Evaporative Coolers

Use less energy to cool your home and get cash back.

As energy efficiency gains in popularity so do evaporative coolers, which can use up to 75 percent less electricity than central air conditioners to cool the same square footage. Evaporative coolers cool outdoor air by passing it over water-saturated pads, causing the water to evaporate into it. Cooler air is directed into your home, pushing the warmer air out! Because the technology is simpler, they can cost half as much to buy as a comparable air conditioner. And the best part is that you don't have to sacrifice any comfort. Your home will be cool and comfortable all summer long.

For portable evaporative coolers:

For permanently installed evaporative coolers:

Energy Saving Benefits

  • Use up to 75 percent less electricity to cool your home with an evaporative cooler than with a central air conditioner
  • Save money by dramatically decreasing your electricity use

Environmental Benefits

  • Avoid greenhouse gas emission by using less electricity to cool your home
  • Promote cleaner air through more efficient energy use

Getting Started

Prior to starting a project, find a contractor using the Washington Participating and Program Qualified Contractors list. Note that select incentives must be completed by a Program Qualified Contractor. Review the Incentive Application with your contractor to determine eligibility requirements, incentive qualifications and review the list of required documents to submit for an incentive.

Incentive Application and required documents must be received within 90 days of the purchase or completed installation. Incentive checks are issued within 45 days of receipt of the completed and approved Incentive Application. Incentives are not to exceed the purchase price of the equipment or service. Equipment and service work may be inspected for compliance. Incentives are subject to tariff approval and may change with 45 days notice. Additional terms and conditions may apply.

Visit our Frequently Asked Questions page for questions regarding contractors or how to receive your incentive.

Available Incentives

Equipment Purchases and Services
Customer Incentive
Contractor Incentive
Permanently installed evaporative cooler $150 $100
Portable evaporative cooler $100 N/A

Qualifications

Permanently installed evaporative coolers
  • Minimum of 3,500 CFM
  • Must be primary cooling source
  • Incentives are available for existing and new homes
  • Unit may be installed by customer or by a contractor (contractor installation is recommended). If a customer self-installs the equipment, the customer will receive only the $150 customer incentive
  • Incentive Application must be received within 90 days of purchase or installation

To find a Program Qualified Contractor please use our list of Washington Participating and Program Qualified Contractors (PDF).

Portable evaporative coolers
  • Minimum of 2,000 CFM
  • Evaporative cooler must be portable
  • Must be a new, first-time installation
  • Unit may be installed by customer or by a contractor
  • Incentive Application must be received within 90 days of purchase or installation

Please see Incentive Application for a list of required documentation and additional terms and conditions. Incentives are subject to Washington Utilities and Transportation Commission approval and may change with 45 days notice. Additional terms and conditions may apply.

Visit our Frequently Asked Questions page for questions regarding contractors or how to receive your incentive.