All of these signs can indicate you need to repair or replace your swamp cooler:
- Increasingly high electricity bills
- Poor cooling performance
- Unusual odors or sounds
- Water leaks
- Extensive rust and corrosion
Some common issues that can lead to poor performance or a decrease in efficiency are a failing motor, a failing pump, or a misaligned float. If the pump is wearing out or the float is set too low, the pad will quickly dry out. The pad must remain constantly wet for a swamp cooler to work properly, and the unit will just blow warm air if the pad is dry.
Another issue to watch out for is if your swamp cooler frequently shuts off or has difficulties starting up. These problems usually indicate that the unit has an electrical issue or that a component like the fan is beginning to fail. While a professional can usually fix the swamp cooler, installing a replacement may be the better choice if the unit is 10 or more years old.