Can someone give some advice on how to save on my electricity bill?

Question

For some reason, I got my electricity bill this month and it was 300 dallors. Nearly tripled from last month. I live in Texas, in a 1100 sq. ft. apartment, downstairs, hardwood floors, with lots of windows, built in the 30's, recently renovated. It's central heat and air. Summers in Texas are hot and I expected a high bill for it, but this was higher and it is nearly winter. It got kinda cold for like a week and a half and I had the heat on. But the majority of the time my heat and air have been off. I called the electric company and spent an hour on the phone with them, but of course they couldn't help me. They did teach me how to read the meter and I did. I did the calculations and the meter read was right. I just can't believe I used 2400 kilowatts vs 787 kilowatts last billing cycle. Plus, they lowered my charge per kilowatt. What is going on? I am afraid it will be the same next billing cycle since the winter is just starting. Also, I just moved into this apartment in September.

Answer 1

Even if you have the heating/cooling off most of the time it could still be a source of having a high bill when it IS on. Just set it a few degrees difference and wear more clothing (or less) next time.

I would also check the Refrigerator and see if the setting is ok or if it is leaking in any way. Appliances that can take up a lot of energy are Refrigerators and Dryers. The Refrigerator is on all the time and that's where I would start first.

Answer 2

Replace all incandescent bulbs with Fluorescent bulbs.
Winterize windows by covering with clear plastic. Weatherstrip doors to prevent drafts. If the basement is cold, staple insulation bats between the joists.
Keep the thermostat as low as you can. I lived in Britain, and people there keep their houses 5 - 10 degrees F colder than we do over here, and wear sweaters and thick pants inside. Buy a thick quilt, and use a programmable thermostat with a night set back, that decreases the temp while you are under the covers.
Get an insulating blanket for the hot water heater. They use a lot of electricity.
Look for any air leaks and caulk.
That is about it - if your apt is poorly insulated, and many are in Texas, perhaps your landlord will have some insulation blown in, you can ask. The walls must be drilled and the insulation blown in.
If heat source is near a window, use thin sheet metal to direct it towards the center of the room, so that the heat does not directly contact cold windows or walls and get sucked outside. I have done this - it works!
I have lived in Texas. Many houses constructed when energy was dirt cheap are not insulated.
You could hang cloth over the inside walls if they are cold. If it had a slight air space behind it, that would be an insulator.
Good luck!

Answer 3

I have lower than floor heating in my conservatory. as we talk I have the thermostat set at 18c which i encounter more advantageous than warmth adequate - that is a sparkling outfitted conservatory although and rather properly insulated so it finally ends up the warmest room and that i turn the heating down in my different rooms. How thick is your stone floor? i comprehend someone who moved to a house with underfloor heating the position the previous proprietor had an fairly thick stone floor put in on properly, so thick the nice and comfy temperature can infrequently get with the help of. try the heating at 18C and word if that permits. that is, of route, also plagued with techniques from how chilly that is outdoors. make confident each and everything is properly insulated. also you should visual show unit how a lot electricity you take advantage of with techniques from checking the each and each day meter interpreting on a each and each day foundation. perhaps change the underfloor heating off for in the destiny in case you could only to ensure how a lot it truly costs. you could also purchase video show gadgets to ensure how a lot electricity each and each and every of your position equipment is utilising - perhaps one to attempt your husband's utilization on his gaming pc? I disagree that underfloor heating is a lot less helpful than radiators. Radiators very right away lose warmth and do not warmth the decrease parts of the room on the grounds that warm air rises. The Romans knew what they were about!

Answer 4

well the way i save on my bill is i turn the a/c to 75 and leave it there.When i get up in the morning i open my blinds and use free light during the day,at night i use 1 small lamp because the tv is usually on,if i go into another room i turn the light on and when im done i turn that light off.Another way to save on lights is to use cold water to wash and use cold water detergent,but i have total electric..The best way I have found to save on lights is to use them less..you might could check with other tenants and see if they are having the same problemI live in Texas also ans my bill runs about 150.00 per month...Hope this helps also it does run your bill up when you turn the thermostate up and down..I really feel for you cause I hate those high bills

Answer 5

I would check to make sure that the meter is not hooked up to another apartment, also.

While you are not at home, make sure all lights and appliances are turned off. Wash your clothes with cold water instead of hot. Do not leave lights or tvs on in rooms that you are not in.

Good luck and happy holidays!

Answer 6

Get a decent electrician to check it out and tell you what the story is.