There are many types of swamp cooler pads: Aspen pads, Celdek pads, Seeley pads, and then those blue foam things from the department store. How do you know which type you need for your swamp cooler? We asked an HVAC tech the exact same thing.
Your swamp cooler type determines which pads you need
Swamp coolers (also called evaporative coolers) all work in a similar way. They use the evaporation process to cool and distribute air throughout your home. This is done by drawing the outdoor air through wetted pads. The water in the pads evaporates into the air, cooling it. A fan then distributes the air through the home. You need the pads in your swamp cooler to completely absorb the water so that no warm air sneaks in.
How swamp coolers differ is in the type of pads they require. Different styles and brands of coolers need different pads. Let’s start with what to get for a basic, standard swamp cooler.
What kind of pads do you need for a standard swamp cooler?
If you have a standard, run-of-the-mill swamp cooler, you probably have a Champion brand or something similar. These coolers need simple, inexpensive pads that can be bought at a home improvement store or from your local HVAC contractor (yeah, that’s us).
The best brand is Aspen. Aspen pads are the only ones that our technicians use because they work the best at absorbing the water. Better water absorption means cooler air for you! Make sure to replace your Aspen pads every year to maintain maximum coolness and avoid fish odors.
Pro tip: Avoid the blue pads you see at home improvement stores! They may be cheap, but they don’t absorb water well, meaning you lose cooling capacity (and you want every degree you can get!) They’re also prone to smelling bad over time. Aspen pads are also inexpensive, so it’s worth it to get them instead.
What kind of pads do you need for a Mastercool?
We’re big fans of Mastercool at TLC. One of the cool things about them (see what we did there?) is that they use specialty Celdek pads. They take evaporative cooling to a whole new level. Plus, they only need to be replaced every 3-5 years.
Pro tip: To make your Celdek pads last longer, install a water softener. If you live in a place with hard water (which is everywhere in New Mexico), you may need to replace the pads more frequently, even once a year, because of hard water buildup. A water softener extends the life of your pads as well as your Mastercool itself.
Curious about soft water for your home?
Download our free water softener guide
What kind of pads do you need for a Breezair or Convair?
Breezair and Convair (which are both Seeley brand coolers) are the best swamp coolers out there! They use new technology and are made with structural polymers so they cool better and last longer. They also use special pads that last longer than Aspen pads, around 3-5 years. And like Mastercool pads, the hardness of your water can shorten that replacement time significantly.
It’s important to note that, while aftermarket pads are cheaper than Seeley pads, using them voids the manufacturer’s warranty. Seeley offers an excellent warranty, so we suggest you keep it valid. Only use Seeley pads and get annual maintenance done. This should keep your warranty in good standing.
Join TLC’s Preventive Maintenance Program to keep your warranty in good standing (plus easy and stress-free!)
Pro tip: If you’re not quite ready to install a water softener, you might consider an inline filter for your swamp cooler. They work with any brand and are installed directly on the water line to filter out some of the minerals. An inline filter is not going to give you the same effect as softened water but it can be helpful in eliminating some of the buildup on your pads and swamp cooler.
A quick note on inline filters: Our HVAC technicians are not in agreement on this subject. Some of them like inline filters because they lessen the impact of hard water on your cooler. Others don’t like them because they have been known to clog up quickly, especially if your water is very hard. We suggest you discuss your specific situation with your HVAC technician to see if it’s worth a try.
Need help choosing or installing swamp cooler pads? No sweat! Our HVAC technicians are ready to help, no matter when. Just give us a call at 505-761-9644, or request an appointment online. If you have questions, you can Ask a Pro today.