Swap the swamp-cooler pads at an invited Toppenish home before the heat arrives (2026-07-19)

Many older homes in Toppenish cool with evaporative (swamp) coolers, and a cooler running on crusted, mineral-clogged pads barely cools while wasting water and power. Fresh pads before the first heat wave are a cheap, huge comfort difference for a household on a tight budget. Standard: ENERGY STAR home cooling maintenance guidance; SDG 7 (Affordable and Clean Energy). Proof: before/after pad photos plus the cooler running Method (ENERGY STAR home cooling maintenance guidance; SDG 7 (Affordable and Clean Energy).): 1. Confirm the host's invitation and switch off and unplug the cooler before opening it. 2. Remove the old pads and scrape loose scale from the pad frames. 3. Fit new pads cut to size, reseat the frames, and check the water lines and float for leaks. 4. Run the cooler on pump-only, confirm even pad wetting, then run the fan and confirm cool airflow. 5. Photograph the old pads, the new pads installed, and the running cooler, GPS-tagged and dated. Done when: before/after pad photos plus the cooler running

Where

Invited homes with ground-reachable coolers, Toppenish, WA 98948

Pay

$192 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 pad photos plus the cooler running

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

Level

entry

Open until

2026-08-19

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.