How to Install Evaporative Cooling
Evaporative coolers are an common method of cooling houses, used mostly in hot, dry climates. Also known as "swamp coolers," evaporative coolers blow cool, moist air into the home. These coolers only use water, a small pump and a fan. Evaporative coolers are easy to install in a window. This project is easily completed in one day. Does this Spark an idea?
Things You'll Need
- Measuring tape
- Water hookup kit
- Stand
- Marker
- Old newspaper
- Clear plastic
- Utility knife sheet
- Roll of weatherstripping tape, 1 inch wide
Instructions
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1
Measure the evaporative cooler vent, using a tape measure. Locate a window, preferably on the north side of the house, large enough for the vent to extend inside the open window. Remove the window screen and store in the garage or shed.
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2
Measure the height of the window from the ground. With a helper, lift the cooler onto the stand. Adjust the height so that the vent sits inside the window, just touching the bottom of the frame. The evaporative cooler must be level.
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3
Measure the open area around the cooler vent carefully. Make a paper template with an old newspaper and a marker. Lay the sheet of plastic over the template and, using a metal ruler and a utility knife, carefully score along the lines. After scoring, go over the lines again several times, pressing down harder with the knife. After cutting out the plastic insert, place it in the window frame.
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4
Unwind the weatherstripping tape. Pull the paper backing off and use it to attach the plastic window insert to the window frame. Repeat the process outside. This keeps the insert in place and keeps bugs and rodents out.
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5
Attach the cooler line to an outdoor faucet, preferably one near the window. Carefully run the water line alongside the house, where it is unlikely to be stepped on or damaged by the mower. Attach the other end to the inlet on the cooler. Turn the water on and fill the water reservoir on the cooler.
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6
Open windows on the opposite side of the house, so the cool air is pulled into the house. Unlike air conditioners, evaporative coolers require a fresh air exchange for best performance. Strategically placed portable fans also help keep the cool air moving through the house.
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7
Plug the cooler into an electric outlet. Turn it on.
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Tips & Warnings
Placing the evaportive cooler on the north or shaded side of the house helps cool the house, since air is cooler in the shade.
If the evaporative cooler did not come with a stand, build a sturdy stand of four-by-four posts with a 3/4-inch piece of plywood as the top.
If you also need the faucet for watering the yard, purchase and install a water faucet splitter with on/off levers.
On hot days, a bag of ice poured into the water reservoir helps keep the air cooler as it passes through the trickling water.
A drop of essential oil on a cotton ball, then tucked into the vent, will spread your favorite scent through the house.
New evaporative coolers have a built-in ground-fault circuit interrupter (GFCI); however, a used cooler may not. When in doubt, plug into a GFCI-protected outlet.
Evaporative coolers do not work as well in humid climates.
The water reservoir should be emptied and cleaned once a month to prevent mold.
In the winter, the cooler should be removed from the window and stored, or covered to prevent drafts.
