[TomKBL]

Originally Posted by tiger08

You didnt read my whole post, the unit keeps my house at a constant 71, I want the unit to run more.

A/c units that dont shut off and on constantly, last much longer.

I've already mentioned in past posts that a/c compressors dont like frequent cycling, it wears them out much quicker, along with capacitors and contactors.. My long run times will greatly extend the life of my unit and its related parts.

An air conditioner that cycles too frequently is not achieving anywhere near its seer rating, you need long run times to achieve full efficiency.

A quick question, you set the stat at 71, because 71 is your most comfort temp for your body or your a/c unit needs 71 to run constantly at most efficient level?.

[Trash Can]

Originally Posted by Raiderman

Log into your account, and on the top right it says "Smart Meter Usage". Click the "Show My Energy Use" arrow below that. On the graph dropdown, select 15-minute energy usage. It will look something like this if you shut down the house between 1p and 7p (which we do anyway, YMMV). Notice between 1p and 7p it's virtually 0 when the rates jump to $.33/kwh

I remember that you said you recently signed up for TOU, but are you sure you're officially on the plan? The only reason I ask is because my smart meter was removed and replaced with a TOU meter shortly after I enrolled in TOU last summer. The TOU meter that I have does not show usage stats online like the smart meter I had (and you currently have). I wasn't on TOU rates until the new billing cycle started after the new meter was installed. All I'm saying is that you might want to check with NVEnergy if you recently enrolled and confirm with someone who handles TOU, not the regular customer service schmucks. I got different answers from different people, and it was the TOU personnel who were correct. Based on my experience, you just might be shutting down your house when it's not (yet) necessary.

[TomKBL]

Originally Posted by Raiderman

Log into your account, and on the top right it says "Smart Meter Usage". Click the "Show My Energy Use" arrow below that. On the graph dropdown, select 15-minute energy usage. It will look something like this if you shut down the house between 1p and 7p (which we do anyway, YMMV). Notice between 1p and 7p it's virtually 0 when the rates jump to $.33/kwh

Good for you. This will definitely save you a lot of money. Have you got your bill yet since your switch?

[tiger08]

Originally Posted by TomKBL

A quick question, you set the stat at 71, because 71 is your most comfort temp for your body or your a/c unit needs 71 to run constantly at most efficient level?.

When I went with the smaller unit, I intended to run it up around 76 degrees and I thought it would run constantly in hot weather. My wife however decided she wanted it down lower and I figured the temp in the house would creep up quite a bit during the day but so far, it hasn't moved above 71, not even on the 117 degree day we had.

Mind you, I also added a ton of insulation to the attic this spring and that helped a lot also.

[Raiderman]

Originally Posted by Trash Can

I remember that you said you recently signed up for TOU, but are you sure you're officially on the plan? The only reason I ask is because my smart meter was removed and replaced with a TOU meter shortly after I enrolled in TOU last summer. The TOU meter that I have does not show usage stats online like the smart meter I had (and you currently have). I wasn't on TOU rates until the new billing cycle started after the new meter was installed. All I'm saying is that you might want to check with NVEnergy if you recently enrolled and confirm with someone who handles TOU, not the regular customer service schmucks. I got different answers from different people, and it was the TOU personnel who were correct. Based on my experience, you just might be shutting down your house when it's not (yet) necessary.

I have no idea if I'm on it or not LOL.. but this will give us good practice and acclimate ourselves, should we ever be home between 1:00 and 7:00. I just walked in the door and the house is at 84.. a little too warm for my liking, so we may lower the 10:00-1:00 time slot by a few degrees to get the house a bit cooler going into the 6 hour window.

[Raiderman]

Originally Posted by TomKBL

Good for you. This will definitely save you a lot of money. Have you got your bill yet since your switch?

Not yet, just the estimated bill which is going up at a MUCH lower rate than it did last month. We only started doing this last Friday, so it's been less than a week. Last month we paid $10/day. So far MTD we're at $8/day. August will be our first full month using this strategy.

[TomKBL]

Originally Posted by tiger08

When I went with the smaller unit, I intended to run it up around 76 degrees and I thought it would run constantly in hot weather. My wife however decided she wanted it down lower and I figured the temp in the house would creep up quite a bit during the day but so far, it hasn't moved above 71, not even on the 117 degree day we had.

Mind you, I also added a ton of insulation to the attic this spring and that helped a lot also.

It's nice you have a new unit and more insulation to the attic, which i believe will reduce your utility bill a lot. However, I would be very worried if any of my units runs constantly for a long period of time at any thermostat setting.

BTW, I happen to have a Ph. D. in chemical engineering specializing in thermochemical engineering, which covers heat exchangers, heat sinks, cooling systems including a/c, heating systems, etc.

[SportyandMisty]

Originally Posted by ScoopLV

It makes no sense at all not to. The only ones who benefit are NVenergy and BERK-A & B stockholders.

That would be me. Thank you


Sent from a rotary payphone using Tapatalk 3.7

[lvoc]

Originally Posted by TomKBL

Tiger, if your unit runs almost constantly, either you set the stat temp too low or the unit is simply not able to handle the house.

Think about it, each A/C unit has a life, 10 or 15 yrs. But more precisely the life should be measured by hours of running, just like the life of a light bulb measured by hrs. Just my 2 cents.

Originally Posted by TomKBL

BTW, I happen to have a Ph. D. in chemical engineering specializing in thermochemical engineering, which covers heat exchangers, heat sinks, cooling systems including a/c, heating systems, etc.

Ohhh - And you think statement above is correct?

Academicians - God protect us all.

[ScoopLV]

Originally Posted by Raiderman

Log into your account, and on the top right it says "Smart Meter Usage". Click the "Show My Energy Use" arrow below that. On the graph dropdown, select 15-minute energy usage. It will look something like this if you shut down the house between 1p and 7p (which we do anyway, YMMV). Notice between 1p and 7p it's virtually 0 when the rates jump to $.33/kwh

Would you please screen grab this? I don't have any "Smart Meter Usage" or "Show My Energy Use."