Question about energy conservation

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by tailchaser

Just for giggles, I'll share the numbers for July/August for my 2500 sf two story (gas heat and water) that we keep at 78 in the evening, 76 for sleeping, and drift to about 80 during the day when we're not home (about 3º higher upstairs, as we're not up there much right now). June was $100, July was $150, and August is on track for about $185. All lighting was updated last year (save 2 exterior lights that are rarely on). My winter electric bills were mostly within a stone's throw of $30.

---

That's impressive!! Mine have been 204, 275, then 313. But like I said I swing from 69 asleep to 73 away. Also being out in BFE, I have security lights that run all night, a hot tub that is used year round, a mosquito/fly system for the barn and house that agitates and spays several times a day, battery tenders on the Miata and two Jeeps...just lots of trickle that adds up. Working my way through the lights switching to LED's and researching wind and solar. I'd love to get to a position where the electric co pays me when it's not all being used. Not concerned with storage since I have a propane genny for if there's an outage.

We are a little higher than tail chaser. 2300 sf ranch, 76 deg daytime, 75 sleeping, 78 when away. 3 people, and I'm home during the summer a lot more (teacher). $130 for June, $200 July, on track for $210 in August. We also have gas heat/water, so we are under $40 in the winter. $60-80/mo spring/fall.

Almost all CFL bulbs, gradually converting the heavy use rooms to LED. We plan to update the single pane glass windows over the next year.

Oh...forgot a big one...My dog kennels are in the garage so I have a window unit cooling that 25X25 area to 78*. So I'm actually cooling 2225 sq/ft. Adds about $80/month when in use. But cost less than the path of destruction 3 GSD's can leave behind playing in the house during the day. :) Guess the point is, everyone's use is very individualized. There's a lot of places I could lower my costs, but choose not to. Kinda like I could choose to have a gas sipping four banger in a Miata. But that ain't me. ;)

Just got my electric bill. $279 for 3,000 Sq ft., 20 year old house and 4 people. Thermostat set between 72 and 74. I do have a gas water heater and kitchen range. We bought new ac units 3 years ago. We have oversized 4 and 5 ton 13 seer units. With oversized units they don't run long when they kick on. Bought both units for $9600,
.