My electric bill is going up by 38%! How can I keep the A/C air from leaking out into rooms I don't use?

Question

The news announced that there will be a 38% rate increase in electricity next month. I'm thinking that I can shut off half of my A/C by somehow covering my room A/C vents. When I shut them, cooled air leaks out because there are slight gaps in the metal slats. I was thinking about buying magnetic covers for the vents if such a product exists. Maybe I could cover them with plastic or set an encyclopedia volume on top of the vent.

Any advice?

Answer 1

You don't want to do that, you'll s***w up the "minimum total airflow" needed for your AC to operate and most likely freeze the unit up. This can go on to compressor failure and a rather large repair bill.

Answer 2

Dark Vinyl and duct tape do wonders or

http://mrslim.com/

Answer 3

Yes, they make magnetic covers.  If you can't find them, go to a local sign shop and see if they have the sheet magnets like you'd put on a car.  I am sure they will sell you some.  You could also try the plastic route.   However, the previous post is correct.  

Some other ideas that may help is to put good heavy coverings over the windows or perhaps apply some heat reflective tinting to them.  Check the insulation in your ceiling/attic as well.  Adding insulation is one of the best and cheapest ways to cut fuel costs.  Also, have your A/C inspected and serviced because dirty or damaged systems can use a lot more electricity.  A programmable thermostat can allow you to customize the times and temperature that you want your system to come on.  For example, if you work all day, you can set it to allow the temp to be warmer, say 80 degrees, while you are gone, and cool it back down by the time you come home.  Ceiling fans are also good ways to reduce costs because the breeze from the fans allows you to feel cooler without the need to set your thermostat lower.

Hope these tips help!