Installing a New Swamp Cooler Can Gain You Some Dough

You've heard the Xcel Energy commercials for some time, spreading the word about the $100 rebate you can receive by installing a new swamp cooler. So, are the claims legitimate, how involved is the process, and how long does it take to get your rebate?

As a matter of fact, yes, you will receive a $100 rebate when you install an approved energy efficient evaporative cooler. How do I know this? I just completed the process myself.

Okay, so how involved is the rebate process? Not very. I recently purchased a new swamp cooler, installed it, mailed in the rebate info, and received my $100 rebate check within a week.

What questions do they ask in the survey? Questions involved are very basic:

• Serial # of swamp cooler purchased
• Copy of the purchase receipt
• Date installed
• Location installed
• Whose name is on the Xcel account at that address
• Xcel Energy account # for the person making the purchase

That's about it. The rebate form was only one page long. Some of the info needed is provided by the salesperson at the store at the time of purchase.

So, what is Xcel Energy's motive for offering these rebates? Put simply, swamp coolers are far more energy efficient than refrigerated units. That's about it. According to Xcel Energy, "The Evaporative Cooling Rebate program makes purchasing a high-efficiency evaporative cooler more affordable. You'll increase your home's energy efficiency and stay cool and comfortable all summer long."