Utilities costs for 4,000 sqft house (estimates) (Dallas, Allen: HOA, construction, living)

[YelenaW]

Hi all!

I know this varies based on usage and temp. preference, but I'm trying to get a rough idea of utilities costs for a 4,000 square foot house (in Allen, TX).

The house has central air (zoned) and central heat (gas). We usually keep ours at 74 degrees year round in NYC, we like warmth lol

If anyone with similar sized homes can pitch in with their average cooling and heating bills, I would be very grateful. I'm worried about taking on too much house.


Thanks!

[EDS_]

Originally Posted by YelenaW

Hi all!

I know this varies based on usage and temp. preference, but I'm trying to get a rough idea of utilities costs for a 4,000 square foot house (in Allen, TX).

The house has central air (zoned) and central heat (gas). We usually keep ours at 74 degrees year round in NYC, we like warmth lol

If anyone with similar sized homes can pitch in with their average cooling and heating bills, I would be very grateful. I'm worried about taking on too much house.


Thanks!

Our house in North Dallas/Preston Hollow is just a bit under 4500sf, our average electric bill last year was $258.22 with a pool and we keep the house cold in the summer. However, our house is a 1 story ranch.

[TXNGL]

Originally Posted by EDS_

Our house in North Dallas/Preston Hollow is just a bit under 4500sf, our average electric bill last year was $258.22 with a pool and we keep the house cold in the summer. However, our house is a 1 story ranch.

And I'm guessing a house that size in Allen is going to be two stories with high ceilings and possibly a two story entry. Need more info from the OP.

[YelenaW]

Good morning!

Yes, the house has soaring ceilings but only in the entry way (narrow). The rest of the ceilings look to be a standard height. No tray ceilings in master either. I'm trying to avoid soaring ceilings, seems like it would cost more to cool.

I'm hoping to be able to keep the upstairs at like 80 when we're not there, or will that make the cooling less efficient downstairs? All rooms have a ceiling fan.

Thanks for the responses :-)

[frenzyrider]

Our house is 4,000+ sqft. When was your house constructed? Our house is relatively new with cathedral ceiling in living and all the way from entry way. Our average electric bill last year was $150/month (high of $210 in peak summer). Heating average was $75/month (high of $150 in peak winter)

[bencronin04]

When was the house build as well? Do you know if it has newer windows, radiant barrier, etc?

[octo]

I used to have a 4000sf two story house built in 2000 in the the firewheel area. It consumed approx. 4000kWh in a month in the summer (thermostat set to 78F). No pool.

That would be ~$320/month @8c/kWh

[YelenaW]

We are looking at 1999+ with the vast majority seeming to be built in 2000 or 2001.
No details on radiant barrier/windows but if there's something I need to be watching out for or putting an emphasis on, please let me know!
Are roof solar panels an option, or would they get damaged in the storms too quickly?

[BigDGeek]

Originally Posted by YelenaW

We are looking at 1999+ with the vast majority seeming to be built in 2000 or 2001.
No details on radiant barrier/windows but if there's something I need to be watching out for or putting an emphasis on, please let me know!
Are roof solar panels an option, or would they get damaged in the storms too quickly?

In Allen you might have an HOA and the HOA would probably not allow solar panels.

[Brookside]

I would ask to see heating and cooling bills on any house you are looking to purchase. The seller may not do this unless you have a solid offer on the table, but it never hurts to ask.

Costs are going to be all over the map based on the age of the house, the type of construction, and how old the AC units are. Type of insulation will also be a factor.