In this way, our small group of home air conditioners reacted to grid changes the way a power plant would – using more or less energy to balance the grid and keep the frequency near 60 hertz.

Air conditioners place a heavy burden on the grid when the weather gets hot, but this strategy shows they can actually help—and without compromising your home's temperature.

Every few seconds, our system slightly changed the timing of air-conditioning compressor switching for some of the 100 air conditioners, causing the units’ aggregate power consumption to change.

To protect your air conditioner from fluctuation in electrical currents, you can use a whole-home surge protector installed at the main panel, or an AC-rated smart surge protector.

Every few seconds, our system slightly changed the timing of air-conditioning compressor switching for some of the 100 air conditioners, causing the units’ aggregate power consumption to change.

But if everyone turns on their air conditioner at the same time, electricity demand spikes, which can force power grid operators to activate some of the most expensive, and dirtiest, power plants.