Evaporative coolers cool outdoor air by passing it over water-soaked pads, which can lower the air's temperature by 15-40 degrees. Evaporative coolers are installed as an alternative to air conditioners in low-humidity areas because they cost about 50% less to install and use about 25% of the energy. They do, however, require more frequent maintenance and windows must be partly opened to allow the warmer air indoors to escape as it is replaced by cooled air from the evaporative cooler. This also means that fresh air is constantly circulating in contrast to the recirculated air that is used in a central air conditioner.
Two stage evaporative coolers are often more efficient both as to energy and water usage, which is important in hotter, drier climates, and don't add as much humidity to the home as a single stage cooler would. In addition, choosing one with a vent-only option would allow the evaporative cooler to be used as a whole house fan during milder weather. (Energy Savers)
Estimate your potential to save energy and money by installing this product, please see the U.S. Department of Energy's Home Energy Saver calculator.
Evaporative Cooler
systems must meet the following specifications in order to be eligible
for HERO Financing.
Must be included on the Southern California Edison Qualified Product list.
Must be permanently installed through the wall or on the roof. Window installed
evaporative coolers are not eligible.
Must have separate ducting system - independent of the air conditioning and heating
duct system.
Can be single stage or two stage system that:
- Has UL recognized electrical components;
- Comes with a water quality management system that provides
positive removal of sump water on
a regular interval (a bleed system is not allowed);
- Have a single duct or multi ducted distribution system;
- Has either:
A multi-function manual
control switch, which offers high and low fan speed, pump on or
off and the unit control of on or off; or
A thermostat specifically
designed for evaporative coolers, which automatically controls the
unit operation based on the indoor temperature, fan speed, and pump operation. The
automatic thermostat must be mounted remotely from the cooler. Pressure relief dampers
are required.
This Eligible Product can be financed over a period of 5 or 10 years.