US electrical plugs and socket question - strange setup for a/c?

Question

Hey guys...forgive my electrical ignorance here.

This is the situation: I've recently moved into a studio from a 2bedroom, within NYC. My summer electric bill went up from about $60 to $200 during this move. Keep in mind the new place is a lot smaller to cool.

Anyway, putting aside the hikes in rates, I suspect the culprit is a big old clunky wall A/C unit which is provided by the landlord. It looks like something out of the 70s.

I'd like to try get an energy reading on this using a P3 device or something of the like, but the actual plug and socket isn't the usual a/c design. it looks like this:

|

-----C

|

instead of:

__

-----c

__

Is this normal? Are there standard converter products? And will this experiment be safe?

Any other tips would be appreciated!

Thanks!

Answer 1

that is a 220 socket.you can buy a/c units with that type of plug.

you can check the tag on the old a/c unit to verify it you want.

any reputable appliance store can change the cord if they don't have one in stock for that type of outlet.

stay away from adapters unless you have no other choice.

Answer 2

That may be a 220 volt socket.  The A/C should have a label somewhere on it that tells you the voltage.

The problem probably is the A/C as far as your bill goes.  Older units were very inefficient compared to today's units.  If the landlord won't replace it, it may be cheaper in the long run to just go out and buy one yourself and take it with you when you move again.  Units that run off 220 volt are commonly available or maybe a 120 volt unit would work too, but you will have to plug it in in a regular 120 volt socket.

Answer 3

The plug you are describing is a 15 amp 250 volt NEMA 6-15 configuration.  Don't waste your time trying to measure the watthours the unit is using since you don't know what a properly working model would use under those same conditions.  It is very common for a/c units to be very wasteful when old and worn out.  Get an Energy Star rated unit made for 220-240 volts and the BTU's are usually based on square footage, but this link is more accurate: http://www.csgnetwork.com/acroomsizecalc...  

Don't base Btu's on old unit as it may be improperly sized.  If you need a unit requiring more than 15amps at 230 volts, get more advice.

     If your landlord won't spring for a new unit, buy it yourself and keep the old one to put back in when you move.  Keep receipt for proof.  It could pay for itself in one summer.

Answer 4

just replace the existing wall outlet with one that is the common type.