What is your average electric/heating bill in ABQ? (Albuquerque: appliances, how much)

[lisdol]

Agree - ouch. That is our highest gas/elec cost in the entire year, usually in January. We are on even billing with the gas company now so we don't see that anymore, but we pay a premium for electricity out here in the E Mtns, so my elec bill is always on the high side. We pay $60/mo for gas now. Electric rarely drops below $90 (its over 13 cents per KWH here - wish we had PNMs electric rates). Thinking of getting on the time of use (on peak off peak) plan...

A portable clothesline is on its way - its worth the effort of hanging clothes, even in a cold garage in the winter, to save some money. I hope to lower my electric bills from this point on.

We are 1700 sq ft. And new construction, supposedly well insulated with double pane windows.

[rybert]

Does the on-peak/off-peak meter coast a lot extra? I would think the savings would be pretty substantial once you have timed all of your routines to work with the meter (i.e. washing/drying clothes, baking, etc.).

[lisdol]

I heard from a neighbor it is free - they come out and install it.

I have to call CNMEC to find out the real deal on it, though. Better info straight from the horse's mouth.

[rybert]

Sounds like a really good idea. Giving the consumer more power and choice!

[Merlander]

Originally Posted by veggggies

Almost forgot to say we have an a/c.

I think another reason for our low utility bill was that we used a swamp cooler, and since our water was free from the xeriscape conversion, the only cost was moving the air. We also did some stuff to cut down on heat absorbtion, like painting the swamp cooler/ductwork white, and applying a white elastomeric coating to the roof.

Having said that, I'm sure the AC would have been more comfortable...

[rybert]

Tim.

Do you have any photos of descriptions of the work required for the roof coating? I'd like to know how the coating works with a tar/gravel roof.

[veggggies]

Originally Posted by rybert

Ouch!

I agree, OUCH. It used to be $112 less, but went up a few months ago.

[Mike Horrell]

Originally Posted by rybert

I'd like to know how the coating works with a tar/gravel roof.

I think you have to have the existing tar and gravel removed first. The POs
(Previous Owners) did that on our house. They also advised that anyone
doing it should use the thicker, industrial grade coating as it's supposed to
last longer and be less prone to storm damage.

FWIW

[Merlander]

Originally Posted by rybert

Do you have any photos of descriptions of the work required for the roof coating? I'd like to know how the coating works with a tar/gravel roof.

Rybert, you'd have to remove the tar & gravel roof first. It can be applied over a torchdown, metal or shingle roof. Also like Mike said, the thicker the better. If you're a do-it-yourselfer, you could accomplish that on your own by applying multiple layers. Here's the link to my earlier post on this topic [which I know you've already seen ].

Elastomeric Roof Coatings

Good luck!

[rybert]

Yeah... I've always loved to delegate tasks... thanks for the refresher link.