Ok, since it's so hot out, I'm looking for some suggestions. Here's what I've done so far ... I dont know if this is all accurate, or if I've just made some of it up ... can someone correct me, or add to this list, please? ________________________ * A/C is being run at 80 degrees, with the ceiling fans on. (Does it really help to save energy to use the ceiling fan? How much energy does that take? I dont usually use the ceiling fans ... ) * Only using the washer/dryer at night/early morning. * Turned off the ice maker in the freezer. * Curtains closed, to help insulate the windows and keep the sun out. ______________________________ Thnx ... looking for any way to save my electric bill, and boost the power to my AC unit at the same time, without killing it!!
I'm not entirely sure of the purpose of turning off the ice maker. It would seem to me that the ice would aid in cooling the freezer and, thus, save the electricity needed to keep the freezer cool.
Also things of note to due are watch when you are cooking as that generates alot of internal heat in the house. Also do the same with washing dishes. Turn off the lights if you're not using them directly for what you are doing. Personally I know someone that turns their hotwater heater off and on almost daily. Off in the morning when they leave, and then on at night when they come home. Also make sure your ceiling fans are turning the correct direction for the most effective use. Also don't leave huge heat creating items on when not in use such as tv's, computers, and such. Craig
Ahhhh...thank you. You realize I will have to refer to this 3 more times before I get home and then refer to it right before I check my ceiling fans?
so is that clockwise for cool (blowing down) and counter clockwise for the winter? ( I can never keep this straight):mrgreen:
I have to keep googling it every few months, to check ... and then trying to remember which way a clock goes, since mine are all digital ... cool - clockwise. Warm - counterclockwise.
I have already re-read it 14 times and I still can't remember...I am writing it down....I totally have ADD. I am a dork.
Just remember, the breeze from the fan blowing on you makes you feel cooler, so you can set the AC on a higher temp to save money. If you turn on the fan and you don't feel it blowing on you, then it is probably reversed. Running a fan does not cool the air, it just makes you feel cooler by blowing on you.
True, but I think it also increases evaporation from your skin, so even without the temperature differential, there's another cooling effect. Another point - since a fan does not reduce the temperature of the air, there is no need to run fans in empty rooms. You pay for the electricity to run the fan for no reason. The heat from the fan motor could actually increase the temperature a tiny bit, but probably so slightly as to be imperceptible.
The one above my bed , I can not feel it blow down like the ones in the rest of my house. My bed is pretty high I have to just about climb to get in it so it maybe on low . So when I get home I'm gonna try pulling that chain thing if it don't blow harder I need to change the switch . If that don't work I'll just get a new one Its big and I am always thinking its gonna fall and cut me up one day.
Half the articles I've read on the internet say clockwise/cool ... the other half say clockwise/warm ... so I've been experimenting ... I definitely feel more of a breeze when I'm going counterclockwise. Interesting! Thanks, Ken! So, for me, it's counterclockwise, to cool, in summer. My switch is currently flipped downward. Brand is 'Harbor Breeze' (Lowes' store brand).
All the ones I've seen, maybe two dozen, the switch goes with the direction of air. Down for blowing down, up for blowing up.
Along with all the other stuff listed, I use these things .. I have several and they are annoying as all get out! That lovely fluorescent white/yellowish glare gives me a headache and I keep my lights turned off WAY more than I used to!
interesting. with the ones i've installed so far, i've been amazed at how the light is very much like traditional bulbs. it was the first thing i thought: "if these things look like fluorescents, they're outta here..." i don't like fluorescent lights either...too sterile or something...oh, except over the kitchen sink
I will admit, I have to refer to this link at least twice a year on the cieling fan front... http://www.dansfancity.com/techhelp/wntrsmmr.htm Also important to remember, floor fans cool people (and animals) not rooms!
