Tips for Preventing Mold From the Swamp Cooler

6/10/2021 (Permalink)

Tips for Preventing Mold From the Swamp Cooler

Summer in the South gets really hot. Many homeowners in Golden Glades, FL, rely on swamp coolers to keep their homes cool without the exorbitant cost of running their air conditioners all day and night. A leaking swamp cooler, however, can lead to unpleasant mold issues throughout your home.

Potential Issues
A swamp cooler uses a lot of water to cool your home. If it malfunctions, there are several surfaces that can start to grow mold:

• Cellulose pad
  
• Fan belt
  
• Cooler unit
  
• Duct system
  
  

Your swamp cooler doesn't have to be broken to develop mold growth, though. Even running it constantly without a break can cause a buildup of moisture on the pad that draws spores in. Once they start to multiply, they can get caught in the vents and blow throughout the house, spreading the problem beyond just the cooler itself.

Preventative Measures
A swamp cooler has a greater chance of creating a mold problem than an air conditioner. One of the best preventions for fungus in your leaking swamp cooler is a quick repair. Check all the components regularly so that you can avoid potential problems. If you don't know how long your cooler has been leaking, it's a good idea to get certified mold remediation experts to test the unit and the ducts attached to it for growth. Preventative maintenance can also reduce the risk of mold. Have professional technicians check often to ensure it's running efficiently, particularly during the hottest months. Finally, if you choose a swamp cooler over central air conditioning, increase the airflow and lower the humidity in your home by opening windows to create a cross breeze.
Although a swamp cooler may be the more economical choice for cooling your home, it also means you must be extra vigilant about mold prevention. Stick to a strict maintenance schedule, and fix a leaking swamp cooler as soon as you know there is a problem.