Best Way to Run AC - http://www.hvacmechanic.com/ Forums
Original message
| amy
 |  "Best Way to Run AC"
, posted Mon 7 Jun 14:28  
Can anyone tell me the best way to run your home central air unit - I've heard conflicting information. Some say to only run it when your home ... others have said to run it all day but with the temp set a little higher (say 75 or so) and that by doing it that way your unit doesn't work as hard to cool down your home, thus saving you money? However, only running it when you're home seems the most economical to me?
Any suggestions?
Amy
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Replies:
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| philipp10
| "Re(1):Best Way to Run AC" , posted Thu 10 Jun 09:59
Amy, If your not home all day, shut off the AC. The cost of running AC (or heat) is in trying to keep a temperature differential between the inside and outside multiplied by the time of the temperature differential. The larger the differential (and the longer the time of the differential), the larger the cost. Simple as that. If your concerned about humidity, keep the windows closed. When you get home crank up the AC. The little bit of humidity that has infilterated during the day will be quickly removed.
When you get home, yes, the unit will run for a long time, however, it will still not add up to the amount of time it would have ran if set low all day.
phil
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| TechMaster
| "Re(1):Best Way to Run AC" , posted Mon 7 Jun 16:16
During warm weather you should leave it on. Just set it higher, like 80 degrees when you're not home. It's just easier for the unit to pick up from 80 rather then something higher, plus it will keep the humidity level down also.
Keep Cool!
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| | xenos
Webmaster 
| "Re(2):Best Way to Run AC" , posted Mon 7 Jun 19:26
I agree however, I feel 80 is a bit high for me anyway.
Xenos.
The best way to escape a problem is to solve it.
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| | TexasTech
| "Re(3):Best Way to Run AC" , posted Mon 7 Jun 22:28:
Running a unit does not make it "work harder". The worst thing you can do to your compressor is start it. That is when lubrication is at it's lowest and amp draw is at it's highest. This is why it is not advisable to have an oversized unit because it cycles on and off too often which does wear it out.
You can save some money by setting the stat higher but I wouldn't. You can save money on the a/c bill but overheat the refrigerator for example. Just set the stat where you are comfortable and forget about it would be my advice.
[this message was edited by TexasTech on Mon 7 Jun 22:29] |
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