Is smart a/c a smart move?

January 19, 2011 1:43 PM

Smart A/C Saver question.

Does anyone have experience with a program like this?

I have two central air compressors, they are located outside, they each have disconnect switches. My local utility will swap out the disconnect switches for their smart switches. During peak demand periods they will talk to the smart switches wirelessly and do something. It sounds like they will force the compressor to be idle up to 50% of the time. It's 'up to' $120 per unit (times two in my case) and according to PECO 'occurs a few times per summer.' I'm looking for real world experience on how much I might actually save, and if this might cause damage to my equipment.

posted by fixedgear to Home & Garden (3 answers total)

Best answer: We had a similar program here in Wisconsin, where AC is less of a necessity. I only remember them disabling the air once or twice, usually in the later afternoon, which is when it's hottest. Also, that "$120" savings is amortized over the course of a year. So, basically, they'll pay you $10 per unit to be able to shut them off in peak time periods. If you don't mind sweating a little for $10 a month, go for it. The switches will not damage your equipment, provided they use a competent contractor to install them.
posted by cosmicbandito at 2:15 PM on January 19, 2011

I'd also say not likely to harm the system.
posted by RolandOfEld at 2:23 PM on January 19, 2011

Best answer: We have this at our house up here in Minnesota. I think the cost savings was substantial. Sure, in the time it was off, the AC wouldn't run, but I can't think of a time when the indoor temp rose enough to noticeable.

From what I understand, our program would cycle through which units were off at a time, so it wasn't like you had your AC shut off all afternoon. You might get half an hour of downtime where your house warmed up a couple degrees, and when the power was restored, your AC would come back on and get you back to your thermostat temp while your neighbor's AC was off.
posted by advicepig at 2:26 PM on January 19, 2011