A commercial building depends on strong and steady cooling to keep workers, customers, and equipment comfortable. During this rooftop cooling project in the Las Vegas Valley, the Fast Affordable Air team inspected an older evaporative cooler that showed several signs of wear.
Many people call every rooftop cooling unit an air conditioner. However, the equipment in these pictures is an evaporative cooler, also known as a swamp cooler. Instead of using refrigerant like a central AC, it pulls hot outside air through wet cooling pads. Water removes some of the heat before a large fan pushes the cooler air into the building.
This type of Heating and Cooling equipment can work well in the dry Nevada climate. It still needs regular cleaning, water flow, strong airflow, and working electrical parts. When dirt, hard-water scale, rust, or worn parts build up, cooling performance can drop quickly.
Inspecting the Commercial Rooftop Cooling Equipment
The first pictures show several cooling units installed across a large commercial roof. The main unit had staining, rust, and wear around the bottom of the cabinet. These signs can point to years of water exposure and mineral buildup.
The side panels were checked for damage and then removed so the internal parts could be inspected. Before opening this kind of HVAC equipment, power should be shut off at the disconnect. A disconnect is the safety switch mounted near the unit. It allows the technician to stop electrical power before touching the motor, pump, belt, or wiring.
A careful rooftop inspection also includes checking the roof around the cooler. Water leaks, loose panels, sharp metal, and rusted cabinet sections can damage the roof or allow water to enter the building.
Checking the Blower Wheel and Belt Drive
Inside the cabinet is a large round blower wheel. The blower wheel works like a powerful fan. It pulls air through the wet media and sends the cooled air into the duct system.
The pictures show dust and surface wear on the blower assembly. Dirt on a blower wheel can reduce airflow and make the motor work harder. The wheel should be cleaned and checked for cracks, loose parts, or wobbling while it turns.
This cooler uses a belt to connect the motor to the blower. The belt transfers the motor’s power to the large fan wheel. During the repair inspection, the technician checks the belt for the following problems.
- Cracks or worn edges
- A loose fit
- Too much tension
- Oil or dirt on the belt
- Pulleys that do not line up correctly
A loose belt may slip and cause weak airflow. A belt that is too tight can place extra pressure on the motor and blower bearings. Bearings are small parts that help the blower shaft turn smoothly.
Inspecting the Evaporative Cooler Motor
The motor shown in the pictures is covered with dust. It drives the belt and blower wheel whenever the cooler is running.
The motor should be cleaned and tested for proper voltage and amp draw. Amp draw means the amount of electrical current the motor uses while running. A reading that is too high can be a warning that the motor is overheating, the belt is too tight, or the blower is difficult to turn.
The motor mount, wiring, pulley, and electrical connections should also be checked. Loose wiring can create heat and damage other components. A loose motor mount may cause shaking, noise, or uneven belt wear.
Checking the Water Pump and Reservoir
An evaporative cooler needs a steady supply of water. The small pump shown inside the unit sends water from the bottom reservoir to the top of the cooling pads.
The reservoir area appears dirty and contains hard-water deposits. Las Vegas water can leave minerals behind as water dries. Over time, this scale can block the pump, water tubes, and distribution tray.
The correct service procedure includes removing loose debris, flushing the bottom pan, checking the pump screen, and testing the water flow. The float valve should also be inspected. A float valve works like the part inside a toilet tank. It opens when the water level is low and closes when the pan is full.
If the pump cannot move enough water, parts of the cooling media may stay dry. Hot air can then pass through those dry areas without being cooled.
Damaged and Clogged Cooling Media
One of the clearest problems in the photos is the condition of the cooling media. The media is the thick pad that absorbs water while outside air passes through it.
The visible material is heavily clogged, bent, and pulled away from its normal position. Dust, minerals, plant material, and other debris can block the small air passages. This makes it harder for the blower to pull air into the unit.
Badly damaged media should be replaced with the correct size and type. New media must fit tightly inside the frame so hot air cannot travel around the edges. After installation, water should spread evenly across the entire pad.
Clean and evenly wet media can provide several benefits.
- Stronger airflow inside the building
- Better cooling during dry weather
- Less strain on the blower motor
- Lower electricity use
- Fewer dusty or musty smells
Rust and Cabinet Damage
The lower edges of the cooler cabinet show rust and surface damage. This area holds water, so small leaks or standing water can slowly eat through the metal.
Loose rust should be removed so the technician can see how much solid metal remains. Small areas may be cleaned, sealed, and protected with a coating made for wet HVAC equipment. Severe rust may require a new pan, new cabinet section, or complete equipment replacement.
The removed panels and debris around the unit also show why careful cleanup matters. Screws, rust flakes, and sharp metal should not be left on a commercial roof. They can damage the roofing surface or wash into a roof drain.
Testing the Cooling System After Service
After cleaning and repairs, the cooler should be tested with the access panels secured. The technician checks the motor, pump, blower speed, belt movement, water level, and airflow.
Air temperature readings can be taken before and after the cooler. These readings help show how much heat the system removes. The technician should also listen for squealing, scraping, or shaking that could point to belt, pulley, bearing, or blower problems.
Fast Affordable Air provides air conditioning repair in Las Vegas for residential and commercial cooling systems. Regular AC maintenance can help find dirty components, weak motors, water problems, and airflow restrictions before the equipment stops working during hot weather.
The company serves businesses and property owners throughout its Las Vegas Valley service area, including Las Vegas, Henderson, North Las Vegas, and nearby parts of Clark County.
Visible Repair Priorities From This Project
- Clean and inspect the blower wheel
- Test the motor and electrical connections
- Check belt tension and pulley alignment
- Flush the water reservoir and distribution system
- Test the evaporative cooler pump and float valve
- Replace damaged or badly clogged cooling media
- Repair or protect rusted cabinet sections
- Check the roof for water leaks and loose debris
- Measure airflow and cooling performance
