BillyVance 34 #26 March 8, 2010 My monthly electric bill has run over $400 for the last three months. I have a 2500 sq ft house built in 1980. I need to get a new blower motor for the HVAC unit. I have had to run the setting on emergency heat, otherwise the temp in the house ends up 5-8 degrees colder than the setting. A good month for me is $150. "Mediocre people don't like high achievers, and high achievers don't like mediocre people." - SIX TIME National Champion coach Nick Saban Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
billvon 2,998 #27 March 8, 2010 Three PC's, one A/C, 46" TV . . . $5 a month. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
tharv17 0 #28 March 8, 2010 1 bedroom apt , 2 A/Cs tv, two computers, tops out around 40 in the summer. Just dont ask what i pay in rent. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Rstanley0312 1 #30 March 8, 2010 Quote My monthly electric bill has run over $400 for the last three months. I have a 2500 sq ft house built in 1980. I need to get a new blower motor for the HVAC unit. I have had to run the setting on emergency heat, otherwise the temp in the house ends up 5-8 degrees colder than the setting. A good month for me is $150. I'm with you Billy.... my house is 3500 sq. ft. but it is only a year old so pretty efficient. Still my bill is over $400.00 a month in the hot and cold months.Life is all about ass....either you're kicking it, kissing it, working it off, or trying to get a piece of it. Muff Brother #4382 Dudeist Skydiver #000 www.fundraiseadventure.com Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
BillyVance 34 #31 March 8, 2010 Quote Quote My monthly electric bill has run over $400 for the last three months. I have a 2500 sq ft house built in 1980. I need to get a new blower motor for the HVAC unit. I have had to run the setting on emergency heat, otherwise the temp in the house ends up 5-8 degrees colder than the setting. A good month for me is $150. I'm with you Billy.... my house is 3500 sq. ft. but it is only a year old so pretty efficient. Still my bill is over $400.00 a month in the hot and cold months. Sucks don't it? Fucking greedy power companies! "Mediocre people don't like high achievers, and high achievers don't like mediocre people." - SIX TIME National Champion coach Nick Saban Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
billeisele 130 #32 March 8, 2010 Quote Quote Quote My monthly electric bill has run over $400 for the last three months. I have a 2500 sq ft house built in 1980. I need to get a new blower motor for the HVAC unit. I have had to run the setting on emergency heat, otherwise the temp in the house ends up 5-8 degrees colder than the setting. A good month for me is $150. I'm with you Billy.... my house is 3500 sq. ft. but it is only a year old so pretty efficient. Still my bill is over $400.00 a month in the hot and cold months. Sucks don't it? Fucking greedy power companies! I work for one of those power companies. It is amazing how little 95% of the public knows or cares about how to manage their utility bill. They want to call and complain but don't want to lift a finger to manage the issue. Billy - if your unit is 10 years old or more, don't waste any money on it by changing a part. Buy a new unit and your bill will go down 20-50%. If you are running on emergency heat it is because 1) the unit is too small, or 2) the compressor is not working properly, or 3) possibly some other issue but most likely either 1 or 2. If the unit has ever heated the house properly then it is not too small unless you have added square footage or done something else to increase the heat loss. When you switch the T-stat to emergency heat you are turning the compressor off and are running on STRIP HEAT. You might as well go get some electric space heaters, they cost the same to operate. If the unit was working properly the strip heat would come on automatically when the temp dropped 2-3 degrees below the set point. If you have an old T-stat, remove the cover and blow out the dust. A little education is a good thing.Give one city to the thugs so they can all live together. I vote for Chicago where they have strict gun laws. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
squirrel 0 #33 March 9, 2010 Quote Quote Quote Quote Mine is 2,000 sq. ft. or something like that. The pool filter is 12 hours a day and the a/c 24/7 from pretty much May thru October. I wish I never put the damn pool in since I'm hardly ever home anymore to enjoy it. you may want look into a variable speed pool pump. they are pricey to install, but run upwards of 80% more efficient. they will pay for themselves in less than a year, and local power companies may offer good rebates. plus they have an auto shut down if an obstruction is sensed, as in a person getting entrapped. (now required by law on new pools and replacement pumps.) 12 hours is a bit excessive, 6 to 8 is the max i tell my clients to set the filter to run. (i own a pool service company). i run my filter 3 hours a day in the summer, water is crystal clear. pools vary, but you have to do a bit of experimenting on what works...could save alot, and buy more jumps! Thanks for that advice. It is something to check out because I am going to get a price to install a heater if it isn't too outrageous!! BTW, I use Synergy chemicals, if that means anything. HOLD IT!!! Don't get a heater. There are much better options. It's much less expensive in the long run to get a solar collector. You can also use it to heat your domestic water. If you actually want to know more about it then send me a message. I'm about to do an energy retrofit on a house in NJ so I'm getting familiar with the territory. You may be able to get some tax incentives for this. agreed. a heater that heats your house is usually 40,000 Btus, a pool heater to heat a pool and spa is usually 400,000 Btus....ten times the power of your house. We us our spa, (300,000 heater) about 2 to 3 nights a week, and heating just 300 gallons boos the gas bill about $25 a month....average pool is 25,000 gallons...do the math, plus you will be trying to keep it warm all the time. heaters are really only economical for spas, or the occasional crazy naked pool party, at the residential level go with the solar set up, and or a cover. if you know anyone with some brain, building your own solar system with the matts is not hard at all. but now you are dealing with the chemical problem...heat cooks chemicals out of a pool, and the pool will start to turn into pea soup very fast. that is why when you swim in a public pool that is heated, the chlorine level is kept so high. ________________________________ Where is Darwin when you need him? Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
squirrel 0 #34 March 9, 2010 Quote My monthly electric bill has run over $400 for the last three months. I have a 2500 sq ft house built in 1980. I need to get a new blower motor for the HVAC unit. I have had to run the setting on emergency heat, otherwise the temp in the house ends up 5-8 degrees colder than the setting. A good month for me is $150. you have a "heat pump" right? basically and air conditioner run in reverse. the emergency heat setting on these units turns on electric coils, much like a space heater. not sure where you live, but maybe a twin pack FAU (HVAC unit with gas heat) might be a better option? here in the desert my elec bill with a pool is about $75 a month, gas runs about $60....1600 Sf house. but, i also heat 100% with a wood stove and I gather my own wood. ________________________________ Where is Darwin when you need him? Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
sitflypat 0 #35 March 9, 2010 I got 3300 sqft not even a year old, it´s spray foam insulated, energy star rated, changed al the light´s to energy saved on´s. My bill during the summer time was only $220-250, hire in central Texas with 100+degree F every day. So I guess, it's not to bad.DFV-3332/ SCR-14639/ SCS-8185 Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Bolas 5 #36 March 9, 2010 Quote Three PC's, one A/C, 46" TV . . . $5 a month. I thought they were paying you for your excess... Stupidity if left untreated is self-correcting If ya can't be good, look good, if that fails, make 'em laugh. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
billvon 2,998 #37 March 9, 2010 >I thought they were paying you for your excess... They will be soon! Changeover should happen in June (which happens to be good timing; best production month.) Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
squirrel 0 #38 March 9, 2010 Quote A little education is a good thing. no kidding...wonder how many people know that Volts X Amps = Watts, and Watts X time = your consumption, and your consumption X $ per kilowatt = your bill. ________________________________ Where is Darwin when you need him? Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
fossg 0 #39 March 9, 2010 I also have a pool and spa I realize this doesnt make me a subject matter expert but during the warm months when pool use is highest 2 hours a day is plenty of time for your filter to keep everything clean. Where I have my big bills is during the winter when my freeze protecter kicks on and the filter runs a lot!! The alternative is a skateing rink and new filter so I guess its a trade off Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
squirrel 0 #40 March 9, 2010 Quote I also have a pool and spa I realize this doesnt make me a subject matter expert but during the warm months when pool use is highest 2 hours a day is plenty of time for your filter to keep everything clean. Where I have my big bills is during the winter when my freeze protecter kicks on and the filter runs a lot!! The alternative is a skateing rink and new filter so I guess its a trade off do you live where it is below freezing all winter? here, in the winter, it drops below freezing at night...i watch the weather, and if it is going to be cold for the week or so...i turn of the filter power, and drain the filter, heater, and pump. as long as there is some expansion room for the ice, you will not burst your equipment. leave the system shut down for a as long as it needs to be. the cold prevents algea. as long as you dont mind a few leaves in the pool, you will save alot of $ on power. make sure it has warmed up enough before you re-start the system, or you may have some back pressure in the piping from ice. it freezes here all the time, and i have no freeze protection on my equip. ________________________________ Where is Darwin when you need him? Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Ketia0 0 #41 March 9, 2010 Quote Quote A little education is a good thing. no kidding...wonder how many people know that Volts X Amps = Watts, and Watts X time = your consumption, and your consumption X $ per kilowatt = your bill. Ok... wait a minute... I just did the math and im confused.. Volts x amps =watts correct? 220Vx 40 amps= 8800 Wattsx time= consumtion 8800 x 9 hours= 79200 consumtion x $ per kilowatt= bill 79200 x .097 c/kw= $7683.4 that doesn seem right? "In this game you can't predict the future. You just have to play the odds. "-JohnMitchell Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Heatmiser 0 #42 March 9, 2010 Quote Quote Quote A little education is a good thing. no kidding...wonder how many people know that Volts X Amps = Watts, and Watts X time = your consumption, and your consumption X $ per kilowatt = your bill. Ok... wait a minute... I just did the math and im confused.. Volts x amps =watts correct? 220Vx 40 amps= 8800 Wattsx time= consumtion 8800 x 9 hours= 79200 consumtion x $ per kilowatt= bill 79200 x .097 c/kw= $7683.4 that doesn seem right? 8800 watts is 8.8 kilowattsWhat you say is reflective of your knowledge...HOW ya say it is reflective of your experience. Airtwardo Someone's going to be spanked! Hopefully, it will be me. Skymama Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Ketia0 0 #43 March 9, 2010 Quote Quote Quote Quote A little education is a good thing. no kidding...wonder how many people know that Volts X Amps = Watts, and Watts X time = your consumption, and your consumption X $ per kilowatt = your bill. Ok... wait a minute... I just did the math and im confused.. Volts x amps =watts correct? 220Vx 40 amps= 8800 Wattsx time= consumtion 8800 x 9 hours= 79200 consumtion x $ per kilowatt= bill 79200 x .097 c/kw= $7683.4 that doesn seem right? 8800 watts is 8.8 kilowatts Ahhhh.. i see.. ok.. so that makes the math then.. Volts x amps =watts correct? 220Vx 40 amps= 8800 Wattsx time= consumtion 8.8 x 9 hours= 79.2 consumtion x $ per kilowatt= bill 79.2 x .097 c/kw= $7.68 is that right? So if i have a hot tub.. that is 220v and pulls 40 amps.. and run it for 9 hours, its only 8 bucks?"In this game you can't predict the future. You just have to play the odds. "-JohnMitchell Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Heatmiser 0 #44 March 9, 2010 yup. do that by 30 days though, 240 bucks. See where they get ya? What you say is reflective of your knowledge...HOW ya say it is reflective of your experience. Airtwardo Someone's going to be spanked! Hopefully, it will be me. Skymama Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
BillyVance 34 #45 March 9, 2010 you are absolutely right, Bill. The sad thing is, this HVAC unit that sits just outside the house is the original one, made by York. At the time, the house was a 3 bedroom 2 bath house. Unfortunately, when the douchebag previous homeowner decided to add a new master suite on the end of the house, he didn't think to upgrade the HVAC for the additional sq ft. Yes, the HVAC unit is 30 years old. I do agree it's time to replace it, as the concrete pad it sits on is crumbling to pieces. We just got a $7000+ tax refund last week. Maybe it's time to put some of that to use for a new HVAC system rated for the house as it is now. "Mediocre people don't like high achievers, and high achievers don't like mediocre people." - SIX TIME National Champion coach Nick Saban Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
billeisele 130 #46 March 9, 2010 Quote you are absolutely right, Bill. The sad thing is, this HVAC unit that sits just outside the house is the original one, made by York. At the time, the house was a 3 bedroom 2 bath house. Unfortunately, when the douchebag previous homeowner decided to add a new master suite on the end of the house, he didn't think to upgrade the HVAC for the additional sq ft. Yes, the HVAC unit is 30 years old. I do agree it's time to replace it, as the concrete pad it sits on is crumbling to pieces. We just got a $7000+ tax refund last week. Maybe it's time to put some of that to use for a new HVAC system rated for the house as it is now. Uhhh - 30 years old, yeah it is way past time. If the unit is that old then your annual bill will go down at least 50%, probably more!! You need to find a good HVAC guy and that is hard to do. Have the duct work inspected to determine if it is any good. If not, replace everything and install a new unit. I'm assuming you have a 1-story house. Another option is to install a ductless mini-split to serve the master suite, and then a new unit for the original house. The most important thing is to have a heat gain/heat loss calculation done to determine the proper size unit. A unit that is too large will increase the bill. In your climate you need humidity control. On a 95+ degree day a properly sized unit will run constantly. That will remove the humidity, provide the best comfort and the lowest bill. If you plan to live there 5 or more years then get a good unit. Not York, get a Trane. Buy as much efficiency as you can afford, electric rates are rising. At least a 15 SEER. Your utility company may have a rebate and/or financing program, and they may know who the "good" dealers are. Do the research, this is a 15 year financial decision. Here's proof: 2800 sq ft, 2-story, 20 year old house, average bill is $116, highest bill was last month $220, and the climate you live in and the rate you pay is similar to mine PM me your phone number if you want more info, too much to include hereGive one city to the thugs so they can all live together. I vote for Chicago where they have strict gun laws. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
billeisele 130 #47 March 9, 2010 Quote yup. do that by 30 days though, 240 bucks. See where they get ya? the math is correct but there is no way that it will run 9 hours a day at 40A, that amp rating includes the heater coil, assuming the tub is insulated the heater won't run much, total cost in the winter is probably more like $40 - $60 a monthGive one city to the thugs so they can all live together. I vote for Chicago where they have strict gun laws. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
DJL 235 #48 March 9, 2010 Quote you are absolutely right, Bill. The sad thing is, this HVAC unit that sits just outside the house is the original one, made by York. At the time, the house was a 3 bedroom 2 bath house. Unfortunately, when the douchebag previous homeowner decided to add a new master suite on the end of the house, he didn't think to upgrade the HVAC for the additional sq ft. Yes, the HVAC unit is 30 years old. I do agree it's time to replace it, as the concrete pad it sits on is crumbling to pieces. We just got a $7000+ tax refund last week. Maybe it's time to put some of that to use for a new HVAC system rated for the house as it is now. There's a better way to look at this. The big picture I've been referring to is that the cost of energy is going up but the way we build our houses hasn't changed since WWII. In addition, insulation only came into vogue in the 70s. Instead of getting a more powerful air conditioner you should put the money into making your house more efficient. For example, on the retrofits I'm designing right now we're adding a layer of insulation to the outside of the house. The cumulative result of these changes will be a $300 per year heating bill."I encourage all awesome dangerous behavior." - Jeffro Fincher Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
wmw999 2,452 #49 March 9, 2010 He's absolutely right, Billy. I have about 2600 sq. ft. and my highest bill last year was under $200 in Houston. Winter doesn't count because we have gas heat. My light bill went down by about 20-30% when I got a new unit about 8 years ago, and mine was only from 1988. All that crack sealing and fan using really helps. Wendy P.There is nothing more dangerous than breaking a basic safety rule and getting away with it. It removes fear of the consequences and builds false confidence. (tbrown) Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Rstanley0312 1 #50 March 9, 2010 Quote I got 3300 sqft not even a year old, it´s spray foam insulated, energy star rated, changed al the light´s to energy saved on´s. My bill during the summer time was only $220-250, hire in central Texas with 100+degree F every day. So I guess, it's not to bad. I did all of that and my house is foam insulated and energy star rated! We shall see how it works out for me this summer. Winter was not the best though.Life is all about ass....either you're kicking it, kissing it, working it off, or trying to get a piece of it. Muff Brother #4382 Dudeist Skydiver #000 www.fundraiseadventure.com Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
