What Is an Evaporative Cooler Cover?
2 min read
Open intakes let cold air, rain, and pests in all winter. A cover seals the cabinet from the outside — but only after you drain and dry the unit.
Problem: Open Intakes All Winter
Evaporative coolers need large intake panels to pull air through wet pads in summer. When the unit is off, those same openings become a straight path for cold outdoor air, rain, dust, and nesting pests. A tarp thrown over the top usually leaves side gaps — a fitted cover wraps the outside cabinet and closes every intake path.
Solution: Match Cover Profile to Your Unit
Wrong type = gaps even when the size looks close. Identify your cooler first.
- Side draft — tall cover; side louvers must be fully wrapped
- Down draft — wide, low profile; top deck is the intake to seal
- Rooftop — reinforced top + tie-downs; water must drain off, not into the curb
- Window — frame-width fit; blocks the window opening from drafting
Common Mistakes
- Running the cooler with the cover on → overheating and motor damage
- Covering a unit that still has water in the pan → rust and mold under the fabric
- Using a down-draft cover on a side-draft unit → side intakes stay open