[tortoise]

For homeowners that have the aptitude to perform their own outside HVAC condenser unit preventative maintenance (beyond just flushing the coils), there are numerous YouTube videos that show guidelines on how to replace the contactor relay, fan motor, and capacitor. Definitely not a matter of IF these components will fail . . but WHEN.

[observer53]

Originally Posted by dynimagelv

doors n windows open at night.....button up the house during the day time and you wont need AC till the temp goes OVER 105....then we turn it on for about an hour in the evening to bring the temp down a bit if it was REALLY hot out.

It's working that way for me in Phx right now... house cools off at night with windows open; ceiling fans on in used rooms, too. Highs in low 90s in Phx right now, will be 100s again later this week. We've already had a couple of 105s the week before.

[WestieJeff]

What is the suggested preventative maintenance for the condenser besides hosing down the coils? The HVAC guy who does the maintenance, it seems that's about all he does. He hoses down the coils and then tells me I need to clean my ducts, install a HVAC surge protector, and a whole house air filter (and they're all on special right now :/).

Seriously though, is there more to do? I thought most of the motors and bearings were sealed on newer units, so they don't need lubing.

Originally Posted by tortoise

For homeowners that have the aptitude to perform their own outside HVAC condenser unit preventative maintenance (beyond just flushing the coils), there are numerous YouTube videos that show guidelines on how to replace the contactor relay, fan motor, and capacitor. Definitely not a matter of IF these components will fail . . but WHEN.

[WestieJeff]

Just wondering if anyone has taken advantage of the NV Energy rebate towards getting a "Western States Cooling Controller" installed on their AC system? They claim it saves energy by leaving the blower motor on for a period of time after the compressor has shut down (while the evaporator coil is still cold), thus extracting additional cooling from the evap coil without the compressor motor running. ?

[ScoopLV]

Originally Posted by WestieJeff

Just wondering if anyone has taken advantage of the NV Energy rebate towards getting a "Western States Cooling Controller" installed on their AC system? They claim it saves energy by leaving the blower motor on for a period of time after the compressor has shut down (while the evaporator coil is still cold), thus extracting additional cooling from the evap coil without the compressor motor running. ?

No, but I certainly will do this right the hell now if it's still available.

EDIT -- Still available. Just made an appointment to have two of them installed. Thanks for the tip!

[las vegas drunk]

Well my bill today is $65 for a small little studio apartment. Last years May bill was $36 at my old apartment.

[Danknee]

Originally Posted by las vegas drunk

Well my bill today is $65 for a small little studio apartment. Last years May bill was $36 at my old apartment.

$73 or 518 kWh this May bill, 4k sq ft house. Last year I only used 343 kWh (about $50), or 33% less. The biggest differences this year are:

1. Running a computer as a media server 24/7.
2. Running a refrigerated soda fountain 24/7.

I could replace the server with a NAS that would use less electricity, but I need it to run PS3 Media Server to transcode my video...NAS won't do that. I had the same media server last year, but only ran it while watching movies, I'll probably revert to this behavior and see how next month pans out. I believe the server was accountable for 95% of my increased usage.

[las vegas drunk]

Originally Posted by Danknee

$73 or 518 kWh this May bill, 4k sq ft house. Last year I only used 343 kWh (about $50), or 33% less. The biggest differences this year are:

1. Running a computer as a media server 24/7.
2. Running a refrigerated soda fountain 24/7.

I could replace the server with a NAS that would use less electricity, but I need it to run PS3 Media Server to transcode my video...NAS won't do that. I had the same media server last year, but only ran it while watching movies, I'll probably revert to this behavior and see how next month pans out. I believe the server was accountable for 95% of my increased usage.

Your house is exactly ten times the size of my place, yet your electric bill is the same as mine. I have figured out what the problem is. The AC was built in 1989, and it uses r22. It is a severe energy hog. My last place had a brand new AC unit, and my bills were much lower even though both apartments are the same size. I am starting to regret moving here, not because I do not like the place, but because I cannot afford it. I did not account for my electric bill to skyrocket.

[WestieJeff]

Since you already checked, does the rebate cover the full cost or what do you have to come out of pocket?

Originally Posted by ScoopLV

No, but I certainly will do this right the hell now if it's still available.

EDIT -- Still available. Just made an appointment to have two of them installed. Thanks for the tip!

[ft_chief]

Originally Posted by WestieJeff

What is the suggested preventative maintenance for the condenser besides hosing down the coils? The HVAC guy who does the maintenance, it seems that's about all he does. He hoses down the coils and then tells me I need to clean my ducts, install a HVAC surge protector, and a whole house air filter (and they're all on special right now :/).

Seriously though, is there more to do? I thought most of the motors and bearings were sealed on newer units, so they don't need lubing.

Make sure the outdoor unit(condenser) coil and fan is clean and no debris stuck inside. Airflow is critical for ac efficiency and cooling. Also, I would check and replace your return air filters inside your house. Your filters should be replaced every month. Many people forget to do these simple tasks to keep your ac unit running efficiently, thereby saving electricity.