Swap the swamp-cooler pads on an invited Lamont home before summer (2026-07-18)

Evaporative coolers are the valley's main defense against 105°F weeks, and a cooler running on crusted, scaled pads moves half the air at double the water. A pre-season pad swap and clean is a one-hour job that returns the machine to its design performance. Standard: DOE evaporative-cooler maintenance guidance. LBC Energy petal, SDG 7. Proof: before/after unit photos + old-pad photo + dated log Method (DOE evaporative-cooler maintenance guidance. LBC Energy petal, SDG 7.): 1. With the occupant, power off the unit at the disconnect and shut its water line; photograph as found. 2. Remove the panels and old pads; rinse scale and sediment from the pan and check the pump screen. 3. Fit correctly sized new pads, reassemble, restore water, and confirm even pad wetting. 4. Photograph the finished unit and old pads; log the pad size and date for the next swap. Done when: before/after unit photos + old-pad photo + dated log

Where

Occupant-invited homes with ground/window-level units, Lamont & Arvin, Lamont, CA 93241

Pay

$55 proposed

This packet is not funded yet, so this figure is a proposed price and not money waiting in escrow. If a buyer funds it, approved proof settles that price onchain. If nobody funds it, approved proof earns provable credit toward the work instead of cash. You see which before you claim, never after.

Proof

before/after unit photos + old-pad photo + dated log

This is exactly what gets it approved. Nothing settles without it.

Level

intermediate

Open until

2026-08-17

How this work is done

A documented method, so this packet comes out the same whoever does it. Typically 60–120 minutes. Method of record: ASHRAE Level 1 energy audit

Bring

• tablet/clipboard
• tape measure
• light meter (lighting scope)
• clamp thermometer (refrigeration scope)
• 12-month utility bills
• camera
• ladder + spotter (high fixtures)

Steps

1. 1. Confirm the address; arrange a staff escort for mechanical/back-of-house.
2. 2. Photograph HVAC, lighting, envelope, and any in-scope systems.
3. 3. Inventory systems: HVAC type + age; lighting fixture count/type/wattage; refrigeration units; envelope condition.
4. 4. Summarize 12 months of utility use (kWh / therms) from the bills.
5. 5. Take the in-scope measurements (light levels, unit temperatures, seal condition).
6. 6. Rank no-cost/low-cost measures, then capital measures, with rough savings logic.
7. 7. Enter inventory, measurements, utility summary, photos, and the ranked measure list; sign.

If it does not match the plan

• Knob-and-tube, ungrounded or overheated wiring, scorched outlets, or a hot electrical panel -> STOP: do not operate the circuit; route to a licensed electrician and restrict use (NEC / fire hazard).
• Gas odor, or a combustion appliance with absent/blocked venting (backdrafting / CO risk) -> STOP: evacuate, ventilate, call the gas utility. The agent escalates, never relights or adjusts gas.
• Any live-electrical/gas hazard -> document, do not touch, flag for a licensed pro.
• Refrigeration unit out of food-safe range -> flag as both energy and food-safety risk.
• Suspected asbestos/lead in materials -> flag and stop.

What counts as done

• System inventory complete for the in-scope equipment
• 12-month utility use summary recorded
• In-scope measurements recorded with units
• Ranked no-cost/low-cost + capital measure list produced

Proof is measured against these, not judged by taste.