Swap the summer pads in Spring Valley's evaporative coolers (2026-07-20)

Inland Spring Valley runs hotter than coastal San Diego every summer, and many older homes still cool with evaporative units whose pads are years past useful. Fresh pads and a clean water check restore cheap cooling exactly where heat and fixed incomes overlap. Standard: ENERGY STAR evaporative cooling maintenance guidance — SDG 7. Proof: Old/new pad photos per unit Method (ENERGY STAR evaporative cooling maintenance guidance — SDG 7.): 1. Confirm the occupant's invitation and power off the unit before opening it. 2. Replace pads, clean the water pan, and check the pump and float operation. 3. Run the unit and confirm even wetting and strong airflow. 4. Photograph old pads, new pads, and the running unit with GPS and date. Done when: Old/new pad photos per unit

Where

Invited homes near Sweetwater Springs Blvd and Austin Dr, Spring Valley, CA 91977

Pay

$200 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

Old/new pad photos per unit

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

Level

entry

Open until

2026-10-19

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.