Has anyone tried Cool-n-Save?

[Lisa0825]

Sounds interesting....

http://www.coolnsave.com/

Promo code 10% off: greenst (not sure how long it is valid, but it worked yesterday)

[elizfeelinggreat]

1. Thank you for this link

it looks very interesting!

Please post if you find out anything else about it.

[Lisa0825]

2. I ordered it last week. I got the confirmation that it was shipped today.

and none too soon! We have heat indexes of up to 112 this week! I hope it gets here manana!

[marybourg]

3. Sounds like a cross between an evaporative cooler and a misting system..

A real evaporative cooler works o.k. in low humidity. Do you use them in Texas? I've had one in AZ and in NM, but useful only in low humidity and not-too-hot weather. Another problem with blowing water around is calcium deposits. How good can that be for your a.c. unit?: shrug:

[Lisa0825]

4. Can't use evap coolers down here.

I am on the coast and it is way too humid. The misting unit has a filter on it, so I wonder if that is to prevent the calcium problem?

After one full day of us, it has not changed (lowered) the high temp that the house gets to (regardless of the thermostat setting) when the outside temp goes beyond 90. But we shall see next month if perhaps the unit doesn't have to work as hard to get the temp back down.

It won't be an entirely scientific study, however. I was not patient enough to change one variable at a time. I was at the grocery store in the seasonal section and saw a cheap lawn canopy, so I bought it and installed that too. So now my AC unit has water and shade. :)

[marybourg]

5. I think the shade is a good idea, the mist maybe not so much.

Keep cool!

[Lisa0825]

6. Tulane did a study on the system...

http://www.coolnsave.com/index.php/Scientific-Analysis-of-Cool-N-Save.html

I don't really care if I get back the money I have spent. I spent $25 on the shade and $100 on the mister. If they both only shave off a few degrees combined, it may at least make my house a little more comfortable during peak hours. I REALLY need insulation, but that is an expense I could not afford this season, as my job was very iffy.

Once I feel secure in my job, insulation and then new windows are next. The insulation will likely pay for itself in a moderate amount of time. The windows will be expensive, but they will give the added benefits of looking better and giving more home security. So it's all good.

[marybourg]

7. I think there are tax rebates on both insulation and windows

this year and next.

[Lisa0825]

8. yeah, but first you have to be able to afford the work! LOL nt

[robinlynne]

9. If you own your home, Obama has an insualtion Pprogram going on right now, part of

the stimulus package!!! Insulators (people insulating buildings) are working all across the country, it might be free for you, don't know. The idea was to create jobs and green the country at the same time.

[kristopher]

10. What color is your roof?

Home improvement stores sell paint for roofs (suitable for shingles and other roofing materials) that is light colored. This reflects a lot of heat and makes a big difference on interior temps - especially if you don't have much insulation.

[WhiteTara]

11. How did this work out for you last season?

I was interested when I read this thread, but this year my interest is personal as we have an ac system.

I had an energy audit and the thing the guy told me was most important was to make sure there was no air escaping anywhere in the returns or in the box holding the system. I got a specific silicone for ac/heat systems. It took one tube for each return and then more for the box holding the unit. But, I'm still looking for ways to lower the energy bill and keep the house cooler. We're installing new blinds on the west side of the house and adding a sunsetter shade on the patio door. That alone should bring down the temp in the living room by 10 degrees!

Thanks for replies to this, even though the thread is a year old!

[supernova]

12. I'd like to know too

I wonder about my water, though. I have a well and the water is very heavy on minerals deposits. I can see that over time, minerals might build up over the fan housing.

[WhiteTara]

13. my water does too, but

I have a whole house water filter that I would run the water through.

[supernova]

14. Do you mind if I ask

what kind of whole house filter system you have and how much did it cost?

I'm considering getting one after I replace the last of my 60 yo plumbing.

[WhiteTara]

15. We bought American Plumber

I paid $165 for the system and the installation. However, if you are the least bit clever, you can install the thing yourself and buy the filter housing for about $50. The filter costs $22 on line and if you spend (I think) $100 the shipping is free. So far, it seems that we go through a filter a month, so I ordered 6 filters (for the free shipping.) Depending on the water quality, you may need one more or less frequently. Perhaps if I weren't running garden hoses through it (I have a couple hooked up to the house) it would last longer. It is great! The water is clean and tasty.

If you have any other questions, let me know.

Now if we could find out if the Cool and Save works, we would be in high cotton!
peace out

[Lisa0825]

16. I don't think it made much difference, unfortunately.

My AC still couldn't keep up with the heat during July and August, and my bills stayed about the same. I was also trying putting up a sun shade (like a picnic tent) over the outdoor unit since it gets direct afternoon sun, but neither idea seemed to make a difference. Plus, even with the filter that comes with it, I started noticing white buildup on the exterior of the unit, and was afraid that would cause problems, so I took it off.

Wish I had better news!

[WhiteTara]

17. thanks for the update

even if wasn't what we wanted to hear.