Please correct me if I'm mistaken - How does an air conditioner use less energy than a fan turned on for the same amount of time? I did a quick search and most of the hits say that air conditioners use more power. (Here is one of the links that came up: http://www.todaysgreenconstruction.com/2008/07/battle-green-...).
I think you're still right that it comes out cheaper, though, because you'd be spending most of the freezer's energy output anyways.
While I can't cite any wattage/amps/etc. figures, an air conditioner runs several things besides a fan motor, most notably its compressor. The more advanced ones also have other electrically driven parts, like a thermostat.
As for real world stats, when I lived in the Philippines, I can say for a fact that running a fan vs an airconditioner makes at least a 60-70% difference in my electric bills.
The problems with that design are highlighted in the comments, but it mostly comes from really not having enough surface area.
hotest it got here in Melb last year was 46C and multiple days above 43C with extreme fire weather ~ http://www.flickr.com/photos/bootload/sets/72157614397725714... Couple of measures you take:
- open windows
- multiple 4Ltr freezer blocks work well
- stay at the pool till late
- sleep on concrete or tiles
- use fans
- wet towels & buckets of water for feet are pretty good
That and eat lots of icy poles (don't laugh) and drink water.
It really depends. On the really hot days having a window open increases the interior temperature if the previous days have been cooler. On successively hot days leaving the window open decreases the interior temp but only if there is a wind.
I don't know what latitude where you come from since you don't have any identifying information but being smart has nothing to do with understanding how to keep cool. It comes from local knowledge. If you come from the continental Europe or the UK I'd guarantee you'd miss half these hacks due to the heat.
If you have computers and electricity, by 10-11pm it will be significantly cooler outside so if you have a deck or roof or backyard, try sleeping there.
It sounds bad and the first minute is a bit creepy (until it warms up to your body temperature) but I would fall into a deep sleep in 10 minutes. It worked for me.
