How the West was Won
Friday, July 25, 2008
Living in AZ would nearly unbearable without AC. Since we knew Diego would be joining us and we'd be home more often and as is the case, he and Sinzi are always at home, the 1972 original Geitl electric AC / gas heater had to go. We've known its been on its last legs, but it just wouldn't completely die. We had to completely refill the coolant last summer.
So we had a new unit installed in the early spring to beat the summer heat and when the AC guys are more desperate for business. Our old unit had an equivalent SEER rating of 6.0 and the new one is 13.0, so we knew it would be more efficient, but a question remained, would it save us $$$? Why do you ask? Well, our operating parameters have changed:
Before Diego:
- Off-peak savings plan (Peak - 9am-9pm on weekdays)
- Setting for on-peak 9am-9pm = 84 F when we're gone, and 82 when we're in the house.
- Setting for off-peak = 79 F
- Sit under fan / avoid any sudden movements until 9pm (like a hostage situation).
- Off-peak savings plan (Peak - 9am-9pm)
- Always at 78 F
- No time to sit still with a manic toddler.
Drum roll please.......
BAM! for our first of three peak months we cut consumption by 28% and increased comfort by 100%.
Posted by Mark and Sinziana 6:00 AM
Labels: casita
