Most economical way to use central air conditioning ?

Question

What is best way to conserve energy using home central air conditioner ?

Answer 1

Some very good points made. Let me add:

The East and west walls have the most heat infiltration.

Insulation just slows down heat transfer.,

The north wall is the place for the condenser to be.

Most of the energy runs the compresser. The head pressure is very dependent on the temperatureit must overcome to condense.

Zone your rooms can save lottsa $$$. (why cool an empty room)

Remember, a thermostat is like a guy running a switch.

A/C is either on or off. Low fan usually gives better results because the air has more time over the coils.

Solor heat is instantanious, so pull the shades or use reflective barrier.

Answer 2

A digital thermostat works well as you can program it to up the temp when you are working and cool down berfore you get home. No more than a 5 degree swing is also recommended. So if you like it at 72 when youre home let it go up to 77 while youre away or else the energy used to bring the temp back down is more than what was saved by letting it get hot during the day. if you can take it, most power companies recommend 78.

Answer 3

-clean your filter

-leave it at 78 degrees

-eat ice cream

-turn it off when you go out

Answer 4

clean filter!  close all blinds on west side of house (keep out the sun )  keep temp at about 10-15  from outside temp!  make sure no air leaks under doors. use florescent bulbs, no cooking indoors.  DO NOT shut unit off  and restart it take about 24-36 hours to take  out humidity