I like these kinds of threads, lots of good info. We pay 279.?? a month on an equalizer plan that our utility offers. We have 2500sqft single story stucko home. Two big Trane units (not sure on the size) that are both set at 80* all summer. We added sunscreens this year and though we havent done the math we are pretty sure its been a good investment.
Energy Bill...OUCH!
- Thread starter MrsFusion
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HHmmm, we had a 3-ton originally! The ac company, who sold us the new unit a few years ago, is the one that suggested that, with the size of our house, we really needed a 5-ton. So that explains why our bill didn't go down when we splurged and got a new unit, inside and out. They also set the attic unit so that we would have to buy THEIR filters, which is just a little off from the 4" filters sold in the stores. I was not happy about this when I climbed up there to replace the filter the first time. Oh well, we'll know to do better on our homework next time.
First, to the person on Iowa with AC set on 75 degrees - going a degree or two high makes a huge difference in the power usage. Add a fan to create a breeze and it may be quite tolerable. Turn the fan off when you leave. We keep our temp set at 78 mostly, sometimes bump it to 77 or 76 at the end of a hot day or when there are a lot of people in the house.
This house has sunscreens and double pane windows, 3600 sf with only one room upstairs. Our last monthly bill showed actual usage at just under 3000 KWH for $299. The prior house used 30% more power with 20% less space and no pool, probably due to lack to double pane windows and sunscreens. Highest bills there were maybe $580 at peak, with the annual average $270. This house highest bill is $299, average is $180. I am amazed at that.
I have looked into radiant barrier but the difficulty of proper moisture management has me worried. They need to allow air flow from soffit vents up to the ridge vents and yet allow moisture to rise from the ceiling itself and exit the attic. I just could not see how fabrics could do that. Spray paint ought to work better I'd think. Too bad we didn't do that before we moved in.
Both homes have lots of can lights in the ceiling that leak air into the attic since they are not enclosed and cannot have insulation touching them like newer light fixtures. I have an idea of how to make a box out of insulation panels to cover the ones I can get to but that is pretty low on my list of chores at the moment.
This house has sunscreens and double pane windows, 3600 sf with only one room upstairs. Our last monthly bill showed actual usage at just under 3000 KWH for $299. The prior house used 30% more power with 20% less space and no pool, probably due to lack to double pane windows and sunscreens. Highest bills there were maybe $580 at peak, with the annual average $270. This house highest bill is $299, average is $180. I am amazed at that.
I have looked into radiant barrier but the difficulty of proper moisture management has me worried. They need to allow air flow from soffit vents up to the ridge vents and yet allow moisture to rise from the ceiling itself and exit the attic. I just could not see how fabrics could do that. Spray paint ought to work better I'd think. Too bad we didn't do that before we moved in.
Both homes have lots of can lights in the ceiling that leak air into the attic since they are not enclosed and cannot have insulation touching them like newer light fixtures. I have an idea of how to make a box out of insulation panels to cover the ones I can get to but that is pretty low on my list of chores at the moment.
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