A central AC failure is usually just an expensive stroke of bad luck. For one homeowner, though, it allowed them to find a cheaper way to stay comfortable.
After temporarily relying on two small window units, the homeowner said in a Reddit post that their electric bill was $200 lower.
Here's what to know
The homeowner took to Reddit's r/HVACAdvice to ask if the window units were responsible for the lower bills.
The original poster explained that their 1,900-square-foot house had a 3-year-old central air system that had broken down more than once.
They then switched over to two 6,000-BTU window units and said, "Well my electric bill dropped $200."
Commenters largely said the lower bill made sense because the smaller units were cooling only the spaces in use instead of the entire house.
"Window units aren't trying to cool the whole house. So if you cut down the amount of the home that is cooled at any given time, your energy use will drop as well," one person explained.
Others noted that the billing drop may not have been caused by the equipment change alone. Though the OP said temperatures have still been the same where they are, a cooler month would still mean a lower overall cooling demand.
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More background
Even a newer, efficient central AC system can use far more electricity than a couple of smaller units if it is conditioning the entire home rather than just the areas where people spend time.
Still, that doesn't mean central air is a bad investment. Upgrading your heating and cooling system is one of the best ways to save money on utility bills and protect yourself from rising energy prices. But equipment efficiency and usage habits both matter.
For homeowners looking to cut bills over the long term, Palmetto's Comfort Plan network can help explain efficient HVAC and heat pump options, connect you with vetted installers, and help slash your energy bills.
The Comfort Plan also has $0-down HVAC subscription options for homeowners who are not ready to spend upfront and can lower heating and cooling costs by up to 50%. It even includes 12 years of free maintenance.
Homeowners can drive their energy costs even lower by pairing electric appliances like efficient HVACs with solar panels. EnergySage's free tools make it easier to compare systems and installers for your home and budget, with savings of up to $10,000 on installations.
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