I have some experience with cool-n-save in Houston, TX.
I installed a cool-n-save mister on my 3 ton upper AC unit last May. I used it all summer and reduced my KWH usage by 31%:
2006 Apr - Oct KWH: 10510
2007 Apr - Oct KWH: 7187.
It saved me over $400 in electricity. The mister used about 1 gallon water per hour and I saw no increase in my water consumption in 2007 vs 2006.
HOWEVER: Even with the phosphate filter, there was much scale buildup on the condenser. I don't believe it would have come off easily. I did not have to clean my coil because it was replaced this winter. My Amana coil that was Mfg in 1999 was defective and was replaced under warranty. I lucked out.
I am NOT using the mister this cooling season. I have plans for a rainwater collection system and when built, I will be comfortable using rainwater on the coils. Timing for build will be next year...I am very busy with other projects this year.
|