooler will perform at peak capacity for many summers to come.
STEPS TO HELP YOU PREPARE YOUR EVAPORATIVE COOLER FOR WINTER
Do not just turn off your cooler once winter is approaching and leave it until next year, completely shut it down. To achieve this, you can follow these simple steps:
Unplug the unit from the main power source to confirm it is fully disconnected from electricity – This first step is crucial.
Disconnect the waterline from the water supply to stop any leakages. You can achieve this by firstly locating the shutoff valve and then removing the waterline from the unit.
Drain remaining water from all components and pipelines, using a sponge to maximise absorbency and leave to dry.
Clean if necessary, using a natural disinfectant such as vinegar and water to purge the pipes of dirt and debris. This will prevent debris buildup during disuse, meaning there is less to clean when you are restarting your appliance next spring.
Check that you have sufficiently followed the previous steps to guarantee a clean and healthy appliance.
Cover your unit to preserve it during long winter months. Cooler covers are a worthwhile investment to protect your unit from harsh environmental elements such as snow, rain, and pollution – preventing irreversible damage.
Store in a safe place until you are ready to use your cooler when summer is reapproaching.
ALTERNITAVELY: TRANSFORM YOUR EVAPORATIVE AIR COOLER TO FUNCTION IN WINTER
Cold, dry environments can negatively impact your health. Combat common cold climate challenges to your skin such as: cracked hands, chapped lips, and dry eyes by utilising your air cooler as a humidifier. In this sense, you can exploit year-round benefits of your appliance, instead of storing it away for the whole of winter.
Reflective of how the cooler performs in summertime, the unit encourages moisture in the air to trap heat, naturally warming the space the appliance is operating in. This usage of the evaporative air cooler is most suitable for enclosed, indoor spaces.
