how is everyone's a/c bill this summer so far? (Las Vegas: houses, refrigerator)

airics · 07-13-2010, 02:15 AM

3 Story, 2600ish sf, with a pool, no tint or shades.. windows facing east and west (currently debating on tint or sunshades on the west), ac at 78.. last month $310.. argh!! all vents closed on 3rd floor..

jhiker1o · 07-13-2010, 02:22 AM

^^^^^I meant to say ".....when no one is home...." on my post above. One thing about living in a house compared to a condo, the utilities will always be higher because of the square footage on the house generally speaking. Yes the fridge in the garage is a definite no no! My sister has a fridge in the garage and I adviced her to get rid of it or don't use it all.

kittyranger · 07-13-2010, 07:02 AM

yuo also have bottom unit so upstairs cools you,lol

gvc8 · 07-13-2010, 07:50 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by AA702

Everyone with a pool should really consider investing in a Variable speed pool (pump/motor). It will really save you money in the long run. You can look up Pentair Intelliflo pump on youtube and they have a great video on how much power you can save.

whats the difference. if you run it at lower speed, you have to run it twice as long , dont you? overall energy use about the same? mabey when NVENERGY gets their way with the smart meters, it will pay to run it at low speed during the high priced peak hrs of 2-7pm and then high speed in off peak hrs.

gvc8 · 07-13-2010, 07:53 AM

electric bill last month for us: $211. 5 yr old well insulated 3300sf single story home w/35k pool. pump runs at least 10hrs daily during peak summer period, A/C set to 78 when wife home, otherwise 82.

crazy_bd · 07-13-2010, 10:30 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by gvc8

whats the difference. if you run it at lower speed, you have to run it twice as long , dont you? overall energy use about the same? mabey when NVENERGY gets their way with the smart meters, it will pay to run it at low speed during the high priced peak hrs of 2-7pm and then high speed in off peak hrs.

The thing is, running at lower speed - let's say half the speed - will consume quite a bit less than half the power compared with full speed. So you can run it at half speed, for twice as long and still consume less power.

zenaforever · 07-13-2010, 11:32 AM

1275 sqf highrise June bill was $55 with thermostat set at 75.

jhiker1o · 07-13-2010, 02:36 PM

It would definitely pay off in the long run if appliances are energy star compliant. So far we have replaced the washer and the water heater. Next would be the clothes dryer. Another tip to save on energy during the Winter season, wash your clothes in the evening when temperature is colder so that when its time to use the dryer the heat coming from the dryer can also warm your home. This is especially true for most condo dwellers, my washer/dryer is in the hallway between the living room and bedroom area.

MediocreButArrogant · 07-13-2010, 03:46 PM

My bill for 5/18-6/18 was $95. That's a 20 year old, 2200 sq ft two-story home with a 2.5 and 3.5 ton A/C compressor. House was kept at constant 78F and pool pump (variable speed) was running 16 hours a day. I wasn't in the home the last couple weeks of the billing period, but the pets and pet sitter was, so I don't think it was that much less than had I been present the whole time.

MediocreButArrogant · 07-13-2010, 03:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by crazy_bd

The thing is, running at lower speed - let's say half the speed - will consume quite a bit less than half the power compared with full speed. So you can run it at half speed, for twice as long and still consume less power.

Half the flow rate requires about 1/8th the energy, so running twice as long at half the flow rate (for an equal amount of turnover, or total water pumped) knocks 75% off your bill.