Trying to save some power on AC

[skylined]

I am wondering which uses less power: Running the AC at a higher temp (such as 73 or something) or running it at 69 or 70 with "power saver" mode? I've already stopped using my central because it runs on 2 20 amp circuits and my electric bill was like 230 dollars and I wasn't even running my fucking hps lamp yet. I am wondering which method of running the AC is more efficient. I have to run it at full power at night of course b/c thats when I run the 600 and when I sleep as well, but during the daylight hours I want to cut down my power use. Would love to hear some opinions / data.

Peace,
~Skylined

 

[pro engineer]

Skylined

I guess your talking about a window AC unit???

PE

 

[skylined]

Yes I have an 8000 BTU (820 watt) Window AC unit.

 

[pro engineer]

Skylined

Most modern window AC unit have a terrible SEER. The power saver mode will save 10% - 15% at best. If you have access to a clamp on digital multimeter that can read AC current (amps) you can see what your AC unit is pulling. I haven't seen any window units that use the new DC inverter technology. Its mostly use on central AC and mini split systems.

PE

 

[skylined]

Perhaps instaed of the power saver mode I could use a timer to turn it on for an hour, off for an hour during the day. Would this save more power do you think? Or maybe on for an hour, off for half an hour. I wonder if the energy savings would do more than cancel out the extra energy spikes of more startups?

BSSF,
~Skylined

 

[Bubble Puppy]

I don't know about the daytime .But one of the best power saving tips i learned from reading here at icmag .Put your refrigerator on a timer and have it shut off for 6 hrs a night .For me it 12 am - 6am

I just started doing this and am excited to see the results next month.

 

[00420]

Yes I have an 8000 BTU (820 watt) Window AC unit.

= 9.75 eer

eer is a measure of how efficiently a cooling system will operate when the outdoor temperature is at a specific level - usually 95°F.

is your unit kicking on and off a lot now or is it running 24/7?

honestly i would think your usage is from your central unit not your grow room.... and i would keep your a/c in your grow room on 24/7 at what temp you want day and night...... temp/hum flux is bad on plants keep it green pay the extra pennys a day you save cut cost elsewhere in your home... ( change house lights to cfl's lower your a/c setting hang dry your clothes ect... 2 biggin's is turn your computer & ceiling fans off.... my wife is bad about the ceiling fans..... we have 5 and they have to be atlest 5 amps each she leaves them on 24/7 are bill went down $150 ever sence i started "saving power" once i got it to her head turn the fucking fans off when u leave dont bitch about this new freezer that pay'd for it self in 3 months by cutting the pg & e bill

800w (a/c) + 600 (hps) = 1400w x .10 a kwh = $1.40 a day { $42 a month } even rounding up to $50 ( adding fan's pumps ect..) $50 is well worth what you get...

 

[Liam]

AC's are more efficient when they run for longer periods, on off on off is just gonna screw u over.

 

[Bumble Buddy]

I don't know about the daytime .But one of the best power saving tips i learned from reading here at icmag .Put your refrigerator on a timer and have it shut off for 6 hrs a night .For me it 12 am - 6am

I just started doing this and am excited to see the results next month.

Hmm, I can't see that saving much, if any, energy. The refrigerator will warm up at night and have to chug hard in the morning to get the temperature back down.

On the other hand, putting as much thermal mass as you can stuff into it will help to save some energy. If there is space you could put a 5 gallon or similar container of water in the fridge, along with freezer packs stuffed into the freezer to take up any empty space.