Is there a big difference in energy consumption in a 220 a/c compared to a 110 a/c?

Question

Is there a big difference in energy consumption in a 220 a/c compared to a 110 a/c?

Answer 1

lets say you could have a 14000 btu air conditioner and you could choose either one of two..   there was one that was  110 volts or there was another one that was 230 volts...now lets say the 110 volt pulled 25 amps and the 230 volt one pulled 12.5 amps...the power consumption would be exactly the same...110 x 25 =2750 watts or 230 x12.5 =2750 so you see the power consumtion is exactly the same... volts times amps gives you watts..watts is the tolal power consumed...that is how you check to see the differences in power consumption.

Answer 2

HVAC Tech.:  Given the same BTU ratings There would be no difference in power usage. The real difference comes in AMP draw. The 120volt unit would be twice that of the 230volt unit, Amps cause heat. More volts /less amps. Amp overdraw is what heats up the breaker and trips it, the volts remain the same. Hope that clears it up for you.

Answer 3

Actual energy used. No difference but a single phase one will draw more current so If youre going for a large model it will need to be 3 phase.

Energy in = energy out - efficency.

Answer 4

E = R X I

P = EX I

SO wattage or P equals voltage, (or E), times current, (or I)....

power = voltage X current. right? so there you go then....

the 220 will be far more efficient depending on heat load on structure.

Answer 5

There shouldn't be under ideal matched conditions - which means that the 110 v is capable of doing the job and is replaced with a 220 unit.  But if the 110 runs a lot just to keep up and just barely keeps it cool enough, then a 220 will probably have higher capacity and use less watt hours to cool.   An oversized air conditioner can be uncomfortable in that it drop the air temp rapidly and  shuts off without the chance to remove excess moisture, leaving the inside feeling cold and muggy.