How to Connect a Swamp Cooler to Existing Ductwork

Choose a location on your roof to install the swamp cooler. Usually, it is best to mount it so that there is easy access to the existing ductwork in the attic. Measure the exact location of your swamp cooler placement twice. You are going to be making a cut in your roof and you don't want to put it in the wrong place.

Mark out your cuts on the roof shingles with chalk. Check the measurements after you've chalked them in.

Cut out the opening for the ductwork portion of the swamp cooler, the electric wires and the water pipe.

Set the swamp cooler in position and secure it to the roof with wood screws or framing nails.

Caulk around the duct work on the outside of the roof. You'll have to caulk from the interior as well.

Attach the water piping to the swamp cooler unit. Put pipe thread tape on the pipe threads to assure a tight seal that will not leak. Run this pipe through the hole in the roof and then caulk around it to seal the roof.

Run the power cord through the hole in the ceiling. Pull it so there is no slack on the outside of the roof. Caulk this in place as well.

Attach flexible duct to the bottom of the swamp cooler from inside the attic. You'll want to work quickly as the attic will be very uncomfortable.

Run the flexible duct to an existing piece of interior home duct. This may involve adding a T joint. If this is necessary, install the T joint by cutting the existing piece of duct with tin snips and cobbling it together with duct tape.

Attach the piping in the attic to a cold water pipe. This may involve adding 90 degree pipe joiners and additional lengths of pipe depending on the placement of the water lines in your home. Every time you use a threaded joiner remember to place thread tape on the threads.

Run the power cord through the attic down into the fuse box. Attach the positive and negative line wires to the appropriate clips behind the fuse panel.