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Evaporative coolerEvaporative coolers are simple systems. They draw large amounts of air into the building and therefore will not work effectively unless windows and perhaps doors are open. These units require high and continual maintenance if they are to operate effectively. Check every 1 to 2 weeks during the hot season and see that the pump is working and wetting all the pads evenly, water level is correct, and that the vbelt is tight and in good condition. At the beginning of each season put several drops of 20 weight oil into the fan shaft oil cups. Also, check the motor at each end for oil holes and apply several drops there as well. Check the distribution troughs atop each pad for debris. Keep the cooler drained and covered during the months it is not in use. Important note: if your evaporative cooler discharges air through the heating ducts the system will have some sort of damper installed. The damper prevents moisture-laden cooled air from passing through the heater during the summer months (causing damage and a loss of efficiency) and prevents heated air from passing through the cooler and escaping into the atmosphere resulting in a loss of energy and air pressure at the room registers. The damper system may be two simple sheets of metal placed in slots in the ducting. During the heating season one sheet is placed in its slot below the evaporative cooler. The second sheet is removed from its slot above or next to the heater. Heated air then passes from the heater but not into the cooler. During the warm months the placement of the dampers is reversed. Some systems will have an automatic damper which opens and closes with air pressure exerted on either side of the damper. This type may hang-up occasionally so monitor its operation at the start of each season. Be aware that ducting associated with evaporative coolers may contain some type or types of fungi. Some types of fungi may cause allergic reactions by some individuals. It is recommended that the ducting be reviewed by a duct cleaning service and/or an air quality testing laboratory. Contact the inspector for further information if necessary. Inspection limitation: evaporative coolers that have no water in their pans obviously cannot be reviewed for pan leaks. The inspector is not allowed to fill the pan with water. Rust-outs can occur at any time. For further information regarding this limitation please contact the inspector. Whole house fan: Natural or lpg gas heat Oil heat oil fired heat:
File last updated May 16, 2012 * Copyright © 2012 All rights reserved by: Accurate Inspections, Inc. A New Jersey home inspection firm 56 Woodland Drive, Woodland Park (formerly West Paterson) NJ 07424 973-812-5100 providing New Jersey Certified Home Inspections in NJ, by New Jersey Licensed home inspectors. Inspector of record Michael Del Greco, New Jersey Home Inspector License GI 0121.
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