Evaporative Cooler Winter Shutdown: Drain, Clean and Cover Your Cooler

A few minutes at the end of summer saves problems on the first hot day. A cooler that sits all winter with water in the tray grows sludge and scale, and an uncovered cooler lets cold air down the ducts into the house.

End-of-season checklist

1. Turn off the water to the cooler at the supply tap.
2. Drain the tray. Run the drain cycle, or open the drain valve. If water won’t drain, the drain valve may have failed – see drain & dump valves.
3. Clean out sludge and scale from the tray and the pump filter while the cooler is dry.
4. Inspect the parts while you’re there:
   • pads – scale or collapse
   • float valve – a worn washer
   • fan belt – cracks, on belt-drive models
   • pump hose – kinks or splits

   Order parts now rather than in the summer rush.

5. Close the damper if your cooler has one, and fit a cooler cover to keep out cold air, dust and leaves.
6. Turn off the power at the isolator if the cooler won’t be used for months. Many controllers also have a winter or off mode.

Start-up in spring

• Remove the cover and open the damper.
• Turn the water on and check the tray fills to the right level and stops.
• Run the pump for a few minutes to wet the pads before starting the fan.
• Listen for unusual noise and look for leaks.

Find parts by brand or by cooler model, or read our guide to choosing cooler pads.

This guide is general information only. Always follow your cooler manufacturer’s instructions, and use a licensed electrician for any electrical work.