Although evaporative coolers require a fair amount of maintenance, homeowners can often easily perform it inexpensively by doing it themselves. Evaporative coolers vary, so the specific instructions that are available in the owner’s manual are very important. In general, coolers should be inspected yearly and serviced as required.
During a yearly inspection, first unplug the unit and look for any damage or wear. Belt tension and water level in the reservoir should be checked. To insure maximum cooling, make sure that all pads are thoroughly and evenly wetted. Pad maintenance is probably the most important part of keeping your cooling system working properly.
Bacteria growth can be a problem in evaporative coolers. If you will not be using your evaporative cooler for even a few days, it’s a good idea to drain the cooler so bacteria don’t start growing