Cost to maintain temp

[yeldogt]

Our weekend place is typically not used this time of year -- other than a few lights the only thing running is the AC. The structure is about 4300sf in the Mid Atlantic. Rehab of an old building from the 1800's with an addition .... spray foam. Main system is a ducted multi speed zoned Carrier. It has a mini-splits for some odd areas but they are not needed when we are not there and even when we are only if it gets really hot. No shade on the building .... it's out in the open

I set it at 78 and 52% humidity ..... last month it used 195 KWh and last year with it a bit cooler for the month it used 271KWh keeping it at 76. I found that keeping things a bit warmer is fine as the system has no issues dropping it down quickly when we get there -- especially since it's often in the evening. Not a huge savings -- but why not as it's also less work for the equipment. I have found the same to be true in the winter .. I can play around with 62-64 in my studio area (different meter) ... once I drop it down to 60 the cost to bring it up to temp where I can work comfortably -- the savings are gone.

It's rare that I can actually pull out what it's costing just to maintain a temp at a given outside temp. Even w/ expensive electric my bill for 195 kw is only $39.84. I can track the winter in the studio a bit better as it is also propane ...

There are diminishing returns with big setback and also comfort issues

 

[jack stand]

4300 s/f mostly un used extra house.
$39 electric bill.

Do you see where I'm going with this?

 

[yeldogt]

4300 s/f mostly un used extra house.
$39 electric bill.

Do you see where I'm going with this?

My point is with proper insulation and equipment large spaces can be maintained ... mini splits being inverter driven allow for this today in ways not possible just a few years ago. Oversizing equipment for spaces not used often .... like garages -- especially in humid areas is often a mistake. Years ago the usual fix would be the use of a dehumidifier vs even thinking of trying to AC a whole space .. that would be even more expensive and make the space hotter.

The reverse is true as well .... many posts about heating w/o doing the math.

At $39 a month would you turn the system on and off in an attempt to try and save .... save what?

My passion has been building and rehabbing old buildings ..... some guys spend lots of extra time on cars and boats --- other guys like to fish and hunt. My extra time went into real estate ...

 

[jack stand]

I known how "moist" summer can be in the mid Atlantic area. Not knowing your house, I'd tend to want to keep it cooler and dryer than the misery levels outside and would keep it set where you have it.
I'm picturing it's an old farmhouse, and I also would rather work on/save an old building or property. My boat/camper is a 100hp tractor, excavator and loader and a **** ton of (building) tools.

 

[yeldogt]

I known how "moist" summer can be in the mid Atlantic area. Not knowing your house, I'd tend to want to keep it cooler and dryer than the misery levels outside and would keep it set where you have it.
I'm picturing it's an old farmhouse, and I also would rather work on/save an old building or property. My boat/camper is a 100hp tractor, excavator and loader and a **** ton of (building) tools.

It's the humidity more than the heat in many parts of the country ... removing that humidity takes a lot of time and capacity. Dry air is easier to temp drop. Thats where the newer equipment really shines ... some minisplits even have a humidity setting.

An slab that not sealed in a garage can be a real water source for humidity

 

[Hobby_Man22]

Sounds like it's not that hot where you're at. Probably 100 bucks a month.