Curly Sue wrote:
On Mon, 3 Jul 2006 09:42:05 -0400, "RichK" wrote:


"Curly Sue" wrote in message

I have a 1 yr old through the wall unit, around 18000 btu with a 220v
plug.

1) Does the energy saver mode make a measurable difference in energy
use? Mine goes on and off in what I think is short cycles, I assume
because the room temp increases rapidly. I keep the temp set at
around 74 deg. The room stays comfortable enough.

Not sure what the desiners meant by energy saver mode in your unit. Any
description in the User Manual? Or is it in Chinese?

I found this on the website (it's a GE):

Energy Saver Switch
A sought-after feature of GE Room Air Conditioners is the Energy Saver
Switch. With the switch in the "normal" position, the fan runs
continuously and provides more uniform temperature in the room. In the
"save" position, the fan turns off and on with the air conditioner's
compressor to help reduce power consumption and operating cost.

2) Is all of that turning on and off bad for the unit? Should I just
keep it on regular mode running all the time, instead? I know that
the cooling part cycles on and off to keep the temp constant so I
assume the energy saver feature just controls the fan?

Depending how often it cycles. Starting a motor does increase the temp
temporarily, but it stabilizes in a minute or so. If the cycles are several
minutes, there should be no prob. Again assuming the design eng KNEW what
he was doing. Slower fan speed will save a bit of energy, but very little.

They seem to make a big deal of it (as per excerpt above) but
apparently it doesn't change the behavior of the compressor.

After reading the responses, I assume that it doesn't make such a big
difference.

Thanks.
Sue(tm)
Lead me not into temptation... I can find it myself!

Turn the temp up a few degrees or turn off a light or two will save
much more...

It takes about 2 Watts of power to cool the room for every Watt of
heat....so running a 60 Watt bulb costs you 180 Watts, 60 for the bulb
and 120 to get rid of the heat..

Mark