Meters for Air Con Units

Notsoboredhw


Joined: 15/03/2007
Posts: 1254

Message Posted:
15/08/2008 21:43

Does anyone know if it is possible to connect some sort of coin meter or something similar to air conditioning units? Just thought it would be a great idea if there was such a thing and that would stop abuse of these units and high electric bills! Anyone fancy making some - I'm sure whoever does could make a fortune!

wynyardman



Joined: 15/12/2007
Posts: 4580

Message Posted:
15/08/2008 22:00

Hi BoredHousewife. ( I dont really think you are)



We intend to rent out our villa. I had our builder fit a system like top flight hotels. In order to

save electricity. they have to fit the house key (ring) into a wall mounted unit to activate the air conditioning circuit. When they go out they take the house key,and the aircon system is deactivated.. The builder charged £500 but I feel the savings could be considerable.



Needs to be done before plastering, when the house is being first fixed electrics.



wyn

Lambousa Gordon


Joined: 03/11/2007
Posts: 1992

Message Posted:
15/08/2008 22:11

Another electricity saving measure hotels install is a cut-off switch connected to windows and balcony doors. When open the a/c doesn't operate.



I'm not sure how this would connect up to split-units but am pretty sure it could be done.

Pipie


Joined: 05/01/2008
Posts: 5499

Message Posted:
15/08/2008 22:15

Great idea wyn . Bored housewife you could ensure meter is read before and after let and charge accordingly ensuring renters are aware of costs .

Notsoboredhw


Joined: 15/03/2007
Posts: 1254

Message Posted:
16/08/2008 12:37

Hi Wyn thanks for that - someone else has mentioned something like that to us before but I guess now everything is installed it would be a pain in the butt to re-do.



Pipie - that also sounds like a great idea as well but I'm sure our management company would charge us for keep going to our apartment to read our meters every time we had a rental but I guess I could ask them.



I might have a look in the UK to see if anything can be attached to the units. If I have any luck I will let you all know.

dusterbruce


Joined: 03/08/2007
Posts: 1125

Message Posted:
16/08/2008 12:39

Wyn



What happens with this system when someone has a spare key?

TRNCVaughan


Joined: 27/04/2008
Posts: 4578

Message Posted:
16/08/2008 14:06

If the house is new and the a/c units have their own dedicated supplies via switched spurs, this could be done fairly easily using a key switch and relays, after modifying the consumer unit. This would mean that when leaving the house the key would need to turned "off" to remove it to lock the house door on the way out. However, there is still the problem of guests running a/c units in unoccupied rooms and/or with the windows/doors open.

joanie1


Joined: 25/07/2008
Posts: 164

Message Posted:
16/08/2008 14:28

Just a thought - I don't rent my place out - but for those who do - why not reduce the rent and guests pay separately for all water and electricty used. If you have people looking after your villa/apartment it should not be difficult for them to read electricity and water meters at beginning and end of stay. You could take the money in advance in the form of a deposit (make sure you work out maximum probable usage) and then refund them the difference. They will be economical - its amazing how careful people are when paying -it drives me mad seeing rental places with aircon buzzing away all day while the people who rent have gone out! Also buy fans - they cool a room down - are not so expensive to run and don't belch out heat into an already hot climate. Supply buckets - one for each aircon outlet and encourage people to flush the loos - also saving water and make sure guests realise what a precious commodity water is here.

Pipie


Joined: 05/01/2008
Posts: 5499

Message Posted:
16/08/2008 14:36

sadly , as you say people who rent can be very wasteful , on our recent visit we witnessed fans being left on all night on a balcony , the same apartment had the aircons on 24/7 even when they went out .

Notsoboredhw


Joined: 15/03/2007
Posts: 1254

Message Posted:
16/08/2008 17:51

How much is say 100 units of electricity - does anyone know?

joanie1


Joined: 25/07/2008
Posts: 164

Message Posted:
16/08/2008 18:33

Sorry - something I forgot - encourage people to flush the loos I meant to add using water from aircon outlet - also most showers take a long time before they get hot - a bucket in the shower to catch the cold water - also can be used to flush the loo - and if renters are paying for water they'll be happy to do this which will save them money.

simbas



Joined: 16/07/2007
Posts: 5943

Message Posted:
16/08/2008 19:09

oh god , all this does my head in , i know its necessary but it's like taking a step back in time , save this , check that , whats it all come to , is my dream going down the loo , or perhaps its just the effect of the second bottle of wine we have just started , could be eh ? { hope so }

regards , simbas

girne 29


Joined: 06/12/2007
Posts: 1488

Message Posted:
16/08/2008 19:24

You can get coin operated timers specifically for aircon units ,in uk ,but £120 for £ coins and £145 for Euro coins. So you would have to tell whoever was renting to have supply of coins with them.

girne 29


Joined: 06/12/2007
Posts: 1488

Message Posted:
16/08/2008 19:46

Just had a thought,instead of asking the tourist to bring coins ,the owner could supply a bag of euros for payment in notes, sufficient for the time ,and refund in notes ,any that are returned.