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making an A/C unit more efficient

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Originally posted by: IGBT
..if your roof is a solar mass (black/dark) yo can apply a roofing material that is bright white/silver and stop absorbing visible/UV light. I did this on a flat tar/gravel roof and the results were amazing. The house no longer heats up on bright sunny days. The addition of double pane windows also enhanced the effect. If you have a solar mass over your head your in a giant crock pot.
Click to expand...
Have larger openings in the attic for ventilation and/or install active ventilation (fan) also greatly reduce heat in the house.
 
Originally posted by: bobdole369
Ahhhh, I did not check the underside of the evap coils. I couldn't really get to the bottom side from the side panel, just the top of them., but based on the filters that get replaced monthly - its not out of the question that its full of gunk.
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You have an overworked system, so you need to reduce heat load as much as possible.

Your 9 pcs need to have their default power mode set to sleep/standby/off.
Change lights that spend alot of time in the on position to CFLs.
Tine your windows.

Add a window unit for upstairs. A new window unit will likely be much more efficient than your older central air.

You might also consider having radiant barrier paint added to the underside of your roof deck.

These are the cheap options.

 
Originally posted by: NoShangriLa
Originally posted by: IGBT
..if your roof is a solar mass (black/dark) yo can apply a roofing material that is bright white/silver and stop absorbing visible/UV light. I did this on a flat tar/gravel roof and the results were amazing. The house no longer heats up on bright sunny days. The addition of double pane windows also enhanced the effect. If you have a solar mass over your head your in a giant crock pot.
Click to expand...
Have larger openings in the attic for ventilation and/or install active ventilation (fan) also greatly reduce heat in the house.
Click to expand...


..no doubt the attic fan works. But if you get rid of the solar mass you'll reduce your need for HVAC/electricity.
 
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