US20080104980A1

US20080104980A1 - Misting system for air conditioning compressor

Info

Publication number: US20080104980A1
Application number: US11/556,734
Authority: US
Inventors: Keith A. Payton
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2006-11-06
Filing date: 2006-11-06
Publication date: 2008-05-08

Abstract

A misting evaporative cooling system for residential air-conditioner condensers utilizes automatic controls on the misting system to maximize air-conditioner efficiency and minimize wasted water. A low-cost do-it-yourself kit is provided that includes stainless tubing, misting nozzles, tubing support rods, an outdoor thermostat, an electronic water valve, with dimensions suitable for many residential air-conditioner condensers. The outdoor thermostat and indoor air-conditioner thermostat cooperate to control the electronic water valve for maximum air-conditioner efficiency based on variables, such as humidity and ambient temperature, found in locations of use.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to air conditioning systems and, more particularly, to a misting system for air-conditioning compressors.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Misting or water spraying systems that direct mist or fluid onto the condenser of an air conditioner are well known. However, the inventor of the present invention has found that under certain conditions such systems may actually decrease the efficiency of a residential air conditioner. In light of this, the inventor believes it would be desirable to control the misting and/or spraying of a system to maximize the efficiency of the residential air-conditioner. Moreover, the inventor believes the improved air-conditioner efficiency will also conserve water and electricity, and avoid unnecessary pooling/wasting of water around the residential air-conditioner condenser.
The following prior art discloses patents that attempt to solve the above problem and/or related problems:
U.S. Pat. No. 7,051,548, issued May 30, 2006, to Pruitt, discloses a process and the required apparatus for air conditioning the interior of a structure located within a harsh desert like exterior environment. The air conditioning system is particularly effective at times when the exterior temperature is in excess of approximately 90 to 95 degrees Fahrenheit, and the exterior relative humidity is less than approximately 35 to 40 percent. A tube and shell heat exchanger wherein the shell side is wet and the tube side is dry is employed to air condition the interior of the structure. In the operation of the air conditioner, a mass of distributed water, for example, a spray, is established on the wet shell side, and a flow of ambient air is passed through the wet shell side to form a resulting stream of moist air. A flow of ambient air is passed through the dry tube side and a resulting stream of dry cooled air is recovered. The streams of moist and cooled air are combined and the resulting stream of combined air is discharged into the exterior of the structure. The structure is not hermetically sealed so there is little or no pressure difference between the interior of the structure and the surrounding environment. The system requires so little power that it can be operated on a battery system charged from an ambient energy source harvested by, for example, a small wind turbine or an array of conventional 30 volt 4 amp hour solar power cells. The water consumption rate is generally less then approximately 10 percent that of a conventional evaporative cooler. The humidity in the interior of the structure is generally no more than approximately 2 to 2.3 times that of the exterior environment.
U.S. Pat. No. 4,240,265, issued Dec. 23, 1980, to Faxon, discloses an apparatus for attachment to an air conditioner condenser for applying a mist of water or other liquid to the coils and fins of the condenser to improve the heat transfer capability of the condenser. The apparatus includes a spray nozzle, support structure for the spray nozzle, fluid conductors, a fluid valve member, a temperature sensing member, and a valve control member. The temperature sensing member, through the valve control member, causes the spray to operate only when certain predetermined temperature conditions exist. The temperature sensing member is positioned so that it, as well as the coils and fins of the condenser, receives water sprayed as a mist by the spray nozzle. Thus, the temperature conditions which exist in the coils and fins also exists in the temperature sensing member.
U.S. Pat. No. 4,170,117, issued Oct. 9, 1979, to Faxon, discloses an apparatus for attachment to an air conditioner condenser for applying a mist of water or other liquid to the coils and fins of the condenser to improve the heat transfer capability of the condenser. The apparatus includes a spray nozzle, support means for the spray nozzle, fluid conductors, a fluid valve member, temperature sensing means, and a valve control member. The temperature sensing means, through the valve control member, causes the spray to operate only when certain predetermined temperature conditions exist.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,605,052, issued Feb. 25, 1997, to Middleton et al, discloses a mist spray system for refrigeration condensers and includes a water spray nozzle centrally affixed to the condenser grill for spraying a circular pattern of water on the condenser when operating. A paddle pivotally suspended over the condenser exhaust is connected to a control arm that functions as a pinch valve controlling the flow of water to the nozzles when the paddle is activated by the flow of exhaust air. Water into the system is pressure controlled, and travels through ¼ inch plastic tubing to the nozzles which are adjustable.
U.S. Pat. No. 6,892,552, issued May 17, 2005, to Richman et al, discloses a system for evaporatively cooling the intake air for an air conditioning housing unit. The system includes a plurality of conduits connected to a fluid source, and nozzles configured to expel vapor into a perimeter of the housing unit.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,701,748, issued Dec. 30, 1997, to Phelps et al, discloses an evaporative cooling system externally mounted around an air cooled condenser to increase the rate of heat transfer. Spray cooling takes place in stages around succeeding portions of the condenser as determined by thermostats which respond to increasing condenser air discharge temperature.
U.S. Pat. No. 6,463,751, issued Oct. 15, 2002, to Teller, discloses a high efficiency whole house or building air conditioner utilizing condensate water dripped onto the condenser to subcool the heat exchange fluid in the condenser.
U.S. Pat. No. 6,761,039, issued Jul. 13, 2004, to Gray, discloses an air conditioner condensing coil cooling system comprising an evaporating unit inside a house having an evaporating coil for evaporating a refrigerant liquid and a condensing unit remote from the evaporating unit located outside the house having a condensing coil for cooling refrigerant gas into liquid refrigerant. A condensate collector included in the evaporating unit for collecting condensate that condenses on the evaporating coil. A drain line extending from the condensate collector out of the house is connected to a pump outside the house for drawing the condensate through the drain line. A manifold positioned adjacent the condensing coil connected to the pump for receiving condensate from the condensate collector through the drain line. The pump forcing condensate through spray holes in the manifold to provide a pressurized spray of condensate being applied onto the condensing coil.
U.S. Pat. No. 6,253,565, issued Jul. 3, 2001, to Arledge, discloses how the efficiency of home external condenser units is improved by cooling ambient air by a water mist, preferably formed about 12 inches away from the condenser unit. Mist-forming nozzles or heads are mounted on the condenser unit housing and coupled to a water supply (spigot) via a solenoid valve coupled to the thermostat control circuit for the condenser unit.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,311,747, issued May 17, 1994, to Pringle et al, discloses a sprinkler system for a condenser unit of an air conditioning system that comprises a flue with a temperature responsive valve assembly releasably mounted therein. The flue is mounted atop the protective grill for the system fan so as to channel a portion of the fan's cooling air flow for the condenser therethrough. A bellows senses temperature changes in this air flow and upon a selectable rise in temperature expands so as to urge the valve stem of a two-way poppet valve to a valve opening position. The open valve, connected to a water source, delivers water to an elongated fluid outlet line which is fastened along the grill surrounding the condenser unit. The elongated line comprises a plurality of segments connected by intermediate spray heads. The spray heads circumscribe the condenser with a cooling spray so as to reduce the temperature of the same.
The above patents do not address the problems described hereinbefore. In view of the above, there is a need for a better, more energy efficient evaporative cooling system for residential air-conditioner condensers. Those of skill in the art will appreciate the present invention, which addresses the above problems, and other significant problems, the solutions to which are discussed hereinafter.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

It is an objective of the present invention to provide an improved evaporative cooling system for residential air-conditioner condensers.
It is another objective of the present invention to increase the air-conditioner efficiency by effective control of a misting evaporative cooling system.
It is yet another objective of the present invention to reduce waste of water in a misting evaporative cooling system.
It is yet another objective of the present invention to provide a control for a misting evaporative cooling system responsive to factors such as, but not necessarily limited to, temperature and humidity.
It is yet another objective of the present invention to provide a low-cost, simplified system suited for do-it-yourself projects that provides most, if not all, of the benefits of a more sophisticated misting evaporative cooling system.
These and other objectives, features, and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the drawings, the descriptions given herein, and the appended claims. However, it will be understood that above-listed objectives of the invention and the brief description hereinafter is intended only as an aid in understanding aspects of the invention, is not intended to limit the invention in any way, and therefore does not form a comprehensive or restrictive list of objectives, and/or features, and/or advantages.
Accordingly, the present invention provides an evaporative cooling system for utilizing a local water supply to produce a water mist for a residential air-conditioner. The residential air-conditioner may typically comprise an indoor ambient temperature thermostat and an outdoor condenser. The indoor ambient temperature thermostat may be operable for controlling the outdoor condenser in response to an indoor ambient temperature. In one possible embodiment, the system may comprise a water valve for controlling water flow from the local water supply and water tubing connected to the water valve. The water tubing may be positioned adjacent the outdoor condenser and may typically substantially encircle the outdoor condenser. A plurality of misting nozzles are fluidly connected to the water tubing and oriented for directing mist onto the outdoor condenser.
An outdoor ambient temperature thermostat responsive to an outdoor ambient temperature is cooperatively connected with the indoor ambient temperature thermostat for controlling the water valve to increase air-conditioning system efficiency. In one possible embodiment, the outdoor ambient temperature thermostat is adjustable. The outdoor ambient temperature thermostat is operable to close the water valve when the outdoor ambient temperature is less than a predetermined temperature to avoid air-conditioning system inefficiencies.
The evaporative cooling system may further comprise tubing support members for supporting the plurality of misting nozzles at a selected offset distance from the outdoor condenser. In one embodiment, the misting nozzles are mounted at a height that is within a lower half of the outdoor condenser and are oriented to point upwardly towards the outdoor condenser. The evaporative cooling system may further comprise a mineral filter in fluid communication with the water valve. Conceivably, the evaporative cooling system might comprise other control elements such as, for example only, a humidity meter cooperatively connected to the outdoor ambient temperature thermostat for controlling the water valve. In one preferred embodiment, the outdoor ambient temperature thermostat, the indoor ambient temperature thermostat, and the water valve are electrically interconnected.
In another embodiment of the invention, a method is provided for making a kit for an evaporative cooling system to supply a water mist for a residential air-conditioner. The method may comprise steps such as, for example, providing an electrically operative water valve, providing the water tubing for connection to the water valve, providing a plurality of misting nozzles for the water tubing, and providing the outdoor ambient temperature thermostat operative for cooperation with the indoor ambient temperature thermostat to control the electrically operative water valve. The method may further comprise providing a predetermined set point for the outdoor ambient temperature thermostat. The predetermined set point may be based on a geographical location for use of the residential air-conditioner. The water tubing may be pre-shaped for use with the outdoor condenser.
Yet another embodiment of the invention might comprise a method for utilizing an evaporative cooling system to supply a water mist for a residential air-conditioner. The method may comprise steps such as, for example only, connecting a water valve to a water supply, fluidly connecting a plurality of misting nozzles to the water valve, positioning the plurality of misting nozzles in a configuration around the outdoor condenser, controlling the outdoor condenser in response to an indoor ambient temperature, and cooperatively interconnecting the indoor ambient temperature thermostat with an outdoor ambient temperature thermostat for controlling the water valve.
The method may further comprise determining a setting point for the outdoor ambient temperature thermostat below which mist directed toward the outdoor condenser reduces the efficiency of the residential air-conditioner. Other steps may comprise adjusting the outdoor ambient temperature thermostat to the setting point.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

For a further understanding of the nature and objects of the present invention, reference should be had to the following detailed description, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which like elements may be given the same or analogous reference numbers and wherein:

FIG. 1 is a schematic elevational view configuration in accord with one possible embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 2 is a side elevational view configuration of the present invention in accord with one possible embodiment.

FIG. 3 is an enlarged view, partially in cross section, of one possible type of nozzle that may be used with the invention in accord with one possible embodiment thereof.

While the present invention will be described in connection with presently preferred embodiments, it will be understood that it is not intended to limit the invention to those embodiments. On the contrary, it is intended to cover all alternatives, modifications, and equivalents included within the spirit of the invention.

GENERAL DESCRIPTION AND PREFERRED MODES FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

The misting system of the present invention is designed to improve residential air-conditioner efficiency during the hottest hours of the day when air-conditioning systems struggle due to very high ambient temperatures. The present invention dramatically improves air-conditioning system efficiency under these conditions. The result is a cooler house and/or lower electricity cost.
Referring initially to FIGS. 1 and 2, there is shown evaporative cooling system 10 that may be used to improve the efficiency of residential air conditioner condenser 12. Evaporative cooling system 10 is especially effective in increasing or boosting efficiency of residential air conditioner condenser 12 during the hottest days of the year. At these times, air-conditioning systems must normally work very hard and use significant energy to cool the house in light of high ambient temperatures. On the other hand, the system prevents inefficiencies caused by prior art misting and/or water spraying systems that occur if the ambient temperature drops below a certain level.
If the ambient temperature is high, the mist applied to air-conditioner condenser 12 evaporates quickly to produce additional cooling. This increases the efficiency of air-conditioner condenser 12. However, if the ambient temperature drops below the predetermined temperature, any mist or water applied to air-conditioner condenser 12 can greatly reduce the efficiency of residential air-conditioner condenser coil 12. This is because unless the water can evaporate quickly, the water will coat or cover the condenser coils and actually hold or restrict the flow of heat energy out of the condenser coil. In other words, without the coating of water, the heat would otherwise dissipate more easily to the air that flows across the condenser.
During lower ambient temperature conditions, continuous use of misting water on the air-conditioner condenser can also result in run-off that may pool and/or waste water. Therefore, in accord with the present invention, outdoor thermostat 20 may be utilized to prevent inefficient operation of air-conditioner condenser 12 with lower ambient temperatures, water waste, and puddling around the condenser unit.
Although the predetermined temperature may change depending mainly on the geographical location of residential air-conditioner condenser 12, the inventor has determined through testing that approximately 85° Fahrenheit ambient temperature is the minimum effective temperature in humid coastal areas, such as Houston, Tex., for evaporative cooling. As humidity decreases generally with movement away from coastal regions, evaporative cooling becomes more efficient, and the predetermined temperature setting may be decreased. Therefore, in accord with one embodiment of the present invention, external thermostat 20 is adjustable. However, to reduce costs and/or further simplify the system, external thermostat 20 could also be either pre-set or a non-adjustable thermostat. External thermostat 20 is preferably located outside of the air-conditioning unit and away from direct sunlight. Measuring only air temperature coming from the condenser coils and/or the temperature of the condenser coils, can result in poor efficiency of the entire air-conditioning system under the conditions discussed above. External thermostat 20 provides a simple and inexpensive means for significantly improving the efficiency of evaporative cooling system 10.
A review of the embodiment of evaporative cooling system 10 as shown in FIG. 1, the overall design of evaporative cooling system 10 may be kept relatively simple. In this embodiment, evaporative cooling system 10 is very reliable, and may be made inexpensively. Moreover, evaporative cooling system 10 of this embodiment is suitable for do-it-yourself projects in a kit configuration. The average cost is likely to be the same or less than the cost of other improvements to create a cooler house, such as using solar screens, attic fans, attic insulation, and the like. The evaporative cooling system 10 may be installed quickly and operates automatically. Evaporative cooling system 10 minimizes water use and does not result in pooling the water around residential air conditioner condenser 12.
Evaporative cooling system 10 uses, in this example, 24 Volt water valve 14, that is thermostatically controlled to turn on or off depending on a temperature and indoor thermostat 16. In this example, indoor thermostat 16 sends a 24 V signal to relay 18 of air conditioner condenser 12 to turn air-conditioner condenser 12 on and off. The 24 V signal is directed to outdoor thermostat 20. Outdoor thermostat 20 measures ambient air temperature and may be positioned adjacent 24 V water valve 14, out of direct sunlight. Outdoor thermostat 20 may preferably be positioned far enough from residential air-conditioner condenser 12 to enable it to measure outdoor ambient temperature. If ambient temperature is above a predetermined temperature, then outdoor thermostat 20 allows 24 V water valve 14 to turn on and supply water to the misting nozzles, such as one or more misting nozzles 22. When the ambient temperature is below the pre-determined temperature, outdoor thermostat 20 prevents the supply of water to the misting nozzles. While 24 V water valve 14 and outdoor thermostat 20 are provided as examples of possible control elements in accord with the present invention, it will be understood that other control elements may also be utilized.
When sold as an inexpensive kit, evaporative cooling system 10 may come with instructions to set an external thermostat 20 based on usage and testing for a particular region or location. In another embodiment, humidity meter and/or processor 40 may be programmed to determine automatically the cut off ambient temperature below which misting nozzles 22 are shut off. This feature is generally more expensive, but could be utilized if desired. It will also be appreciated that the cut off ambient temperature will be affected by the fineness of the mist and/or the temperature of the water used to create the mist. Thus, temperature of the water might also be measured and utilized with humidity meters/processor 40. Furthermore, the use of too many misting nozzles 22 may cause an overload of water mist being applied to residential air-conditioner condenser 12. In a more complex system, the number of misting nozzles 22 may also be controlled, such as with processor 40. Alternatively, water valve 14 may be variably controlled by processor 40 to produce a desired volume of mist that varies with measured variables such as humidity, ambient temperature, water temperature, water pressure, and the like. Other conceivable variations might include one or more fans, fixed and/or movable covers, and the like. Thus, while the present simplified and inexpensive system has been found to be very effective in climates such as Houston, Tex., many additional variations could conceivably be utilized to control the misting operation so as to maximize the air-conditioner efficiency in other climates as well.
As well, it will be appreciated that systems that simply spray water onto the condenser may have a significantly different cut off temperature and may be more likely to cause system inefficiencies and wasted water in the form of puddling around the air conditioner. When misting is used in accord with the present invention, the mist dissipates quickly and is unlikely to create any significant pooling of water, and most likely no pooling of water at all.
In evaporative cooling system 10 shown in FIG. 1, 10 ultra fine and misting nozzles 22 are illustrated. It will be understood that more or fewer misting nozzles 22 may be utilized, but it has been found through testing that for many configurations of residential air-conditioner condenser 12, this is a suitable number of misting nozzles 22. In one possible embodiment, the misting nozzles are mounted to ⅜″ diameter stainless tubing 24. In kit form, stainless tubing 24 may be preformed with three right angles as illustrated. Tubing loop diameter 26 may be predetermined to be approximately 39.5 inches as is suitable for many residential air-conditioner condensers. It will be understood that other types of tubing may be utilized such as plastic and/or flexible tubing. The tubing surrounds residential air-conditioner condenser 12 and sprays a uniform cloud mist around the entire condenser. The mist is pulled across the condenser fins and evaporates, dramatically cooling the service area of the condenser, which results in cooler indoor temperature produced by the air-conditioner.
Various types of misting nozzles 22 may be utilized. In one preferred embodiment, the mist produced is extra fine and the nozzle is sometimes referred to as a RED mist nozzle. In this embodiment, misting nozzles 22 each spray 0.0119 gallons per minute of water at 43 pounds per square inch of pressure. If misting nozzles with different outputs are utilized, then the cut-off temperature may need to be changed accordingly. In this embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, female NPT fitting 30 may be welded to ⅜″ tubing 24 at a suitable angle 28. For instance, angle 28 may be 45°. Nozzle 22 may be provided with a corresponding ⅛″ male NPT thread. It will be appreciated that other means may be utilized for connecting misting nozzles 22 with various types of tubing 24, such as stainless tubing or other types of tubing. In this embodiment, there are 10 ultra fine misting nozzles 22 that each spray with a 115° spray angle. Nozzles 22 may be mounted at a 45° angle in ⅜″ stainless steel tubing 24.
In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 2, tubing 24 is mounted on tubing support rods 34. In addition, in this embodiment, rods 34 hold stainless steel tubing 24 away from residential air-conditioner condenser 12 with a tubing standoff 32 of about 5 inches. In this embodiment, rods 34 have a height sufficient to lift stainless steel tubing 24 approximately 10 inches from the base of residential air-conditioner condenser 12 as indicated at tubing height 36. In this manner, tubing 24 surrounds residential air-conditioner condenser 12 and sprays a uniform cloud mist around the entire condenser. It will be appreciated that other mounting means and/or different offset distances may be used in mounting or supporting tubing 24 instead of tubing support rods 34 and the specific dimensions or distances shown.
It will be appreciated that tubing support rods 34 may be of many different varieties. Tubing support rods 34 may comprise a fencelike structure, or the like, that can be relatively easily mounted around residential air-conditioner condenser 12 so as to be sturdy and to reliably support a tubing 24. Alternatively, tubing 24 might be mounted directly to residential air-conditioner condenser 12 and include standoffs, such as 5-inch standoffs, for each nozzle.
In one possible embodiment of the invention, mineral filter 38 may be utilized to prevent mineral buildup in misting nozzles 22 and residential air-conditioner condenser 12.
In summary, an evaporative cooling system can improve the efficiency of residential air-conditioner condensers, such as residential air-conditioner condenser 12. Evaporative cooling systems can utilize water valve 14 and outdoor thermostat 22 to turn on or off misting nozzles 22 based on ambient temperature. Indoor thermostat 16 controls operation of residential air-conditioner condenser 12 and when ambient temperature is above a predetermined temperature, then thermostat 22 opens water valve 14 to turn on misting nozzles 22. When ambient temperature is above the predetermined temperature, the mist is produced and pulled across residential air-conditioner condenser 12, wherein the misting water evaporates, dramatically cooling the surface area of the condenser, which results in cooler indoor temperature produced by the air-conditioner. Depending on humidity and ambient temperature, misting nozzles 22 are shut off below a predetermined temperature. Below the predetermined temperature, the misting system will actually reduce air-conditioner efficiency if it is operating, because the water will not evaporate quickly enough. In this case, the water will stay along the condenser coil and slow the dissipation of heat into the air.
Because many varying and different embodiments may be made within the scope of the inventive concept(s) herein taught, and because many modifications may be made in the embodiment herein detailed in accordance with the descriptive requirements of the law, it is to be understood that the details herein are to be interpreted as illustrative of a presently preferred embodiment and not in a limiting sense.

Claims

1. An evaporative cooling system for utilizing a local water supply to produce mist for a residential air-conditioner, said residential air-conditioner comprising at least one indoor ambient temperature thermostat and an outdoor condenser, said at least one indoor ambient temperature thermostat being operable for controlling said outdoor condenser in response to an indoor ambient temperature, said system comprising:

at least one water valve for controlling water flow from said local water supply;

at least one water tubing connected to said at least one water valve, said at least one water tubing being positioned adjacent said outdoor condenser;

a plurality of misting nozzles fluidly connected to said at least one water tubing, said plurality of misting nozzles being oriented for directing mist onto said outdoor condenser; and

at least one outdoor ambient temperature thermostat responsive to an outdoor ambient temperature, said at least one outdoor ambient temperature thermostat and said at least one indoor ambient temperature thermostat being cooperatively connected for controlling said at least one water valve.

2. The evaporative cooling system of claim 1, wherein said at least one outdoor ambient temperature thermostat is adjustable.

3. The evaporative cooling system of claim 1, wherein said at least one outdoor ambient temperature thermostat is operable to close said at least one water valve when said outdoor ambient temperature is less than a predetermined temperature.

4. The evaporative cooling system of claim 1, further comprising at least one tubing support for supporting said plurality of misting nozzles at a selected offset distance from said outdoor condenser.

5. The evaporative cooling system of claim 4, wherein said misting nozzles are mounted at a height that is within a lower half of said outdoor condenser and are oriented to point upwardly towards said outdoor condenser.

6. The evaporative cooling system of claim 1, further comprising a mineral filter in fluid communication with said at least one water valve.

7. The evaporative cooling system of claim 1, further comprising a humidity meter cooperatively connected to said outdoor ambient temperature thermostat for controlling said at least one water valve.

8. The evaporative cooling system of claim 1, wherein said at least one outdoor ambient temperature thermostat, said at least one indoor ambient temperature thermostat, and said at least one water valve are electrically interconnected.

9. A method for making a kit for an evaporative cooling system to supply mist for a residential air-conditioner, said residential air-conditioner comprising at least one indoor ambient temperature thermostat and an outdoor condenser, said at least one indoor ambient temperature thermostat being operable for controlling said outdoor condenser in response to an indoor ambient temperature, said method comprising:

providing an electrically operative water valve;

providing at least one water tubing for connection to said water valve;

providing a plurality of misting nozzles for said at least one water tubing; and

providing at least one outdoor ambient temperature thermostat operative for cooperation with said at least one indoor ambient temperature thermostat to control said electrically operative water valve.

10. The method of claim 9, further comprising providing a predetermined set point for said at least one outdoor ambient temperature thermostat.

11. The method of claim 10, wherein said predetermined set point is based on a geographical location for use of said residential air-conditioner.

12. The method of claim 9, wherein said at least one water tubing is pre-shaped for use with said outdoor condenser.

13. The method of claim 9, further comprising providing supports to hold said plurality of misting nozzles at a selected offset distance from said outdoor condenser.

14. A method for utilizing an evaporative cooling system to supply a water mist for a residential air-conditioner, said residential air-conditioner comprising at least one indoor ambient temperature thermostat and an outdoor condenser, said method comprising:

connecting a water valve to a water supply;

fluidly connecting a plurality of misting nozzles to said water valve;

positioning said plurality of misting nozzles in a configuration around said outdoor condenser;

controlling said outdoor condenser in response to an indoor ambient temperature; and

cooperatively interconnecting said at least one indoor ambient temperature thermostat with an outdoor ambient temperature thermostat for controlling said water valve.

15. The method of claim 14, further comprising determining a setting point for said outdoor ambient temperature thermostat below which mist directed toward said outdoor condenser reduces efficiency of said residential air-conditioner.

16. The method of claim 15, further comprising adjusting said outdoor ambient temperature thermostat to said setting point.

17. The method of claim 14, wherein said step of positioning further comprises providing an offset distance between said outdoor condenser and said plurality of misting nozzles.