DENVER -- Helen Johnson said she has been sweating it out in her Denver home for six years now.

Johnson said the summers are unbearable when temperatures inside her home reach 85 degrees.

"I can't sleep, I can't cook, can't eat....can't do anything," said Johnson.

Johnson said her home has plenty of box fans but you can barely feel them. She said she often seeks refuge in her basement but going up and down the stairs is rough on her arthritis-stricken knees.

Johnson said she has always wanted to install a central cooling system but just couldn't afford it. Her landlord won't install one either. So every summer, she toughs it out. She said she often worried she would suffer a stroke while looking after 9-month-old grandson.

Johnson said one of her friends had a suggestion: call Sun Power.

Sun Power, Inc. provides free swamp coolers to people who qualify financially and have medical needs.

Johnson was told to fill out an application and once approved a swamp cooler was installed. Johnson said the process only took about three weeks.

Brenda Evangelista, with Sun Power, said there are plenty of free coolers still left for those who want one. She said they are funded through the City and County of Denver as well as Energy Outreach of Colorado. Evangelista said the coolers come with a three-year warranty and Sun Power turns them off in the winter for residents and back on for them in the summer. She said they run off the resident's water line and are energy efficient.

Johnson said she was thrilled to receive her new swamp cooler and called it a "blessing." When the unit turned on, Johnson said you could immediately feel the difference.

Sun Power, Inc. is currently taking applications for free coolers. You can reach the company by calling (303) 382-1514.