This post is the sixth in a multi part series on swamp cooler maintenance, repair, and replacement. If you haven’t read parts 1 – 5, I recommend you do before continuing.

Swamp cooler maintenance swamp coolers

Winterizing your swamp cooler (continued)

  • Cover the cooler. A swamp cooler cover will protect you cooler from dust, dirt, sunshine, and weather during the winter. Some coolers have integrated metal covers, usually made of galvanized steel for weather resistance. If yours has this type of cover, it’s a good idea to do a test fit on each cover panel to make sure the holes line up before you start mounting them. The holes aren’t always in the same places on every side! If your unit doesn’t have metal covers, you can use a fabric cover. If you need a cover, measure your unit before you head to the store or shop online. Fabric covers are designed to fit a specific size of cooler so that they can provide the best protection.
  • Cover the vent or vents. This part can be a little tricky just because there are so many different kinds and configurations of vent systems out there. You want to cover any vents that lead from your cooler to inside your house, because in the winter this can be a big source of drafts and heat loss. Some newer swamp cooler installations have a baffle you can close near the cooler, thereby sealing up the vent system for winter. If your unit doesn’t have this feature installed, then you’ll have to cover the vents inside the house. You can buy commercial vent covers or make your own with cardboard, adding insulation if you want maximum efficiency.

Check back soon for How to do swamp cooler maintenance, when to replace it, and what to replace it with, part 7. In the meantime, check out our page on swamp cooler maintenance.