If your A/C is 'metered', how is it done? Is there a set schedule (e.g. A/C does not kick on between HH:30 and HH:45)? OR, do I totally not know what I am talking about (no surprise there)?
I'm not sure what you are asking exactly. I'm no A/C expert, but metering typically refers to billing, and most people get billed on their overall electric meter, I haven't heard of a seperate A/C meter. If you are just talking about scheduling your A/C to adjust the temperature up or down at certain times, that is a common feature on modern thermostats but exactly how it is done varies from model to model, and may not be present or may be more limited in older models. Nest is one of the more popular new thermostats that allows scheduling for example.
From what I understand, a "cycling unit" can be installed that directly attaches to your central A/C. During peak times, it can be metered to cycle on/off to reduce overall energy consumption. My question is, can it also be set by the power company to not allow the A/C to run at specific times regardless of it being a peak time or not?
I don't know, like I said I'm no expert on A/C's but the smart thermostats can be set to turn the A/C on or off or to whatever temperature you want at whatever time you want. I found these links online that may be more what you are asking about discussing A/C cycling: http://www.nipsco.com/en/save-energy/business/ac-cycling-bus.aspx http://www.nipsco.com/Libraries/Efficiency/NIPSCO_AC_Cycling_FAQ_s_New_Format.sflb.ashx
Thanks. I am aware of those. I am more concerned with how exactly the cycling units work. I am not looking to install anything - just wanting some info and thought some folks on the board may have one.
The nest thermostat is neat because you can control is anywhere you have internet. The app is fantastic
I am a little confused, why would a programmable thermostat not work? You can pick a decent one up for 20-30 dollars and install it yourself. The installation looks way more difficult than it really is, if you can replace a wall switch or plug then you can do a thermostat. They will pay for themselves especially in Houston. I have some knowledge of the industry and am not familiar with the cycling units that you are talking about. There actually is a brand new and voluntary pilot program (there was also one 2 years ago involving AC and pool pumps but it flopped) that CenterPoint is running to reduce A/C consumption but that device will be set by CenterPoint. These devices will only be activated in times of high stress on the grid (maybe a couple times a year in the summer) to prevent rolling blackouts. It should have little to no effect on your daily efficiency. They also have efficiency programs like this one http://www.centerpointenergy.com/cehe/res/efficiency/acdistributor/ and http://centerpoint.cool-saver.com/ but I do not believe those are what you are referring to. Who is your utility company? Typically the utility is only responsible for electricity to the meter, anything after that is owned and handled by the customer. Anything like the cycling units you are referring to would be purchased and installed by you or an HVAC company or be a part of a program from your utility or energy retailer.
In Minnesota some power companies have units they directly attach to a central A/C described like this: "You must own your home, have a central air conditioner and receive retail electric service from Alliant Energy. Installation is only allowed at your primary residence.Participation is limited — control receivers will be distributed on a first-come, first-served basis. A contractor installs a small, radio-activated control switch on or near your outdoor central air conditioner at no cost to you." I was asking if this type of device existed in the Houston area and if anyone on this board has one because I am curious as to exactly how they work and if I could get direct first hand knowledge from someone who has one. Again, I am not looking to install anything. I know how programmable thermostats work and I have them at my home in Minnesota.
Here is a blurb from Xcel in Minnesota: "On hot summer days – 10 to 15 days at most each year – Xcel Energy may activate Saver's Switch. The switch cycles your air conditioner off and on generally at 15- to 20-minute intervals. However, the furnace fan stays on, circulating already-cooled air throughout your home." (no comments about the "10-15" days part )
In cooler climes, it makes sense to not buy an AC outright. Smart thermostats will control all of the features of the AC, including kicking on just the fan to circulate cool air, therefore saving you money over cycling on your AC condenser.
Well that is certainly a much more helpful summary of what you are trying to accomplish than your original post I haven't used one, but it sounds like the same sort of system advertised here, where the power company installs the device, and activates it when power demand is high to avoid blackouts. I would assume that the general function would be similar between providers, or at least as similar as Houston vs Minnesota would be.
I am pretty familiar with these types of programs but the devices will most likely be operated differently. When the load on the grid begins to near capacity, programs like the ones you mentioned are activated as a counter measure to prevent rolling blackouts. In Texas we currently have a fairly stable and strong grid so this activation would rarely need to occur and will most likely occur during extreme heat or cold or if there are issues with power plants or transmission lines. These devices will be remotely activated during a period of high demand if the load on the grid needs to be lowered, most likely the afternoon in the summer time. In Houston our utility isn't currently running this program but will be soon. The program from 2 years ago was small, short lived and only had a few tests but the devices are similar to the ones you were talking about. They only raised the AC by about 5-6 degrees, it wasn't anything drastic. I wouldn't think that many Houstonians would have much experience with them. Are they offering you any incentive to join? Participants down here were paid $50 per device. If it wouldn't be a big deal to you I would sign up, its not terribly intrusive, it helps prevent blackouts and could help out your bill a little.
I believe what you're talking about bobrek is called 'demand response.' As Baumer was saying, this is a demand-side solution that is called upon when the grid is reaching it's capacity ceiling. As demand increases, the grid operator calls on more and more power generation units to generate electricity, going through the stack of what's available from cheapest to most expensive. This is the supply-side solution. At some point, it's cheaper to pay users to reduce how much electricity they use. The big companies started in the northeast and it's mostly a commerical and industrial customer that they sign up. Now, utilities are getting more into this business, and in some places they do different arrangements with residential customers to get an AC-load benefit. Demand response is not well developed in Texas. Some companies have done volunteer versions (they send you a text message asking you to change your thermostat). I don't really believe residential demand response will ever be mainstream. But, if they do accomplish it, I think the smart thermostats (like Nest) will be the lever to accomplish it, not a device on the ac units.
The commercial program in Houston is fairly successful and is much more practical than the trial residential programs attempted here in the past. I believe CenterPoint now has a notification program to alert customers of Energy Emergency Alert levels and to reduce load if possible but yes it is all voluntary. The new residential load management program will be using the nest thermostats which is great. I think if the smart thermostats get used widely enough that it would make these programs much more successful. It also helps that some of the larger energy retailers are including them with certain contracts. These programs are certainly cheaper and easier than building new reserve plants that produce the same wattage that these programs save.
