What does your electricity bill look like in this Heat? - Page 2

B&DCalgary · #1 07-18-2006, 05:18 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dr_Smith

ours runs about $400 a month with the AC - highway robbery IMO...

How old is your house, and how large? There's no way a house built to today's standards should cost that much to keep cool in the summer (or conversely keep warm in the winter). My house (3,500 sq.ft.), built three years ago with low solar heat gain windows and properly insulated costs less than $100 for electricity in the summer with full a/c and my highest gas bill for heat (last January) was $87. It sounds like you either have a monster house or it's old enough that it's framed with 2x4's instead of 2x6's, has low quality windows, and/or isn't insulated to the same standard as today's houses. When I'm talking of standards, I'm referring of course to Canadian construction standards (seeing as you're from Edmonton), which are considerably higher than U.S. standards and several times more energy efficient.

Dr_Smith · #2 07-18-2006, 10:02 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by B&DCalgary

How old is your house, and how large? There's no way a house built to today's standards should cost that much to keep cool in the summer (or conversely keep warm in the winter). My house (3,500 sq.ft.), built three years ago with low solar heat gain windows and properly insulated costs less than $100 for electricity in the summer with full a/c and my highest gas bill for heat (last January) was $87. It sounds like you either have a monster house or it's old enough that it's framed with 2x4's instead of 2x6's, has low quality windows, and/or isn't insulated to the same standard as today's houses. When I'm talking of standards, I'm referring of course to Canadian construction standards (seeing as you're from Edmonton), which are considerably higher than U.S. standards and several times more energy efficient.

It was built in 96. 4200 sq/ft 2x4 walls, however that still shouldn't account for that much of a difference. I've been trying to get the time to review our gas/electricity accounts to see if there's a better solution than Epcor/Direct Energy as I'm sick of paying through the nose for services. Calgary shouldn't be all that different. Who are you with and are you on a rate plan?

JonK · #3 07-18-2006, 01:52 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by B&DCalgary

How old is your house, and how large? There's no way a house built to today's standards should cost that much to keep cool in the summer (or conversely keep warm in the winter). My house (3,500 sq.ft.), built three years ago with low solar heat gain windows and properly insulated costs less than $100 for electricity in the summer with full a/c and my highest gas bill for heat (last January) was $87. It sounds like you either have a monster house or it's old enough that it's framed with 2x4's instead of 2x6's, has low quality windows, and/or isn't insulated to the same standard as today's houses. When I'm talking of standards, I'm referring of course to Canadian construction standards (seeing as you're from Edmonton), which are considerably higher than U.S. standards and several times more energy efficient.

Thanks for the input all of you.
3500 SQF + 500 SQF office 12' Ceilings. Only Two yrs old 5 and 3 ton Central Air and the other one for the office, all damn airconditioners has very good efficiency rating.
I've got all bells and whistles when I got this home, including tinted glasses and top of the line windows. Our builder, William Lions don't do the cheap job.
I have a supersized ceiling fans in every single rooms. The airfilter system we have that we hardly run. We paid way over million for this home.

It bugs the heck out of me when my house keeper makes stews during the daytime w/o the fan on and blasting airconditioners.

I'll check with the builder to see we have better options of insulating my home. I am looking into solar power since we got plenty of suns out here. It should payoff in long run. I'll also look into SCE rate schedule. Obvioiusly it penalizes me for being anoveruser.

Thanks again. I keep you posted as I come up with solutions.

B&DCalgary · #4 07-18-2006, 10:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JonK

Thanks for the input all of you.
3500 SQF + 500 SQF office 12' Ceilings. Only Two yrs old 5 and 3 ton Central Air and the other one for the office, all damn airconditioners has very good efficiency rating.
I've got all bells and whistles when I got this home, including tinted glasses and top of the line windows. Our builder, William Lions don't do the cheap job.
I have a supersized ceiling fans in every single rooms. The airfilter system we have that we hardly run. We paid way over million for this home.

Do you know what your R-Value (insulation value) is in your walls and ceiling?

fln8tive · #5 07-18-2006, 12:36 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JonK

I just got mine from 6/13 thru 7/13, 2,029 kwh
$504.27
I won't be suprise if next bill is close to 1G.

I don't keep my home like a meat locker, more like 78 to 79 even daytime since my parents are 'visiting' me.
It is a well insulated new 3500 sqf single story home. I keep the remote thermostat so that I would know when to open windows night time, say 75 or below. I didn't have whole lota chance to do that.

I'll make sure my parents do not stay with me during summer, perhaps find a job that I could telecommute in Alaska spend some quality time with 'Lard'.

Anyone has solar panel installed?
I could use some advice.

What SEER ratings does your AC have and are the units matched? Is your attic insulated? Are your windows and doors tight? Is your coil on the compressor clean and ditto the fins on the air handler?

We have icynene spray insulation on the walls and roofline...the air handler sits in a cool attic...incredible stuff; year 'round energy cost is about $1.00 per sq. foot per month. G/L

moymch · #6 07-18-2006, 06:07 AM

Mines just fine. I don't have A/C here in Germany. I wish I did though. I'll make up for the cost when I have to pay my heating bill this winter.

SuperGreg · #7 07-18-2006, 07:22 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JonK

I just got mine from 6/13 thru 7/13, 2,029 kwh
$504.27
I won't be suprise if next bill is close to 1G..

My situ.: 3,200 sq.ft., 2 A/C's (One 5 ton & One 3 ton, both 14 seer), home is just over 3 years old. Last months bill was $148.00 (2,022 kWh). The key is that I am on the "Time of Use" plan. Peak charges occur between 1pm and 8pm. Mine is set for 77 at night (off peak), 84 during peak hours. The key I think is that I really cool the house down prior to on peak hours to ~69 degrees, and the unit doesn't need to come on till about 6:30pm, and it only stays at the uncomfortable 84 for about an hour and a 1/2.

You definately have a problem here. Hell, I mean I live in Hell

.

1) Ensure that your filters are new and/or clean
2) Get on a time of use plan and get/use a programmable thermostat
3) Close blinds/curtains during the day
4) Install sunscreens on major exposed windows (This is a must here in AZ)
5) Check temperature differential between indoor ambient air temp and air temp coming directly out of your registers. The differential should be AT LEAST 18-20 degrees. If the differential is less than that, then you probably need a freon re-charge.
6) Have A/C coil checked and cleaned

How many A/C units do you have, and what size unit(s) do you have? It is quite possible that your unit is overloaded due to the size of your home i.e. I have 8 tons capacity for 3,200 sq.ft. You will know it is overloaded if it is continuously running and never seems to shut off.

That's all I can think of for right now.

Oh, check with a couple of your neighbors to see what their bill is running and/or call your Electric company to see if they can do a comparative check for you.