A properly maintained
cooler will last years longer than one not
maintained. Here are a few tips we have learned
over the years.
How often should I
change the aspen pads?
Aspen pads should be changed
at the begining of each cooling season and even
more often if the water supplying the cooler has
high mineral content. If aspen pads are not
changed regularly, minerals build up on the pads
and reduce the cooling ability of the pad as
well as causing rust on the louvers the pad is
attached to. If the pads are not changed after
several years they start deteriorating and
collapse below the louver water though. When
this happens the water starts being sucked into
the blower section rusting out the blower wheel
and blower housing.
How often should I change
the rigid media?
Rigid media should be changed
every three to five years. Rigid media is
produced from treated cellulose and when not
changed eventually becomes mushy and starts
collapsing. As the media collapses the water
sprayer at the top of the media starts spraying
water into the blower section rusting out the
blower wheel and blower housing.
How often should I drain
my water Reservoir?
The water reservior should be
drained several times during the cooling season.
Included in the draining of the water is
cleaning out the sludge and minerals in the
bottom of the pan. You can wash it out with a
water hose or clean it out with a shop vac.
Removing the sludge and minerals will keep your
aspen pads cleaner and prvent the cooler pan
from rusting out.
How often should I oil my
cooler bearings?
Cooler bearings should be
oiled several times during the cooling season.
Most coolers use sleeve bearings and should be
oiled with a light weight oil like 3 IN 1 oil.
The bronze sleeve in the bearing wears down much
more quickly when they are not oiled regularly.
Once the bronze sleeve wears through, the blower
shaft starts spinning on the steel section of
the bearing and damages the shaft.