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Distinguished local air conditioning company owners “Go Green” at their La Quinta residence

By Caroline Covington

Over three decades as owner of Breeze Air Conditioning, Joe Coker has remained on the cutting edge of innovation when designing cooling and heating needs for his company’s clients.

Tapping into his passion for sheet metal work and his knowledge of HVAC, Joe built a personal prototype solar structure utilizing Lennox’s SunSource Home Energy Heat Pump System at his 3,800-sq.-ft. La Quinta residence. The test project provided answers to his own questions on cost, energy savings and payback viability of today’s most advanced solar-assisted cooling systems.

To house the system’s solar panels, Coker had specific considerations important not only to him, but also to his neighbors and homeowners association. With this in mind, he collaborated with Nate Otto, owner of Hot Purple Energy, a prominent solar panel company; architect Chris McFadden, a leader in green design; and Ed Neumeyer, owner of White Steel, a local steel fabrication company. The team designed an open-roof support structure large enough to accommodate 12 to 14 solar panels and deep enough to conceal them from view, yet still allowing them to tilt toward the sun. A decorative roof cover for the backyard barbecue area maximized the system’s efficiency while preserving the view of the Santa Rosa Mountains.

The structure’s two columns were wrapped in stone to blend with the surroundings and a fiberglass grating was integrated into the roof to satisfy the homeowners association’s requirement for a nonenclosed roof. The sheet metal fabrication division of Breeze Air Conditioning wrapped the steel frame using a beautiful battenseam metal product that is virtually maintenance free.

The results were stunning — with a 25 percent savings realized on the first power bill.

“The SunSource unit can run all day off the solar panels without using power from the utility provider,” explains Coker, who has worked with the Lennox Company for 35 years. “When air-conditioning demands have been met, the solar panels are sending power back to the house to power lighting, appliances, and other electronics in the home. Average monthly savings on electricity bills range from 25 to 50 percent, depending on the utility provider.”

In warmer climates, up to 75 percent of the utility bills belong to air conditioning, Coker says. Moreover, as much as 30 percent of the cost of solar modules (including installation) may be offset by government tax credits. The package also qualifies for an additional $1,500.00 tax credit under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act. The credits, in addition to utility savings, help the system pay for itself over a short period of time. Thus, Lennox SunSource System provides an affordable solution for customers who are not candidates ready for a 100 percent solar installation.

Having experienced the benefits of “Going Green” firsthand, the Cokers are enthusiastic about sharing their knowledge with their established customer base. For a complimentary consultation on solar-assisted cooling systems, contact Breeze Air Conditioning today.

Breeze Air Conditioning, Inc.
75145 St. Charles Plance, Palm Desert, CA 92211
Seven-Day Service Line: 760-346-0855
Breezeair@DC.RR.com • www.BreezeAC.com