The answer is Solar Augmentation. By adding a small solar unit where you spend the most time (like a home office), you can raise the thermostat on your main unit by 5 degrees.
The "Crazy" Formula
According to utility studies (including Arizona Public Service), you save roughly 2.5% on your bill for every degree you raise your thermostat.
If you add a 1-ton unit to a 4-ton system and raise your main unit's thermostat from 71°F to 76°F:
- Daytime Savings:
(1 - 4/(4+1) + (0.025 * 5)) * 100 = 32.5%
That’s right: simply by adding a solar "spot cooler," you can lower your daytime cooling costs by over 32%.
Overall 24-Hour Cycle
Even when you take into account running the hybrid unit on grid power at night (at its high 22 SEER efficiency), the total 24-hour savings still comes out to roughly 21.6%.
The Bottom Line
- Less Expensive: Adding a 1-ton solar unit is much cheaper than replacing a 5-ton central system.
- Environmentally Friendly: You slash your carbon footprint immediately.
- Grid Independence: You'll always have cooling, even during a blackout.
Stop fighting the whole house. Focus your cooling and save your wallet.
