Evaporative Coolers · Reno, NV
Evaporative Coolers in Reno, NV
Reno's dry air is well suited to evaporative coolers, which cool by evaporating water. Some homes still use them, alone or alongside central AC.
Request an HVAC technicianHow they work
A fan pulls outside air through wet pads. As the water evaporates, the air cools before it enters the house.
Where they work best
Evaporative coolers work best when the outdoor air is dry. On humid or stormy summer days they cool less.
Spring start-up
Pads, the water pump, float, belt and water lines need checking each spring before the first hot week.
Fall shut-down
Draining the water lines and covering the unit before freezing nights prevents burst lines and leaks.
Open windows
Evaporative coolers need an open window or vent so cooled air can push warm air out.
Water and minerals
Hard water leaves mineral scale on pads and pumps. Bleed-off and pad changes keep them working.
Roof units
Many coolers sit on the roof. Leaks around the curb or duct can stain ceilings.
Switching to AC
Some homeowners replace an aging cooler with refrigerated AC or a heat pump for more consistent comfort and filtered air.
Get help
Tell the technician the cooler type and what it's doing. Send a request and an HVAC contractor will get in touch.
Smell
A musty smell from a cooler usually means pads or water need changing.
Pad types
Thicker rigid pads last longer than thin aspen pads but cost more. Ask which suits your cooler.
Bleed-off
A small bleed-off line drains some water to reduce mineral buildup. Make sure it isn't clogged.
Water lines
Copper and plastic lines feeding roof coolers can crack in a freeze if not drained. Check them each spring before start-up.
Frequently asked questions
- Can I run a swamp cooler during wildfire smoke?
- Evaporative coolers bring outside air in, so they can bring smoke with them. Many people switch them off on smoky days.
- When should I winterize my cooler?
- Before the first hard freeze in fall, usually in October.
Other air conditioning and heating services
Request an HVAC technician
Repairs, replacements and new projects. Tell us what you need and we'll pass it straight to an HVAC contractor, who will call you to go over the job and give you a quote.
- AC, furnace and heat pump repairs, replacements and new systems
- Reno, Sparks and the valleys around the Truckee Meadows
- Get a quote before any work starts
Need evaporative coolers in Reno?
Send a request and an HVAC technician will get in touch. Requests answered 7 days a week.
Prefer email? [email protected]