Why does my swamp cooler smell like fish?

If your swamp cooler smells murky or has a damp, stale odor, it's time to replace the cooling pads. Over time, the pad material can develop mold and mildew, which emits a fishy or "swamp"-like smell. It's also important to thoroughly drain and clean the water reservoir and replace it with fresh water before every use.

How do you get the fishy smell out of an evaporative cooler?

Pour two or three drops of tea tree oil or grapefruit seed extract into the water in the swamp cooler. These substances will help neutralize offending odors and prohibit the formation of mold and mildew that can form within the unit. Tea tree oil is very effective but produces a strong aroma that may offend some.

How do I stop my air cooler from smelling?

Remove the cooling pads and spray them with a 50-50 mixture of water and vinegar. In place of vinegar solution, you can equally use 50-50 mixture of water and lemon juice. Leave the sprayed cooling pads for about a minute. Rinse the pad thoroughly in clean water and air dry.

Can you get sick from a swamp cooler?

Can evaporative coolers transmit the disease? Properly maintained evaporative coolers will not transmit the disease because they produce no aerosols. Evaporative air coolers should not be confused with cooling towers or evaporative condensers, which involve different technology.

Do swamp coolers need to be cleaned?

Swamp coolers provide cool air through water evaporation. This method of cooling saves more energy than using an air conditioner. You should clean your unit at least once each year. To clean your swamp cooler, take it apart and clean the inside and water reservoir, check the mechanical parts, and change the pads.

Air cooler smells like fish - Get your air cooler cleaned today!

Can you put bleach in a swamp cooler?

Bleach is one of the most common household cleaning chemicals, but it is not a good choice for your swamp cooler. Bleach should never be used in an evaporative cooler as it can damage the pans and possibly void your warranty. We recommend a cleaning solution made from a mix of vinegar and water.

Can water coolers make you sick?

Certain species of bacteria that are common in bottled water cooler dispensers can cause a person to contract Legionnaires' disease, which causes flu-like symptoms and can eventually turn into pneumonia. Dirty office water has also been known to cause a non-fatal respiratory disease called Pontiac fever.

Why do air coolers stink?

When water is first introduced to the cooler the glue that holds the media together may emit an odor that smells offensive. This smell will go away after the media has been soaked well and rinsed. Run the pump long enough to wet out the pads and then dump the water. Repeat the process.

Why does my new evaporative cooler smell?

When installed correctly, our evaporative media products allow complete molecular evaporation of water ensuring a pure, clean stream of air. When new, it is possible that a small amount of aromatic molecules may evaporate along with the water molecules, which could be detected as a slight smell.

How often should swamp cooler pads be replaced?

Generally, it is recommended to clean the pads at least once every year or twice a year (before and after use) and replace them after 2-3 years.

Will vinegar clean swamp cooler pads?

#3 How to Remove Calcium Deposits from Swamp Cooler Pads

The best cleaner is a simple mix of white vinegar and water. You should clean the water pan reservoir at the bottom of the cooling unit at least once a month throughout the season to prevent minerals from building up inside.

How do you keep a swamp cooler fresh?

Spring and Summer Maintenance

If you use a swamp cooler often during the hotter months, it's important to clean it regularly: Always clean it before startup. Wipe down the exterior with a damp cloth every few weeks. Don't clean the unit with any surface cleaners, chemicals or solvents – warm water is sufficient.

Do evaporative coolers cause mold?

While evaporative coolers can cause mold growth, homeowners can easily prevent it using the tips discussed above. As long as you keep the cooler's components clean, replace parts as needed, allow ventilation, and use it in the right conditions, you should face little to no mold and mildew issues.

How often should evaporative cooling be serviced?

Regular evaporative air conditioning service is needed to make sure that your evaporative cooler works efficiently for a long time. The maintenance service must be done after your unit's first year. After that, you can have it serviced on an every other year basis.

Are swamp cooler pads toxic?

THIS ODOR IS NOT TOXIC OR HARMFUL.

All evaporative cooling systems have odor problems related to the system cleanliness. This is how 'swamp coolers' first got its name.

How do you get rid of algae in a swamp cooler?

Rinse out the water cooler with a hose. Use the nozzle on the hose to spray off loose algae. The nozzle creates high water pressure, which loosens and removes some of the algae. Pour bleach inside the cooler.

Can you put fabric softener in a swamp cooler?

Softening the hard water in an evaporative cooler means less mineral buildup and less maintenance. You can use a commercial water softener product or attach a water-softening machine to the cooler.

Do water coolers have bacteria?

“Once inside a water cooler, certain types of bacteria such as Pseudomonas Aeruginosa can feed on components found in rubbers and seals present within a dispenser.” Contaminants can also enter the system via the bottle feed when a bottle is changed, adds Dan.

How often should water coolers be cleaned?

Generally, we recommend that you clean and sanitize your water cooler every 6-12 months. Cleaning a bottled water cooler is really pretty easy. Please read ALL the instructions before starting to clean your cooler. Make sure you follow the necessary precautions for a Hot & Cold Cooler.

Do water coolers get mold?

According to the University of Missouri Extension's website, mildew-causing molds thrive especially well in areas that are warm, damp and have poor air circulation. This characteristic of mildew makes water coolers an ideal breeding ground for it, and mildew can begin to form in the spouts or tubing.

Do swamp cooler anodes work?

Your swamp cooler is so much more eco-friendly and SO much cheaper to run than air conditioning; all it wants is to be cared for through the season and buttoned up correctly at the end of summer and it will last for decades. Helpful? A: Yes. The zinc anode inhibits unpleasant odor and freshens the air.

How do you clean a swamp cooler filter?

Submerge the filter in a lukewarm mixture of water and mild cleaning detergent. Once again, use a soft brush to scrub the filter and remove any dirt you see. Drain the dirty water before using running water to rinse the filter. Allow the filter to drip dry.

Do swamp coolers cause respiratory problems?

Water mist from cooling towers or evaporative condensers, evaporative coolers (swamp coolers), humidifiers, misters, showers, faucets, and whirlpool baths can be contaminated with LDB and, if inhaled or aspirated into the lungs, can cause the disease.