Central AC energy question

disneysteve · #1 (**permalink**) 04-24-2007, 03:26 PM

I think I know the answer to this but wanted other opinions.

During the warm months, when it gets warm in the house, I usually turn down the thermostat by 1 or 2 degrees to get the AC running. Would it be more energy efficient to leave it set at the same temp but turn the fan on for a little while? I'm thinking that just getting some air movement would make us feel cooler without having to run the compressor. Does that make sense?

zetta · #2 (**permalink**) 04-24-2007, 04:24 PM

Would you leave it set at the higher or lower temperature? Are you turning on the A/C's fan as opposed to a standing fan in the room?

It's worth a try to leave it at a higher temp and turn on just the fan to see if it cools you off enough.

disneysteve · #3 (**permalink**) 04-24-2007, 04:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by zetta

Would you leave it set at the higher or lower temperature? Are you turning on the A/C's fan as opposed to a standing fan in the room?

Sorry if that wasn't clear.

I would leave it at the higher set temp but turn on the unit's fan/blower. If I lower the set temp, the fan/blower and compressor both kick in. I figure I'd be saving energy by not running the compressor.

sweeps · #4 (**permalink**) 04-24-2007, 08:04 PM

If you spend more of your time in a warmer area of the house, then yes, it should work. For example, if you have a cool basement, but you don't spend much time down there, recirculating the cool air through the rest of the house would save energy.

cschin4 · #5 (**permalink**) 04-25-2007, 04:59 AM

Personally, I haven't found alot of change in my bills or usage by tweaking the settings. I used to turn it up, down, or off, etc. Now, I find it just best to "set it and forget it". I think that is much more efficient in the long run and more comfortable. As for being cooler, get some regular fans going and leave the compressor A/C fan alone. You can get alot of mileage out of a plain old fan.

carsensejoe · #6 (**permalink**) 04-25-2007, 09:31 AM

like the one guy said if its cooler in other rooms than the one your in it may be worth it but, say your upstairs is hotter than your down if your hanging down i wouldnt turn the fan on...and if ur not unit is constantly running it may need a charge or it may be undersized.

suedavids · #7 (**permalink**) 04-30-2007, 05:58 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by disneysteve

I think I know the answer to this but wanted other opinions.

During the warm months, when it gets warm in the house, I usually turn down the thermostat by 1 or 2 degrees to get the AC running. Would it be more energy efficient to leave it set at the same temp but turn the fan on for a little while? I'm thinking that just getting some air movement would make us feel cooler without having to run the compressor. Does that make sense?

Ceiling fans help with movement. Also, cool off the house at night with a window fan pulling the air out of the house. You will need a powerful fan (one or two). Close up the windows and blinds during the day to keep the cool air in. You can use ceiling or room fans to move the air around. When it is humid, it is difficult to cool the home off and often it is best to let the air conditioner remove the moisture from the air and not open up. If you let the humidity in, the air conditioner has to work harder to remove the humidity and lower the temperature.