How To Install A Swamp Cooler On A Roof

A swamp cooler is one of the most used appliances, especially in dry areas with low humidity. So if you have been having issues with how to install your swamp cooler on your roof, then you’ve come to the right place!

This article guides you on how to install a swamp cooler on a roof without breaking any bones.

Table of Contents

What is A Swamp Cooler And Why Do You Need It?

A swamp cooler, also known as an evaporative cooler, is an appliance that adds moisture to the surrounding air and cools it in turn.

Water from the swamp cooler is converted into vapor to lower the temperature of the air. This is basically termed evaporative cooling and this is why swamp coolers are also known as evaporative coolers.

So, what’s the difference between an air conditioner and a swamp cooler?

An air conditioner lowers the temperature of the surrounding air better than most swamp coolers can. On the flip side, a swamp cooler is less expensive and easier to install.

Apart from lowering the temperature of the surrounding air, a swamp cooler also adds moisture to the air. If you live in a low-humidity area, then it is advisable to use a swamp cooler.

Need a portable swamp cooler? Check out this highly-rated evaporative cooler from Hessaire.

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So now that we’ve covered the purpose and need for a swamp cooler, the next question is

How Does A Swamp Cooler Really Work?

Like I said earlier, the swamp cooler works on the principle of evaporative cooling and here’s how this happens.

Firstly, water comes into the swamp cooler through the water supply valve. When the desired water level is reached, the float rises to send a signal, which turns off the water supply valve.

After this, the pump sends the water in the cooler through the water distribution lines to the sides of the swamp cooler. Right at the sides of the cooler are the pads which are designed to absorb water.

Warm air from outside comes in through these sides of the swamp cooler and becomes cool. Then, the blower which is also located inside the swamp cooler forces the cool air down the vents, and into the house.

So anytime you think of cool, moist air, think of a swamp cooler.

Why Should You Install A Swamp Cooler On A Roof?

If you have no prior knowledge about swamp coolers and their functions, installing one on a roof may seem a bit odd.

But, trust us when we say that roof-mounted swamp coolers are the most commonly used swamp coolers. This is because they are more efficient.

Moreover, you don’t have to design new duct systems to allow the flow of air into the rooms.

What’s more?

Rooftop-mounted swamp coolers are not so expensive to install.

Check out this video below for an actual tutorial on how to install your swamp cooler.

Check out these other in-depth articles/reviews…

How To Install A Swamp Cooler On The Roof

Step 1

First, a proper location for the swamp cooler has to be determined. The evaporative cooler should be leveled properly, so a location with stability is strongly recommended.

While you are at it, ensure that there is no form of obstruction between the roof and the ceiling in the home in the proposed location. This is to allow the duct of the evaporative cooler to fit perfectly.

Step 2

Good location, check!

So, what’s next?

The duct of the evaporative cooler should be marked out, making sure that it is in the center.
The next thing you want to do is to figure out how your evaporative cooler would stand on its own.

But we’ll show you how to get around doing that in the next step.

Step 3

For the mounting legs, which would carry the weight of the cooler, holes should be drilled at the corners of the duct outline.

All you need to do is to make sure the cooler is leveled properly.

Step 4

The swamp cooler can then be mounted on the mounting legs, then connected to the duct following the manufacturer’s instructions. The wire for the thermostat which should have been previously installed should also be fixed.

Step 5

Then, the power line should also be fixed to the home circuit following the instructions of the manufacturer.

Step 6

As you may already know, water is needed to effectively run a swamp cooler. This is why a water pipe should be connected to your home supply. Regular PVC pipes are recommended.

Step 7

Lastly, check all connections thoroughly. Seal any leaks on the roof with aluminum tape. And just in case you notice screw holes, you can use roof tar to seal them.

After all the necessary checks have been done and corrections made, your swamp cooler is ready to run!

Just in case you ever need a tutorial on how to service your swamp cooler or change the pads, this video will guide you. Check it out!

You can also check out our posts to learn How to Use a Swamp Cooler, How to Winterize a Swamp Cooler, or How to Turn on a Swamp Cooler.

How Long Does it Take to Install a Swamp Cooler?

Installing portable swamp coolers and some window units usually only involve fixing a hose or making a water source available. So, it will only take you a few minutes to install one. Most times, you can do the installation yourself.

However, if the swamp cooler is a window unit that needs a ledge or shelf to rest on, then you only need 1 to 2 hours to install it. You can either hire a handyman to get this done or do it yourself if you are up for a challenge.

It will take about 3 to 4 hours to install a swamp cooler on a roof or on the ground especially if the installation requires some ductwork. Roof and ground installations are usually more intensive than other swamp cooler installations. Hence, the longer installation time.

Does Putting Ice in a Swamp Cooler Help?

Putting ice in a swamp cooler may damage the pump in the swamp cooler and may only help the cooling a little, if at all. This is because the pump in a swamp cooler is designed to pull water from the reservoir and soak the water filter well enough so that the air that blows through the filter cools the room.

So, even though the idea of putting ice in a swamp cooler is to make the air cooler, a better and safer alternative will be to first put some ice in the water to cool it down first before pumping it to the filter. But note that the improved cooling factor will only be temporary.

When Should I Replace My Swamp Cooler?

You should probably replace your swamp cooler if:

The swamp cooler has a huge amount of corrosion.
The swamp cooler has been poorly maintained for a while.
The swamp cooler is really old.
The swamp cooler delivers only a little or no cool air at all.
The swamp cooler has been leaking water without repair.

If you maintain your swamp cooler regularly then you will get some solid years of use from it without the need to replace it. But you may want to consider a replacement if you’ve had the swamp cooler for a really long time and it is no longer functioning efficiently.

Can I Run My Swamp Cooler Without the Pump On?

You can run your swamp cooler without the pump on particularly in the evenings. It is useful to run a swamp cooler without the pump in the evening because the temperature at that time of the day is usually cool. So, it won’t be necessary to wet the filter pads because cool air will move into your home easily.

What’s more? By running your swamp cooler without the pump, you will conserve water and also conserve the energy required to pump the water.

How Can I Make My Swamp Cooler Colder?

Here are a few ways to make your swamp cooler colder:

Open a window in the room for the cool air to circulate properly.
Place an energy-efficient dehumidifier at the air intake region of the swamp cooler.
Place plants like Boston fern, Peace Lily, Aloe, Cacti that absorb moisture easily in your room.
Prime the cooling pads in the swamp cooler by getting them wet first.
Position the swamp cooler with its intake vent directly in front of a window(for portable coolers).
Use cold water in the swamp cooler instead of room temperature water.
Carry out routine maintenance like cleaning the air intake and outlet vents, checking the cooling pads for molds and if they need to be replaced, washing the water tank, etc.

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