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Originally Posted by kdm31091  I hear conflicting reports. Which one ends up being cheaper?
I would think AC is cheaper, because when the outdoor temp is 95 and you're cooling it to about 70 inside, that means the machine changes the temp by 25. If it's 10 degrees and you're heating to 70, the machine has to change the temp by 60. Not sure if this matters, but it seems like AC is cheaper. Could be one pro of me going to Florida, if that's the place I choose! |
kdm, it's called efficiency. haha You are correct in your thoughts. But, it, just, don't, work, that, way. haha
I have central air. Live up in Wyoming so we get the -40 and we get the 105 in the shade. Like you, I would think that to lower it by 20 degrees is much cheaper then raising it by 100 degrees. Not necessarily so.
Air conditioners are engergy hogs. Running that big compressor for long periods of time is costly. Running that squirril cage in the furnace, is relatively cheap in comparison.
It's funny, they have a program here where they will average your bill for one year, divide it by 12 and then you can pay a fixed amount. (it varies a little when they make adjustments by not a significant difference. That way you can kind of plan your bills a little easier. My bill last summer with the AC on, was about $150 a month. This winter, about $154 a month.
Now the reason I say it is more costly is that in the winter, again, I'm raising it by at least 80 degrees. In the summer, I'm lowering the temp by 20 degrees. So your price by degree is much more expensive. Also, in the winter, I'm using gas and electric to heat it. In the summer, I'm only using electric. Well, and of course, gas for the stove all year.