ok, let's talk about the cost of running that a/c

[10scoachrick]

Bad news, late May through Sept could run just north of $300 for electric/month. Depends on number of visitors and the amount we need to cool the house(3600 sq ft--two story) during the day. Fortunately, this is balanced by Oct, Nov, March and April, months that may or may not need A/C. It's a bit like the water bill...look at the whole year--not so bad...look at the worst months and .

[chuck_steak]

Probably run around $200-$300 in July, August, September. The rest of the year won't be bad, probably $100 or so, depending if you use gas for heat for the winter. Winter is very mild here compared to where you are from.

[austinbound10]

ain't all bad. That is what I am doing. Here in Ohio we had 7 months last year of weather under 40 (most under 30) degrees, just can't do that any more. I will get used to the hot weather and be thrilled in it as I have not so fond memories of being stuck inside with snow and ice on the ground for over 180 days. I have no idea of what kind of home I will be renting until I can buy again, but the energy saving tips you have given me will be seriously investigated and applied. Thank you all for sharing...see, that's the real reason I'm moving to Austin...the people...so warm, sharing and caring. Can't wait to get there! {{heart hug}}

[timfountain]

If you have a pool you can easily add $150 a month to the "average". Our summer bills for a 4,000 sq.ft (kept at 79F in the day and 74F at night) hovered around $550 in the summer and ~$200 in the winter. We had gas heating and 3 A/C's in the house (up/down/addition).
Average for the whole year per month was $327. I had a server running 24/7 though....

- Tim

[chuck_steak]

Originally Posted by someguyatx

It all depends on your use we have a small 3 bedroom house with all fo the energy efficient windows and insulation and we are paying up to $160 a month this summer. Freiends in larger older houses are paying almost $300

On the other hand for over a year I rented an old house with an older ac unit that was not energy efficient so I kept the thermostat high and bought an energy efficient window unit for my bedroom and never paid over $100 a month. The monthly cost of a small highly efficient window unit is very low and I was abel to sleep well with temps in the 60's

OMG! My house won't/can't get below 82 in the afternoons/evenings here. Now I know what to do. I'm going to get a window unit tomorrow! Thanks!!!

[kbchitown]

Summer weather data | kvue.com | Austin News, Local News, Breaking News, Weather | Related

[cBach]

Originally Posted by chuck_steak

OMG! My house won't/can't get below 82 in the afternoons/evenings here. Now I know what to do. I'm going to get a window unit tomorrow! Thanks!!!

Or you can do like my friend does. He has one of those A/C beds, he keeps that cool and keeps the house A/C at 85 at night. He said sometimes he has to turn the thermostat up on the bed because he gets too cold. Then in the day he's at work so he keeps it 85 at work.

The only time he has to A/C is from around 6:30 AM to 8:00 AM and then from 5 PM until 11:30 PM. His bill has not exceeded $75.

This would only work if you either have one person in the house or two people sharing the same A/C bed.

By the way, he does the same in the winter. He keeps the heat on 60 but cranks the heater in his bed. Has temp go up to 70 for morning and evening and 60 at work.

I'm beginning to think these heated/cooled beds may be the next energy efficient idea.

[chuck_steak]

Originally Posted by cBach

Or you can do like my friend does. He has one of those A/C beds, he keeps that cool and keeps the house A/C at 85 at night. He said sometimes he has to turn the thermostat up on the bed because he gets too cold. Then in the day he's at work so he keeps it 85 at work.

The only time he has to A/C is from around 6:30 AM to 8:00 AM and then from 5 PM until 11:30 PM. His bill has not exceeded $75.

This would only work if you either have one person in the house or two people sharing the same A/C bed.

By the way, he does the same in the winter. He keeps the heat on 60 but cranks the heater in his bed. Has temp go up to 70 for morning and evening and 60 at work.

I'm beginning to think these heated/cooled beds may be the next energy efficient idea.

I've never heard of those before. I'll look into it. Thanks!

[chuck_steak]

Originally Posted by SWsunscreens

I own Southwest Sun Screens in Phoenix AZ which has similar Temps to Austin.

I can tell you from experience to avoid homes that have the majority of their windows on the east/west side of the homes. I have customers every day that have to pay upwards of a thousand dollars to put solar screens on their home because no matter how low they keep the a/c they still have certain rooms in the home that are 10 - 15 degrees warmer.

Of course, the sun is my business life blood. So I am in favor of global warming j/k of course.

if anyone has any questions about solar sun screens feel free to email me. My contact info can be found on

I have solar screens on my west windows. unfortunately, this house has a LOT of West windows, that are large 9' ceiling and take up the whole living room, which heats up the whole house. It's just a poor design. I can't wait to move.

[neddy]

My house faces west and the windows are all on the back of the house and for 2500 sq ft all electric house (and dh is a programmer which means we have lots of electronic gadgets) and the bill is $240 per month. New house so pretty air tight(new a/c, energy star stuff, window blacking shades) Good luck