Evaporative (Swamp) Cooler Services – Golden, Colorado

Experts in swamp coolers

Evaporative Cooler Repair, Installation, Inspection, & Maintenance

Mac-Vik Plumbing, Heating & Electrical services all types of residential evaporative cooling systems. These units are commonly used in Golden, CO, and other areas with low ambient humidity. Our technicians install, maintain, and repair both standard and high-efficiency models.

What Is an Evaporative Cooler?

Evaporative coolers—also known as swamp coolers—use the process of evaporative cooling to reduce indoor air temperature. They are effective in dry climates because they rely on the evaporation of water to cool air, which only works efficiently when humidity is low.

Basic Operation:

1. A fan pulls outside air into the unit.
2. The air passes through water-saturated pads (either aspen fiber or rigid cellulose).
3. As the air moves through the pads, it is cooled by the evaporation of water.
4. The cooled air is blown into the home through ductwork or directly from the unit.
5. Stale indoor air is vented through open windows or a vent system.

Our Air Conditioning Services

1. New Installations

We install new systems for both new construction and retrofits. Key steps include:

Determining the correct CFM rating based on square footage and number of rooms
Selecting pad type: aspen vs. rigid media (higher efficiency, longer life)
Mounting type: roof-mounted, window-mounted, side-draft, or down-draft
Integrating with existing ducts (if applicable) or installing a standalone airflow path
Electrical wiring to thermostats or manual switches
Water supply line installation and shut-off valves

2. Seasonal Maintenance

Swamp coolers require startup in spring and shutdown in fall. Each visit includes:

Spring Startup

Replacing cooling pads if clogged, moldy, or hardened
Cleaning and flushing the reservoir to remove sediment buildup
Inspecting pump function and clearing distribution tubes
Testing the float valve and water level regulation
Checking belt tension, motor amperage, and fan alignment
Confirming proper airflow and moisture output

Fall Shutdown

Draining water from the reservoir and the lines
Cleaning the unit to prevent mold growth during storage
Disconnecting the water supply
Covering exposed rooftop units if needed

3. Diagnostic and Repair Services

We troubleshoot and repair all common evaporative cooler issues:

Common Problems and Causes

Problem – Possible Cause – Repair Service

No Cooling
Pump not circulating water – Replace pump or clear clogged lines
Low Airflow
Belt loose or broken – Adjust or replace belt
Unit Won’t Turn On
Faulty switch or wiring – Replace control switch or repair electrical
Water Leaking
Cracked reservoir, float valve malfunction – Replace damaged components
Foul Odor
Stagnant water or mildew in pads – Clean reservoir, replace pads
Unit Runs Continuously
Faulty thermostat or switch – Replace thermostat/switch

Our technicians carry replacement parts for common components such as pumps, belts, motors, floats, and control switches.

Equipment Types Serviced

Single-speed and multi-speed belt-driven units
Direct-drive motor systems
Window units for smaller spaces
Whole-house rooftop or side-draft units
Units with built-in thermostatic control
Smart-home compatible swamp coolers

Want to better understand your options? Explore the types of evaporative coolers to choose the right fit for your home.

Important Considerations

Swamp coolers must be used with open windows or vented spaces for airflow.
They are not compatible with sealed homes that use standard HVAC return-air systems.
Performance decreases in humid weather; they are not a full replacement for refrigerated A/C in all conditions.
Pads should be inspected at least once per season for mold, mineral buildup, or deterioration.
Hard water in Golden may reduce the lifespan of the pad and pump without filtration.