I live in an apartment that is approx. 1000 sq ft. I live in the south and summers are extremely hot. Last summer my electric bills ran $250-$350. My ac unit really needs to be replaced but my landlord wont do it because he says it runs fine. During the summers it runs all day long and it's still almost 80 in my apartment. The unit is at least 25 years old. SO I am thinking about saving on my electric bill this summer by using just 2 window ac units instead of my regular unit. Do you think I will save money? Or will it at least be cool in my apartment?
2007-03-12 02:39:55 · 7 answers · asked by Anonymous in Home & Garden ➔ Maintenance & Repairs
I'm looking to buy Energy Star. Looking to purchase maybe 1 unit that is 18,000 BTU or 2 units(one for each end of apartment) that is 10,200 BTU
2007-03-12 03:00:27 · update #1
You will only get a marginal savings with a higher efficiency unit - and I don't think two small units will be any better. It does sound like your unit is undersized or not cooling properly, so at least you might be cooler with a new unit.
You could also consider:
Blocking sunlight with solar screens or light blocking shades.
Asking your landlord to boost the insulation and/or installing radiant barriers.
Putting a small unit in your bedroom. Use the bedroom as your main room during the hot summer months and only use the main unit when you have guest over.
One other tip, a light water spray on the outside coils of the unit will help the A/C unit cool. Good for trying to cool down the house before guests
2007-03-12 04:29:13 · answer #1 · answered by samfrio 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Your window unit may not be big enough to cool your apartment. Nothing smaller than 18000 btu should be used. One good window unit should do the trick as long it is at least 18000 btu and it should save money as well because todays units are much more energy effecient.
2007-03-12 02:48:49 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
It depends on how awful the old one is. Get the highest SEER rating you can afford. Some of the best ones have variable speed fans and will also shut off the fan if you have it set for no one being home. Some new ones even take the condensate water and blow it back on the cooling fins for a little boost in cooling efficiency.
2007-03-12 05:54:30 · answer #3 · answered by KirksWorld 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Consider this from an electrician's view...Will your new units be 120V.? 220V? Do you have somewhere to plug them in?
If they require 220V, you may need to add wiring for the unit to work properly. If you buy 120V. units, be aware that they use quite a bit of current, so you may not be saving in the long run...
As stated above, screens work well. Also have your tight-wad landlord see about getting some insulation in your place. It makes a lot of difference..
2007-03-12 07:57:42 · answer #4 · answered by backyard_tire_biter 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
useing window units will keep you cooler but will not bring down the electric bill....... Use a window screen that cuts out the heat around the windows.the more windows the harder the A/C unit works...A good solor screen cuts out the heat but not so dark that you need to burn a lamp all the time to see.
2007-03-12 02:55:08 · answer #5 · answered by SNIPPER55 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
your current a/c unit probably just needs a freon charge.
2007-03-12 02:48:54 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
It should because it won't be working as hard as your old one!
2007-03-12 02:48:16 · answer #7 · answered by Ryan's wifey 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋