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Thanks all sorry I should have posted that the batteries are Trojans T105, heard about them on a radio show with a guy off Grid completely I am way ahead of the game. Ive been using compact Fl. for years. I even years ago bought adaptors, some I still use. Ive heard about phantom loading or standby power usuage years ago. I dont watch tv . So when Hubby goes back to ..... The whole THING tv, SATELLITE DISH, DVD PLAYER, GETS uNPLUGGED FROM WALL. I only listen to talk radio via radio or media player or use laptop. I also keep toaster unplugged. I should unplug convection combo microwave. I used to. But now I use the convection only part for my baking and reheating etc everyday.I dont trust microwaving foods. I have to move the fridge to unplug it. One of those switches wont work cause it doesnt have grounding plug. My stove is gas. I was unplugging it but I found myself forgetting to plug it back in when turning the knob. Im used to walking a way, after turn knob. I scare myself when I realize gas is on and igniter not working cause plug in wall not plugged in. During the hot weather I use my tabletop Old Fabreware Turbo convection oven with timer built in to heat or cook or bake my food. It keeps the heat out in the garage not the house. a bit of a Pain in the ...... but I do it. I have books for alternative from the 70s but its hard getting Hubby on board. Hubby and I fight when he is here cause I unplug so many items when not using. I try to use the switch (surge unit)on back of the entertainment center when he finally turns off the TV. I open my insulated roman shades ( I made, Warm Window) as much as possible on sunny but cool days. Yeah I know about switches and etc and "standby power" My one weakness is my heated Toto seat.. I use the blower sparingly on the zero clearance fireplace. I wear thermal ware and wool sweaters, etc. Cause house is so cool. Im cold natured anyway. Most people think Im eccentric, But I call myself thrifty. So I need to figure out what I keep plugged in like sump pump, chest freezer in basement, fridge, upstairs three electric clocks, dishwasher(plugged in in basement ceiling Cordless phones and chargers, etc??? All my appliances are Euro style. I dont using dryer. Its been unplugged for many many years in basement I use wooden drying racks, hang clothes in bathroom or in garage during nicer weather. Stiff towels,LOL. Oh what is "loading"???? Yeah I love to be able to use thermal mass, etc, solar heat, But its hard to get Hubby on board> Plus we are retired and DIY - ers. We have so much on our plates now . Plus have lots of solar sites bookmarked years ago But I dont give up easy. Thanks Tesa and Gary and any one else who offers suggestions

Is this a middle floor or a top floor? Without seeing it I would say 12,000 btu would be fine. You will probably end up setting a floor fan in the dining room to blow the cooler air into the office. Did you use window units previously? Most manufacturers make a base unit and then a unit that is a little higher quality.

My compressor also went 1 1/2 weeks ago. I was not too upset at first because I was leaving to go to the Cape. However, I cannot stand the heat since coming back and I finally broke down and had a HVAC guy come out. It is the compressor as we thought. The freeon is full. The label on the outside says it was made in 1989 so I guess at 22 years old it lasted well. We bought this house 2 years ago and it seems everything has recently started to need to be replaced. We will be having our roof done soon. Anyways, my question is also whether I should just replace the compressor or update to a new energy efficient a.c.. The a.c. we have now is a HEIL. My furnace (oil) is a thermo pride and I believe it was replaced in 2007. The house was built in 1984. It is a raised ranch with a up and down in-law that does not run off this furnace (it has its own gas furnace). There is also a lower level apt. that is also seperate with it's own furnace (oil). However, my apt. space and the lower level tenant share the same oil tank. We only have central air. The in-law and lower apt. do not. I think my a.c. unit is a 1 ton. The service man quoted me $800 inclusive to put in a new compressor. He also said he had an old ? 6 years model a.c. (not just the compressor)that he recently took out of someones place when they updated theirs for a more energy efficient one. He said he'd give me a 1 year warranty and it would cost $5oo.oo for this used one. I did not ask for a quote on a new one because we need the money for the new roof He is suppose to be calling me back to let me know for sure the age of the old unit. Any advise would be appreciated. Sue