Anyone in the Valley using their air conditioners yet? (shops, stats)

[cab591]

Unplug things like chargers from the wall when not in use. They continuously draw power. Keep air filters clean, and keep the air off when its comfortable. Use natural light during the day -- no reason to have lights on when the sun's up. Switch your bulbs to the efficient kind... They actually work. If your appliances are old, chances are they draw a lot of power. If you have a pool, make sure your pump is running well. A stressed pump motor will run up the energy usage. If you really want to run your ac, are there any rooms you don't need cooled? We have an empty bedroom in our house, we shut the vents, put blankets over the windows, and keep the door closed. No sense in paying for a room we don't use.
Today's pretty warm. Haven't been at the house since 8:30, but we left windows and blinds closed when we left. Should be nice and cool when we get home.

[slackjaw]

'Tis a beautiful day today, supposed to be high of 73 here.

I'd wager this will be the last sub-75 high we'll see until November.

[43north87west]

I have had my thermostat set on 'cool' since probably February of 2011. I did not use the heat one time this year, but the A/C has come on very often. It's probably run every night for a month or more. I have to have the house a certain temperature to sleep well, but I open it up on nice days (such as today).

[Howard Roark]

I will return in two weeks. Put my extra blanket away this morning till November. Turned the AC on to cool and it won't kick on till 79. Yes, I will install a new filter next time I am back in Phoenix. The Wunderground forecast predicts 70s to 80s the next six or seven days, then to the 90s. Somehow I doubt it will be in the 90s in ten days.

[observer53]

Originally Posted by 43north87west

I have had my thermostat set on 'cool' since probably February of 2011. I did not use the heat one time this year, but the A/C has come on very often. It's probably run every night for a month or more. I have to have the house a certain temperature to sleep well, but I open it up on nice days (such as today).

I can't imagine what that temperature must be, if your AC has been on "every night for a month or more" in MARCH, or what your summer AC bill must be.

Or, your post was an April Fool joke.

[Foreverking]

anybody use those Solar screens...what kind of savings so you get from those?

[cab591]

Originally Posted by Foreverking

anybody use those Solar screens...what kind of savings so you get from those?

Probably why we save a good amount on our bills. The actual solar screens are a bit pricy, so we went the cheap route. Bought a roll of cling tint (the cheap-arse window tint for cars), and did up all the windows in the house. 20% all around. Same idea as the solar screens. The difference is HUGE! You can buy a roll of cling tint for a couple of bucks at Walmart, or any automotive store, and cut out squares that will fit your windows. When our windows are closed, even with the blinds open, it's nice and cool in the house. They let in plenty of natural light during the day as well.

[ReadyFreddy]

Originally Posted by ReadyFreddy

I was wrong, my last month's electric bill wasn't $265, it was $160. The SRP site says the average for my home's size (1800) with a pool is $99 right now. So I've got some diagnosing to do.

I just got the Smart Meter postcard from SRP. I'm looking forward to the new tools I'll have to monitor my usage.

I just called a screens store here in Mesa. It's $48 for a 3'x5' solar screen of 90% protection, if I pick them up. SRP has a $.80/SF rebate through April so that would cut $12 off each. 25% off, not bad.

SRP also has a program going where you get two free shade trees for attending a workshop.

[Foreverking]

Originally Posted by ReadyFreddy

I just got the Smart Meter postcard from SRP. I'm looking forward to the new tools I'll have to monitor my usage.

I just called a screens store here in Mesa. It's $48 for a 3'x5' solar screen of 90% protection, if I pick them up. SRP has a $.80/SF rebate through April so that would cut $12 off each. 25% off, not bad.

SRP also has a program going where you get two free shade trees for attending a workshop.

How do I find out about the workshop?

[MGotcha]

I opened up my windows and fired up my Evap this weekend. It should keep temps in the 70's until June, when it's the AC's turn to come to life!
Beware, as the scorpions have woken up and are now skittering about!