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Why Is the Low Setting on My Swamp Cooler Not Working? Troubleshooting Tips & Solutions

key takeaways

If the low setting on your swamp cooler is not working this is because the air is not passing through the cooling pads quick enough to cool. This can cause warmer airflow. You can troubleshoot it by resting the unit, checking for power supply issues, and examining the capacitor and water levels.

What Are the Common Problems with Swamp Coolers?

Sometimes due to mechanical issues, your swap cooler stops running immediately. Some common problems that can arise with a swamp cooler are less cooling, fan or motor failure, and wiring and connection problems.

1. The Swamp Cooler Not Cooling Enough

A swamp cooler will not effectively cool a room if it is set to a low-speed setting. In that case, the cooler will not produce enough evaporation air that gives a noticeable cooling effect.  Moreover, if the cooling pads are not saturated enough to reduce the temperature,  the fan speed will be too low and not effectively circulate the air.

2. Why Does My Swamp Cooler Motor Stop Running Intermittently?

if your swamp cooler motor stops running intermittently:

How Do You Reset a Swamp Cooler?

To reset a swamp cooler ( new model),  just press the Reset button. The labeled Reset button is located below and to the right of the LCD( it is not on the left side of the LCD.)

If the unit is older and does not have a reset button, disconnect the electricity at the circuit breaker panel for 10-15 minutes. Repeat this procedure several times. After several tries, if the unit still won’t reset correctly, it has failed and needs to be replaced.

Swamp Cooler Reset Process

If your swamp cooler is malfunctioning due to the low setting, it is recommended to reset it.

What Are the Fixes for Low-Setting Failures in a Swamp Cooler?

To fix a low-setting failure in a swamp cooler:

What Are the Issues with Swamp Cooler Control and Switches?

Your swamp cooler control and switches can stop working due to electrical issues, dirt, and dust, and because of loose and damaged wiring and connections. Sometimes, the issue can be because of a fan or pump. So, test both and see what is the root cause of the problem and troubleshoot accordingly.

Why Is My Evaporative Cooler Control Switch Not Working?

The evaporative cooler control switch can fail to work if the wiring inside the control box is loose or damaged. Over time, the internal contacts of the switch can become dirty, which can cause intermittent or complete failure of certain functions such as fan speed or pump operation. Sometimes, the control switch itself gets damaged because of overuse.

If your evaporative cooler control switch is not working, this can cause a loss of temperature control in the summertime. If the control switch fails, the fan or water pump will not respond to changes in settings that can cause inconsistent airflow. Any failures in the intermittent switch cause the cooler to operate at an improper speed or unexpectedly turn on and off.

How Can You Troubleshoot Swamp Cooler Switch Malfunctions?

Why Does the Swamp Cooler Only Work on Low or High?

If your swamp cooler is working on either low or high. There is the possibility of some mechanical problems like electrical issues, faulty control switches, fan belt issues, wiring problems, or capacitor issues.

Why Does the Swamp Cooler Only Work on Low?

One common reason why a swamp cooler only operates on low is a faulty control switch. In that case, only the low setting functions since the high-speed setting cannot engage due to worn or damaged contacts. 

Electrical issues can also impact the cooler, supplying sufficient power for low speed but not for high, such as faulty wiring or a malfunctioning capacitor. Another possibility is motor issues. if the high-speed winding is worn or the motor overheats, it can cause low speed.

Why Does the Swamp Cooler Only Work on High?

A faulty control switch is a common problem that causes your swamp cooler to work at high. Sometimes, its internal contacts that are responsible for the low-speed setting get damaged or worn. That is why it only works at high speed.

Due to a faulty capacitor, it also does not provide enough power to engage the motor at low speed even though it still functions at high. Another reason is a worn-out fan belt. It can function at high speeds but struggles to maintain lower tension requirements at low speeds.

What Are the Common Swamp Cooler Pump and Motor Issues?

Low water supply and blocked or broken pumps that disrupt water flow are common problems with swamp cooler pumps. Faulty windings, overheating, or electrical issues that interfere with functioning at various speeds are common causes of motor issues.

Why Is My Evaporative Cooler Pump Not Working?

Your evaporative cooler pump is not working or underperforming due to damage to the impeller, problems with the power supply, problems with thermal overload protection, electrical issues, a faulty water pump motor, and a blocked water reservoir.

Why Is My Evaporative Cooler Pump Not Working?

A blown fuse will be the most frequent cause of the motor failing which affects high settings. Replacing the fuse will help you diagnose and resolve this problem. Setting the thermostat to high potentially causes the motor of an evaporative cooler to fail. Coolers that have broken thermostats are unable to activate themselves. The only thing you can do if your thermostat stops functioning is to replace it with a new one. 

If there are no problems with fuses or thermostats, you need to look at the wires that are attached to the breaker and fuse. The major issue can be the breaker if the wires appear stiff or discolored. First, you can try resetting the breaker. 

If this doesn’t work, you need to have the defective wiring replaced. If any components like switches, motors, and capacitors are faulty or damaged, immediately replace them to restore high-speed functionality. If troubleshooting does not fix your issue, consider getting professional help for further diagnoses and repairs.

How Can You Repair a Swamp Cooler?

You can repair the swap cooler yourself by inspecting the pump, examining the capacitor, fixing electrical issues, and cleaning its components.  But, if you are unable to inspect the problem, getting repair and maintenance services from professionals like All Season Home HVAC would be ideal.

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When Should You Call for Professional Swamp Cooler Repair?

From time to time, your swamp cooler needs some repair and fixes If it gets damaged. You can inspect and examine the problem yourself ( DIY) such as by cleaning the components, checking the capacitor, and examining the electrical issue.

You can fix minor issues yourself, but for major issues with your swamp cooler, you need to have a professional by your side. That’s when you can call professionals from All Seasons Home HVAC that has more than 20 years of experience in providing these services.

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How Can You Maintain Your Swamp Cooler for Optimal Performance?

Your swamp cooler needs regular maintenance to operate efficiently and optimally in low and high settings.

People Also Ask

At What Point Do Swamp Coolers Stop Working?

Evaporative coolers work best when the humidity level drops below 40%. As humidity increases, the efficiency of the swamp cooler starts to decline. When relative humidity reaches 70%, performance starts to drastically decline.  Beyond this point, these cooling systems no longer work.

What Does Low Vent Do On a Swamp Cooler?

A swamp cooler’s low vent setting reduces the fan’s speed to create a lower airflow. This setting is ideal for milder cooling that keeps the atmosphere comfortable. It works especially well at moderate temperatures or when you operate it quietly.

Why Is My Swamp Cooler Not Blowing Through The Vents?

If your swamp cooler is not blowing through the vents, this is because of an excessive amount of trash, dust, and dirt inside the evaporative pads that surround the unit or because the belt has cracked or slipped.

Why Is My Swamp Cooler Not Cooling My Room?

The first thing to look at if your cooling unit is not producing enough cold air is your water system. Check that your unit has adequate water in it, then make sure the water pump is working properly and that the distributor is not clogged.

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