Which is more cost efficient, box window fans or central a/c.? The a/c is at least ten years old. Im trying to save money on my electric bill. We already unplug everything possible when not in use and wehave convered to clothes lines. Our water hater is gas as well as the stove. I have ceiling fans but am now pondering the decision of do I go buy oscilating fans or stay with the a/c? Also I do keep all curtains closed during the day to block out sunlight.

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1 month ago

Duke- I%26#039;m in atlanta there is no cool night time air,lol. its maybe a bit cooler than daytime.
winterru-its a proven fact if it plugged in its using elctricity, unplus your power strip as i do the plugwont break and if it does its just a power strip. We saved 76 dollars th first month of doing this. Thats everything unplugged BUT not the fridge or coffee maker
clifford- I wont save electricitywise on my heater as its a gas water heater as I previously stated, but I was thinking it would be nice to save gas wise. If I have to turn on the cold water cuz the hots too hot its obviously too hot so I can urn it downbut I dont know to what. what is vacation setting? Thanks guys you are all so helpful.

1 month ago

smurfette thanks for the info but your answer has nothing to do with what I asked a/c or box fan didnt want ny more whatever for answers. thanks anyhow

Best Answer - Chosen by Voters

Fans will use much less electricity than an air conditioner. The best way to cool your house without an air conditioner is to open the highest window and the lowest one. The hot air will exit the upper window and cooler air will take its place. If you have attic and cellar windows you can open you will really feel it. No fans needed. If you live on one floor and don%26#039;t have that option, shut all the windows on the sunny sides of the house and run an exhaust fan in one of the other windows. I like to put the fan at one end of my house and open a window at the other end so air will circulate through the whole house. Closing curtains on the south side of the house will help keep the sun from heating the room as much. It will also keep your furniture and carpet from fading. You said you unplug things whenever possible. This makes a difference in anything with a clock like your microwave oven. Also with anything that can be turned on with a remote control like your TV, DVD, satellite receiver or stereo. I keep those things plugged into a power strip and shut it off when they aren%26#039;t in use. If you unplug them every time you will eventually break a plug and have to replace it. 100% 1 Vote

Other Answers (4)

• The AC is the least efficient. Ceiling fans are highly efficient and can be complimented with box fans running at night helping to pull in cool outside air. If it%26#039;s hot during the day, shut the windows and blinds but don%26#039;t turn on the ac. In most cases this will keep the house relatively cool unless you live in a very hot/humid environment. Of course turn off all fans when not in the room. 0% 0 Votes
• Open the windows at night and get a box fan to help move cool night air through the house. I have saved a dramatic amount of money by turning my water heater down to the vacation setting when not in use. 30 minutes before you need hot water, turn it back up. It is a hassle but the savings are impressive. 0% 0 Votes
• window sreens 0% 0 Votes
• The old %26quot;swamp cooler%26quot; is and was the most
  environmentally friendly, cost effective, and
  kept any area pleasantly cool in the hottest
  of temperatures.
  In essence, it is a metal box set on the roof
  with vents in it. there is straw surrounding the sides (inside that bos.) it has vents that open into you house or apt. and placed in a location that is close to the center of the house.
  then a pump moves water up and thru the
  straw. A large fan forces air thru the
  damp straw and into the house.
  the only electricity used is for the fan.
  The force of the air goes throughout the
  house. It is a damp cool that feels very
  refreshing.
  Most desert climates still have them. 0% 0 Votes