Electric Bill??

[spatcher]

We had them about that high before the new furnace!

 

[rooster0209]

Instead relying on fuel oil, we installed a new heat pump/ac unit. I had to have a/c before moving in

Our elec bill last winter was $130-$150. The heatpump is on off peak.

But we installed a hottub on the deck, so that added to elec bill last winter. I have fibromyalgia and its been quite a savior. This past month w/no a/c or heat running the bill was $100.

We really need new windows. Some were replaced in the 70's and the others are the old style where you put screens on/off depending on the season. But with 7 windows in the living room that are the old, old style it's going to be quite an expense.

We are considering adding a woodburning stove. I thought a corn stove would be great, especially since we grow corn. But farmer in DH says the grain prices are just too good to burn the corn. So I am sure if we do anything it will be wood.

 

[k0xxx]

Here in north AR, we average about $75 during the winter to about $200 in the summer. We could drop the summer bill down somewhat, but have been keeping the house cooler in the summer for my father-in-law who is mostly bed ridden.

It's better than in southeast LA, where 10 years ago $350 during the summer was not uncommon (100 degree heat and 100% humidity).

 

[domromer]

I guess my energy inefficient house is saved by the fact that we live in such a mild climate. I'm glad I don't live somewhere like Upstate NY with this house. I can't imagine what my heating bills would be like. I think were pretty frugal though. In the summer we don't really run the AC unit and in the winter we keep the heat around 64 during the day. And 67 for a few hours at bedtime.

 

[willheveland]

Where I live in NY, we pay about $.14 a kwh. and that is through NYSEG. Will

 

[speckledhen]

My bill ranges from a low of $70 in the summer. To a high of $120 in the winter.

Sounds like my bill....except that the lower number is never below $80 and we don't use A/C or heat! It's all electric, which includes the water heater and well pump. The house is about 1100 sq ft and well-insulated with 4 side wrap porches and it's still that high. We use our soapstone woodstove for heat in winter and fans in summer. The lights stay off in the house all the time. I think its a very high bill for what we're using.​

 

[spatcher]

Tell em about your taxes Will! In Niagara County even cell phones have a school tax on them!!!

 

[patandchickens]

It seems to me that the sensible thing to be investing in isn't insulation, it's CEILING AND WINDOW FANS

Also a variety of curtains, shades, overhangs etc to keep the house from taking in so much heat in the first place. And attic ventilation -- reassess your attic ventilation, since the hotter the attic is the hotter the house will be.

A 900 sq ft house should not need A/C unless either you want to keep the temp's in the 60's all summer or you live somewhere that, for much of the summer, night temperatures do not drop below 75.

JMHO,

Pat

 

[dangerouschicken]

I also have a NW cottage, but built at the turn of the century (Arts & Crafts style). The whole place is single-paned casement windows and not well insulated. It has diesel fuel, which I hate paying for, but we rent, so not much I can do. We supplement with using our fireplace (lots of free wood around here) and electric space heaters. Our electric is 100% wind powered and costs about $125-$175 year-round.

3 kids' laundry, 4 full-time brooder lamps, and a food dehydrator going all the time don't help much

Edited to add: Most homes in the NW don't need AC. We use ceiling fans!

 

[Three Cedars Silkies]

I'm in northcentral Florida. House is basically new construction - 6 years old. Double pane windows, 2600 sq. ft. Highest summer bill so far is $525...highest winter bill is about $250.

OH....and only my DH and I. Kids all gone...