Punkinelly Posted June 5, 2008 Share Posted June 5, 2008 Is it cheaper to use a window a/c unit or 2/3 fans? We are wondering if we are saving anything by using 3 fans downstairs instead of using the a/c? It is about 90 degrees and humid. Thanks for any help you can offer. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Prairie~Phlox Posted June 5, 2008 Share Posted June 5, 2008 I'm not sure about cost, but comfort, I'd go for the a/c unit. You are going to be more comfortable because it will take the humidity out of the air and the fans won't. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Punkinelly Posted June 5, 2008 Author Share Posted June 5, 2008 I know, I was just wondering if the suffering is saving me any money. LOL Thanks, Mary Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Suzanne in ABQ Posted June 5, 2008 Share Posted June 5, 2008 Read the wattage on the units, then compare. Also, realize that even though fans help you feel more comfortable by blowing on you and increasing your body's evaporation rate, they do nothing to cool the room. They actually heat the room. A 60 watt fan will heat put out the same heat as a 60 watt lightbulb. Don't run a fan unless it is blowing on someone. And, like the other poster said, the AC will remove humidity from the room. A fan will only remove it from your skin, and put it in the air. Of course, the efficiency of the units will play a part. An old AC may use more energy than it's rated wattage. Same is true for a fan. A fun experiment would be to check your actual electricity usage at your meter. Turn on the AC, and go out to see how fast your meter is running (perhaps use a stop watch to time revolutions of the wheel). Then, turn the AC off, and turn on the fans. Check the meter again. If everything else in is truly equal (the refrigerator doesn't turn on during the test), you may be able to see a difference. Just an idea. I've never tried this. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Aubrey Posted June 5, 2008 Share Posted June 5, 2008 Let's see...if you figure in the cost of ea unit, times electricity used, spread out over the years ea will last, & then add in court & attorney fees for the malicious acts being overheated could drive you to commit, minus lost wages for time spent in prison.... you might want to go for both! ;) --Aubrey, 7mos pg, in Tx Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
E_Edgerton Posted June 5, 2008 Share Posted June 5, 2008 It is quite hot and humid here as well. We just installed our window units. We use two very efficient (just look at the energy star info) window units. We only cool the bedroom and media room/office when they are in use. It cost very little to use these and the comfort level is greatly increased. I just simply can not sleep if I am not cool. :) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Reya Posted June 6, 2008 Share Posted June 6, 2008 Is it cheaper to use a window a/c unit or 2/3 fans? We are wondering if we are saving anything by using 3 fans downstairs instead of using the a/c? It is about 90 degrees and humid. Thanks for any help you can offer. The fans are much cheaper. Too bad you can't do a swamp cooler there! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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