Van Chocstraw wrote:
On Sat, 26 Jun 2010 13:31:37 -0400, Tony wrote:

I'm trying to figure the cost of running the central AC in my house.
Inside was fairly easy, a 1/2hp fan motor. Outside the numbers on the
plate from the factory are long gone. I found on the fan motor that it
is 1/8hp. Now the compressor.... On it is listed the voltage but not
the amps or watts but it does list the LRA (locked rotor amps) of 105.0
It is a Copeland CR38K6-PFV-370.

I found this site but even this isn't very useful to me only giving me
the RLA of 19. I read the RLA is "rated load amps" and does not mean
"Running Load Amps". RLA being the most current it should draw under
the harshest conditions.

http://www.nordyne.com/literature/8569%20Compr.pdf

Best method. After they read the meter start using it for a month. Next
time they read the meter, stop using it for a month until the next
reading. They usually read it the same day of the month. Take it your
self to make sure they are not estimating your bill and the reading is
actual. You could also take your own reading daily and run it one day and
not the next to get an idea of daily usage.
Using stamped values and ideal math is not accurate and won't count load,
wear, age and your comfortable temperature setting.
You can also get an amp clamp and check one leg of the supply power from
the box which will vary when the fan/ compressor cycle on/off. (Is the
inside fan on the same circuit?)

I can guess the date they read the meter give or take a day or two.
They read it from their office, no more meter man. Besides, I think I'd
die without AC for a day. Also, with my meter I could be off almost 20
kwh's a day without knowing it. My meter reading must be multiplied by
20 for actual kwh's.