Until last year, our home in southwest Alabama relied on an outdated, inefficient central cooling unit. It was a 3.5 ton Bryant AC installed in the 90s. Instead of investing thousands of dollars in a new energy-efficient unit or mini splits for heating and cooling, I discovered ways to save money using cost-effective smart controls from Amazon and window units.
In mid-August 2023, I opted to try this method due to the energy usage from July of the previous year. Regrettably, the power company has updated their billing system, and it now only allows a 12-month review. However, you can still view the usage data from August 2023 to July 2024.
Our home spans just over 2000 square feet. By keeping the laundry room door shut, there’s no need to cool it, reducing the area to slightly over 1800 square feet. We use six 5000 BTU window units (where 12000 BTUs equal 1 ton), equating to 2.5 tons of cooling capacity for our home. This setup comfortably maintains the house temperature between 72-73 degrees, and our power bill has nearly halved compared to last year at this time.
Here’s my approach: I gradually purchased the window units from Amazon. The Black and Decker models cost $149.99 each. I didn’t buy them all simultaneously; instead, I acquired them over time. Living in a hurricane-prone area, I keep a couple in the shed as backup cooling for my portable generator. I began with two units and added more over time to optimize cooling and reduce utility costs. These units consume around 400-500 watts of electricity during operation, with a slight increase when the compressor activates.
BLACK+DECKER BD05MWT6 Window Air Conditioner 5000 BTU
After acquiring the window units, the subsequent step involved purchasing components for automation. I bought smart plugs and thermometers of the same brand from Amazon. The smart plug app allows the creation of scenarios.
To enhance efficiency, I’ve established zones in my home. Each zone includes two window units and a thermometer. Below is a screenshot depicting the scenarios managing two of my AC units.
The images show that when the temperature exceeds 72.9 degrees on the controller, both units activate. Conversely, when the temperature falls below 72.1 degrees, they shut off. These cloud-based controllers are linked to the manufacturer’s server and provide real-time updates. Thus, when the thermometer hits 73 degrees, the units switch on, and when it decreases to 72 degrees, they switch off. The controller’s central location ensures it operates differently than a window unit’s thermostat, which isn’t as effective in regulating room temperature. Instead, by relying on an internal setting, the units maintain a cool and comfortable environment in the rooms.
Here are the links to the thermometers and the smart plugs:
GHome Smart WiFi Thermometer Hygrometer, Indoor Temperature Humidity Sensor Electronic
GHome Smart Mini Plug Compatible with Alexa and Google Home
I use these controllers not only to regulate my home’s temperature but also to manage the overwhelming humidity on the Gulf Coast. In southwest Alabama, the climate is almost jungle-like—it rains nearly every day, with temperatures reaching the upper 90s and low 100s in July and August. Without regulation, indoor humidity often exceeds 70%. To address this, I bought an Amazon Basics dehumidifier last year. The best part is that it is manufactured by GE but costs significantly less than the branded unit.
Amazon Echo Dot (5th Gen, 2022 release)
With Alexa integration, I can control my home remotely from my phone, no matter where I am in the world. The Alexa feature in my car also allows me to manage my home’s devices while driving. This proves particularly handy when returning from a trip out of state. A few hours before arriving home, I can activate the air conditioning, ensuring the house is cool upon my arrival.
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