Ouch! I whine at $350…
75 degrees
We are hotter, and using supercooling, my electric is far, far less than that. Roughly in the $250 range for July and August. Less for September, and even less for June.
It makes a difference if the home has a heat pump or traditional air conditioning and heat. With a heat pump, it is best to not change the temperature over a wild range. When heating, the heating will turn on emergency heat and running emergency heat is extremely expensive.
Watching the humidity is also particularly important. In areas where the humidity is high, cooling needs to run enough to keep the indoor humidity low. This can improve comfort without raising the temperature. Many of us may have stayed in hotels where the room ac only runs if someone is in the room. The room may seem damp and maybe even moldy. This can be due to not running the ac enough. In areas where the humidity is low, it may be necessary to add a humidifier to the system. Proper humidity helps alleviate sinus problems, dry skin, and other issues. Keeping the humidity up in colder, dry areas can make indoor comfort better while keeping the temperature lower.
Many smart thermostats have controls for humidity. However, many people who own smart thermostats may not have them programmed to help control humidity.
Here in Florida I have mine set at 75 degrees both upstairs and downstairs. I like to be comfortable.
1 Like
Wish my bill was that small. My electric bill is high than my car payment during the summer
If heating and cooling bills are extreme, consider having the insulation in the home evaluated. Adding insulation to a home is a relatively low-cost option for improving the energy efficiency of a home. It has to be done properly by a contractor that knows what they are doing. Otherwise, it could be wasted money.
Changing windows to newer more energy efficient windows is an option that you may see advertised frequently. The return on investment can be quite long when buying replacement windows. If a remodeling project is being done, then new windows may be a good option at that time.
1 Like
Check with your electric company to see if there are other plans that might save you $. Also, while it doesn’t change the cost, leveling out the bills over the year can help you manage your finances better.
1 Like
10 am to 10 pm. 82 degrees. The rest of the time off. Down here in south Florida that is about all i can afford.
75 during the day, 72 at night with an oscillating fan.
In the summer I keep both the upstairs and downstairs on 73. I would freeze to death at 68 during the night! In the winter, the heat stays on 68. Even if I go on vacation, I can’t keep it too warm in the spring or summer as I have a cat who is taken care of by a friend. I have gas heat, which was $99 in Jan. June Electric bill was $85.62 (I live near Atlanta)
Currently, no need for a thermostat, nor heat nor cooling.
However, when I lived in Georgia I had massive heating and cooling bills. The development (as many are) was built for asthetics, rather than function. All the trees were existing pine trees and no shade trees. The houses were aligned haphazardly and the houses were build in a particular style not conducive to saving on utility costs.
There were tall windows almost floor to ceiling with only screens and no storm windows. There was no overhang of the roof so rain would come in the open windows if left open and there was any breeze. The houses should have been built to take advantage of sunlight, shade and prevailing winds.
During winter I stayed in the “mother-in-law suite” and used a kerosine heater (with the window slightly open).
Live in the geographic center of So California.74 years old and never had or used AC inside a house.Open the windows and use a super quiet Dreo pedestal fan.Set it at low speed,for minimum noise while sleeping,with fan a few feet away and aimed to head.Works great.