Does running your AC @ 80 deg cost as much as 75 deg?
Question:This might sound like a silly question, but does running your AC at 80 degrees cost just as much as running it at 75 degrees?
It just occurred to me that the AC seems to run just as much, it just monitors a different temperature level?
Answers:
The cost increase when the temperature set is further from the ambient temperature.
If you set the aircon to 80, the compressor will need to turn on less often to maintain the temperature than if you set it to 75.
It will cost you more to run your a/c at 75 than 80.
If it's properly sized and in good working order it will simply draw electricity for a longer period of time to cool those extra 5 degrees.
If your unit is not working properly it might run forever regardless of what it's set at.
System performance will degrade over time if not maintained.
So the answer is both yes and no as asked. The most important principle of forced air HVAC is to keep the air (hot or cold) moving. Clean or replace the in-line filters every two months --period.
Better yet install an electrostatic (whole house) in-line filter. You will breathe better (allergens are almost entirely removed) and your system will always stay clean. At that point yes -- 80 is going to be less than 75. If you still are having any problems -- make sure the outside condensing unit cooling fins are clean -- and you should have the freon pressure checked.
It costs less to operate the unit at 80 degrees than 75. If you keep the house closed up, curtains, draperies & blinds closed the house will remain cool at 80 degrees. Once you and others start to move around, it will be necessary to drop the temperature down. to 75-78. We ALL give out body heat and that can affect the comfort feellng in the house.
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